Past military service is unparalleled when looking for tech career opportunities. Veterans often have experience using technical systems, logistics platforms, and problem-solving under pressure.
U.S. military service translates well into tech career paths such as a cybersecurity analyst, cloud engineer, or IT support specialist. Know that the unique skills learned in military life will continue to serve you in the job market by way of top tech employment opportunities. This list of five positions that are perfect for veterans will help you explore your options in the world of technology.
1. IT Support Specialist Job
An IT support specialist keeps technology working for both clients and business employees. Tasks include fixing problems, setting up solutions, and simplifying the day-to-day workflow of employees and clients. Issues arise every day that need immediate attention, including:
- Computers malfunctioning
- Email problems
- Password reset issues
- Software crashes
- Wifi connection issues
Military veterans who are calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and have sharp troubleshooting skills excel as IT support specialists. Look for reliable businesses in the tech world, like Alpine Mar IT, that offer cybersecurity services and top-tier managed IT support. An IT support specialist job is typically the quickest available job opening for transitioning service members.
2. Cybersecurity Analyst Career
A cybersecurity analyst is a trained professional who protects a business’s computer systems and data from security issues, including cyber attacks.Networks and systems must be continuously monitored against threats, issues investigated, and security measures applied to protect against future breaches.
Firewalls, encryption, and vulnerability assessments are used as protective resources. Cybersecurity analysts also report findings, train and educate employees on security best practices, and ensure compliance with current security standards.
Military veterans fit well into the cybersecurity community due to their experience with several related skills, including:
- Work with security clearance and protocols
- Familiarity with threat awareness
- Risk management knowledge
- Mission focused
- High responsibility
Specific roles for past service members looking for career opportunities in this field include:
- Security operations center as an analyst
- Incident response
- Governance Risk Management and Compliance (GRC)
Look for certifications in CompTIA Security+ and Cisco CCNA Security when preparing for this career. Cybersecurity skills are projected to be the second fastest-growing skill category worldwide. Now is the time to get certified and secure your place in this valuable field.
3. Cloud Engineer Career
A cloud engineer is an information technology specialist who is in charge of organizing, implementing, and maintaining cloud infrastructure and platforms.These professionals are the creators and caretakers of the business’s overall cloud system. They make sure all cloud systems remain reliable, scalable, secure, and efficient.
Employers expect cloud engineers to configure cloud environments, manage data storage and security, optimize cloud systems’ performance, and support general cloud-based services.
Past military personnel fit well in this role due to their former training in military skills, including:
- Systems thinking
- Scalability experience
- Automation knowledge
- Contingency planning
Tech companies hire former service members for cloud engineer job opportunities in roles such as Azure engineers and cloud operations. A cloud engineer professional should have common certifications like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure.
4. Systems Administrator Career
Systems administrators (SysAdmins) are responsible for organizing, installing, maintaining, and supporting a company’s computer systems.Systems include the networks, hardware, software, and databases used within the business. These systems must work efficiently and securely. SysAdmins must make sure all computer systems are running with minimal downtime to keep operations running as quickly as possible while maintaining optimal performance.
Veterans looking for open positions in the system administrator career path should be ready to perform various duties, including:
- Installing and configuring new hardware and software
- Applying operating system updates
- Applying security patches
- Managing user accounts as well as access controls
- Troubleshooting technical problems
- Monitoring system performance
- Ensuring network infrastructure functionality
- Implementing firewalls and antivirus software
- Proactively protecting against cybersecurity threats
- Documenting system configurations
- Maintaining consistency through development, testing, and production
Military veterans in this civilian career excel due to prior military experience with maintenance, configuration management, and reliability. The skills and mindset development learned from former service members is exactly what is needed in SysAdmin roles to ensure a stable, secure, and reliable business community.
Typical roles for past service members in this career path are in Windows or Linux Admin, Active Directory, or server and virtualization. Common certifications include education in both Microsoft and Linux.
5. Software Developer Career
A software developer is someone who designs, maintains, and tests software applications and systems to meet both user needs and business operational requirements. Software developers analyze the company’s needs and design software solutions. They also write code and test software to confirm its security and functionality. Developer jobs are filled with collaboration.
Stakeholders, programmers, engineers, and designers work together with the software developer during the application development process. This collaboration is critical to create, deploy, and maintain unified software across platforms.
Previous service members who are looking for their next career in the technology community will fit nicely into the software developer department due to their past military experience. Past armed forces training prepares veterans in several ways, including:
- Problem-solving training
- Documentation skills
- Logical mindset
- Discipline skills
These four skills are greatly needed in the software developer career for several key reasons. Military experience provides the discipline needed to ensure consistent code and keep structured workflows. Logic and problem-solving training are imperative to this technology career because it provides a framework for algorithm design and decision-making while programming.
Veterans find that good documentation skills learned in the military are perfect for a developer career. Collaborating developers need clear and searchable knowledge for faster updates and easier advancements.
Military veterans in the software developer technology field typically find themselves in one of these roles:
- Web developer
- Backend developer
- Application developer
Explore and learn programs like JavaScript, Python, and SQL before attempting to join a developer team. Software developers are frequently hired by tech companies, but also often work as independent contractors or start their own businesses. The veteran-owned business certification process will give you access to financial guidance and help you appear on national registers or compete for national government contracts.
FAQs From Previous U.S. Military Members
Military members and even military spouses often have more questions when deciding on their next career opportunity. Here are several FAQs for military families to explore for transitioning service members.
1. Do I need a degree to get into software development, IT, cloud, or cybersecurity?
No, a degree is not always necessary to work in the technology field. Veterans join these jobs by receiving education through certifications, boot camps, and other training programs. The GI Bill or VET TEC is an option for vets to use for training costs.
2. What is the salary for these positions?
- IT Helpdesk – $55,000-$70,000
- Cybersecurity Analyst – $99,000-$120,000
- Cloud Engineer – $110,000-$140,000
- Systems Administrator – $70,000-$100,000+
- Software Developer – $110,000-$133,000, depending on location and experience
3. What certifications are the best to have when pursuing a job in technology?
- IT Helpdesk – CompTIA A+, Network +
- Cybersecurity Analyst – CompTIA Security+, CISSP
- Cloud Engineering – AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure AZ-104
- Systems Administrator – Microsoft and Linux
- Software Development – DevOps and cloud
Tech Companies Are Hiring Veterans
Veterans are finding solid, well-paying jobs within the information and communication technology world. If you have past military experience and are ready to explore more opportunities, programs, education, and resources available for vets in the tech sector, now is the time to pursue your dreams.
There are multiple job opportunities to explore, including IT helpdesk personnel, software developers, cloud engineers, and cybersecurity analysts. Look for trustworthy companies like Alpine Mar IT when you are ready to join a tech team. Problem-solving under pressure, working within complex networks, and learning technical systems are all priceless military skills that will help you transition smoothly into a lasting tech career.