Is a Career in Tech Right for You? A Guide for Veterans and Military Families

If you’re a Veteran, Servicemember, or military spouse wondering whether a technology career might be a good fit, you’re not alone. Technology roles offer rewarding opportunities with significant job growth, financial stability, and a chance to leverage the skills you’ve honed during your military background. Let’s explore why a tech career may be your ideal path, where to find the best jobs in tech, and how to prepare for a tech career.

Why Consider a Technology Career

High Demand and Growth

The U.S. tech industry is rapidly expanding, making it a prime time to enter the field. With roles ranging from software engineering to cloud computing, technology careers are in high demand across various sectors, offering long-term career growth and stability.

Strong Salary Prospects

One of the key advantages of a technology career is the earning potential. The median annual wage for computer and IT jobs in the United States is significantly higher than the national median wage for all occupations. If financial security is your priority, a tech role offers a path to a stable and lucrative career. 

Veteran-Friendly Industry

Many tech companies recognize the unique skills that come from military service and actively seek to hire Veterans and military spouses. This makes technology careers particularly welcoming to those with military experience, where adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving are already second nature.

Where to Find the Best Jobs in Technology

You might be surprised to learn that jobs in technology are open to more than just the tech industry. Many sectors are experiencing a growing demand for tech professionals:

• Banking and Finance: With the rise of mobile banking, fintech, and cybersecurity, this sector has a high demand for software engineers.
• Healthcare: The shift to electronic health records and the rise of telemedicine have made healthcare a major player in the tech job market.
• Retail and E-Commerce: The online shopping boom has increased the need for sophisticated logistics software, driving demand for tech talent in this sector.
• Government and Public Sector: With ongoing digital transformation initiatives and the growing focus on cybersecurity, government agencies are increasingly seeking tech professionals.
• Manufacturing and Industrial: As automation becomes more prevalent, tech employees are essential in manufacturing and industry.

Top Technology Roles for Veterans and Spouses

Veterans and military spouses often bring transferable skills that make stepping into entry-level tech roles easier. Here are a few of the best jobs in tech for those with a military background:

• Full-Stack Developer: These professionals work on both the front-end and back-end of applications, adapting to various challenges like a multi-functional unit in the military.
• DevOps Engineer: DevOps Engineers—akin to logistics officers—bridge the gap between software development and IT teams, ensuring smooth operations.
• Cloud Engineer: Cloud Engineers manage complex cloud systems, drawing on problem-solving and strategic planning skills honed in the military.
• Junior Software Engineer: Junior developers—the newest recruits—start with foundational skills and progress to more complex coding challenges with guidance from senior developers.
• Project Manager: Project Managers oversee software products or other technical projects, keeping their teams on track and within budget. Their role requires strategic planning, communication, and leadership skills—making it a great fit for Veterans accustomed to managing complex missions.
• Data Analyst: Data Analysts gather, interpret, and report on data to help organizations make informed decisions by leveraging their problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Software Architect: Software Architects excel in systems thinking and long-term planning. They design the overarching structure of software applications and ensure each part aligns with the intended goals.
• Video Game Designer: For those with a creative and technical bent, Video Game Designers combine storytelling with tech skills to create interactive gaming experiences.

How to Prepare for a Tech Career

If you’re ready to start a career in technology, coding bootcamps offer accessible access to quality technical training. Bootcamps provide hands-on training in high-demand areas like software development and DevOps, making them practical and affordable alternatives to pursuing a college degree.

Is Technology the Right Path for You?

Every journey into tech is unique, but for many Veterans and military spouses, the industry has proven to be both rewarding and impactful. As you weigh your career options, consider the ways your skills and experience might fit into this high-demand field. Whether it’s through exploring free online courses, connecting with tech mentors, or attending information sessions for technical programs, small steps can help you gauge whether tech is the right choice for you. 

With the right training and support, a career in technology could be the next step that aligns with your military experience and future ambitions.

Kayla Elkin is the Marketing Content Specialist at Code Platoon. In this role, she uses her marketing, writing, and editing skills developed from previous higher education and educational technology positions. Kayla has degrees in English and Sociology from Clemson University and completed the Study in India Program (SIP) at the University of Hyderabad. Outside work, she enjoys playing video games and Dungeons & Dragons with her friends.