Veterans seek education aid in private-sector transition

Leaving military service is a fresh start to find a job that can put extensive experience and specialized skills to work in the civilian sector.

Finding the right fit for such talents begins with locating sources that can assist with pairing you with a job where career goals can soar.

MyComputerCareer, which is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training, has recognized the nationwide shortage of IT workers, according to Dan Pryor, executive director of education at MyComputerCareer.edu.

It is able to aid veterans by relating their skill set to employers with the expertise of career services professionals who are Certified Master Military Resume Writers.

"We can focus the training and certifications our students earn on those skills needed in the workforce, and that is why we focus on network support, administration and management, infrastructure development and cybersecurity," Pryor said.

The area of cybersecurity is a hot topic to address in the workforce, he said.

"Cybersecurity is perhaps the biggest area of opportunity for our graduates," Pryor said. "Veterans often come to our school with a security clearance. When you combine it with the networking, security training and certifications they earn like the CCNA and Certified Ethical Hacker, graduates are well prepared to fill the cyber security void. Whether our transitioning military are interested in computer support, networking, systems administration, or any number of networking or cyber security positions, the work is there for those with the right skills and certifications."

Lone Star College Career Services works in conjunction with the Lone Star College Veterans Affairs/Military-Affiliated Student Services office, according to Steven L. Hall, LSC Veterans Affairs, Military-Affiliated Student Services system director.

"We provide a number of 'career services' support for military and military-affiliated students through job search, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, networking, and mentoring programs. Each is designed specifically to meet the needs of the respective student population we serve," Hall said.

Brittany Bonds, San Jacinto College South Campus career services coordinator, said its Career Services offices, in collaboration with the veteran student success centers at San Jacinto College, work together for veteran students.

General services include resume and cover letter assistance, career exploration and guidance, interviewing strategies, and networking skills. They direct veterans to what opportunities are available within the industries in which they are seeking employment.

"We assist them with translating their military experience into transferable skills on their resume which companies can understand," Bonds said. "We are here to provide an understanding of how their military experience can be leveraged and transferred into the civilian workforce."

SJC also hosts innovative programming and events tailored to the needs of veteran students, Bond said.