You’ve served your country with honor; now you’re ready to serve your God with pride. But exactly how do you plan to do that while supporting your family and meeting your other obligations?
Depending on the job you held and the experiences you gained in the military, it’s possible you’re already equipped to roll right into a great civilian job. However, many veterans find that pursuing a degree that augments and builds on their military experience is a great way to boost their marketable skills, increase earning potential, and help them further refine their vision for making a Kingdom impact on the world.
Popular degrees and career paths for military personnel
1) Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement
The same desire to serve your country and community and protect people and their rights that inspired you to enlist is the very thing police department recruiters look for in candidates. Vets are in high demand, and many police departments offer hiring perks. Although many local law enforcement organizations don't require a degree, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice makes you a more desirable and qualified candidate while increasing your chances for advancement.
Nationally, the growth of employment opportunities in criminal justice fields is among the highest of all job categories. You can use your degree to work as a probation officer, correctional officer, sheriff, investigator, or intelligence analyst.
2) Health Care
The basic medical knowledge you gained in the military makes you a great candidate for a health care career such as nursing. Job growth for registered nurses is anticipated to increase 15 percent by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and your employment opportunities in the medical field are diverse. RNs with a BSN have even more opportunities for advancement into positions of authority and higher pay.
If you thrive in a crisis, consider pursuing a career as an Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic. You already know how to think fast under pressure and work effectively, so you’ll be miles ahead of the competition.
Veterans with an interest in anatomy and sports medicine who are also blessed with large doses of patience and compassion find careers in Physical Therapy very rewarding. No stranger to injuries or strenuous exercise, the physical discipline you honed while serving can help you be the guiding inspiration in a recovering person’s life.
3) Information Technology Specialist
Many occupations within the military require extensive computer use. Vets with this background have hands-on experience with some of the most advanced technology in the world, which is a great foundation for pursuing a civilian career as an IT professional. Computer scientists and database administrators are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations, according to the BLS.
A degree in Computer Science provides you with the technical skills to be a programmer, coder, or developer while also learning how to use computer technology to make a positive difference in the world as a servant-leader.
4) Entrepreneur
Maybe you already have a crystal-clear vision of what you want to do next based on a personal passion or talent. According to SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, almost 1 in 4 U.S. veterans buys or launches a new business or is seriously considering it.
You’ve already got the discipline and tenacity that a small business owner needs to survive a company’s first few years until it becomes a viable, profitable operation. Whether you dream of starting a company from scratch or have your eye on a hot franchising opportunity, there are numerous ways for military personnel to pursue entrepreneurship. Visit SBA and score.org to explore resources specifically for veterans.
Need help discerning your direction?
You don’t have to be an enrolled student to avail yourself of Career Development help from Geneva. If you have questions about the major you're considering, schedule an appointment.
Career Development provide services to help you take full advantage of your military experience and personal strengths in order to fulfill your personal calling. You'll have access to career assessment tools, career coaching services, and career awareness resources.
Use the financial resources available to you
Be sure you understand the benefits you’re eligible for under the Post-9/11 GI Bill that can make a return to school much easier. The bill provides:
· Up to 100 percent tuition and fee coverage for in-state schools up to the current maximum national average of $22,805.34.
· Up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies.
· Monthly housing allowance based on the cost of living where the school is located.
· Up to 36 months of education benefits, in most cases payable for 15 years after release from active duty.
The Yellow Ribbon Program is a component of the Post-911 GI Bill that helps veterans afford the higher costs associated with Associate, Bachelor, and advanced degree programs at private or out-of-state schools. Participating schools such as Geneva agree to waive a portion of, or all of, the tuition costs in excess of the national maximum Post-9/11 GI Bill reimbursement. The VA matches the amount of the waiver and contributes that amount to the veteran’s tuition.
If you’d like to learn more about professions that enable you to serve wholeheartedly and faithfully in your life’s work or want to learn more about a biblically based, Christ-centered education at Geneva, we’d love to chat with you. For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your career goals, please phone us at 855-979-5563 or email web@geneva.edu.
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
Jan 26, 2018
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