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[title]Society’s reliance on technology continues to grow, and the IT market is booming. Experts predict that in the future, IT professionals will be needed to fill thousands of different IT jobs, including many that don’t even exist yet. IT training can give you the qualifications and versatility you’ll need to take advantage of many different opportunities in this field.
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How can learning IT skills benefit veterans?
IT is a popular field for veterans, who often find that IT skills fit well with their career goals and are advantageous in many ways. Because these skills are versatile, they can lead to job opportunities within almost every industry. Data science, artificial intelligence, software development, web development, technical support, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and computer hardware are some of the most common areas of IT specialization. Since IT skills can be used in many different jobs, they can also help give you long-term stability since you can more easily pivot into new roles.
As a veteran, you might have an advantage going into tech because you may have already developed skills that will transfer to this field. For instance, many military service members have worked with advanced technology and machinery. Veterans also know how to deal with high-stress situations, which can provide an edge when solving workplace problems. Teamwork, problem-solving, organization, and attention to detail are other skills often developed in the military, but you also need to work in IT.
The IT job outlook
Another reason to learn IT is that jobs in this field have a strong future outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a federal agency that tracks labor market statistics for the United States. It says, “Overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. About 356,700 openings are projected each year, on average.” For example, growth will be 26% for Computer and Information Research Scientists. The average U.S. job growth rate is only 4%. Growth for Computer Network Architects is anticipated to be 13%, and 17% growth is predicted for Software Developers.
IT jobs also pay well. In most cases, they have higher salaries than many other jobs. The median annual wage in the United States is about $48,000, but for computer and IT occupations, it is $104,420, according to BLS. Many IT jobs pay even more. For example, a Software Developer has an average wage of $130,000. Computer Network Architects earn around $129,000, and Information Security Analysts earn approximately $120,000. Additionally, many large metropolitan areas offer high salaries for IT experts. For instance, a Computer Information and Research Scientist in San Jose has an average salary of over $200,000.
IT training support for veterans
If you’re a veteran who wants to learn IT, there are government programs that might help with some or all of your educational costs. These programs can give you assistance with tuition, books, on-the-job training, licensing and certifications, and even living expenses.
The GI Bill is a well-known veteran support program. It was passed after World War II to help veterans transition to civilian jobs and has been updated since then to expand benefit offerings. The Post-9/11 GI Bill® is an update that was signed in 2008, and the Forever GI Bill is an update made in 2012. The GI Bill has helped veterans get hundreds of billions of dollars to help with education and vocational training.
The Veteran Readiness and Employment Program (Chapter 31) is another source of educational support for veterans. This program is specifically for veterans who have a service-connected disability that limits their ability to work. It helps them assess their employment options and provides assistance with any needed training.
The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance program (Chapter 35) is also designed to help veterans. This program was created for children and spouses of veterans who have disabilities or are missing, captured, or dead. It provides financial assistance for education or job training.
The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) also provides educational support for veterans. This is intended for veterans who have served at least two years. It offers financial assistance for education and training. In some cases, it will cover refresher or remedial classes. The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) is a similar program, but it offers education and training benefits for veterans of the Selected Reserve.
Applying for VA benefits
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) manages benefits for the GI Bill, Chapter 31 and Chapter 35. Veterans can apply for these programs online, in person at a VA office, or by mail. The VA website includes more information about each of these options. There is a specific application form for each type of veteran's benefit. When you apply, you’ll have to provide information about your military history and the school or training facility you want to attend. It takes about 30 days to process claims, as explained on the application page on the VA website. After your application has been processed, you’ll receive a letter explaining whether or not you are eligible and what your benefits are. Benefit details and amounts will vary from person to person.
One of the most important elements related to using VA benefits for education is to connect with your assigned VA counselor to review what types of programs are covered under your specific benefits. For example, Chapter 33 benefits require students to attend a program with “hybrid” attendance, meaning they must attend a portion of the classes in person rather than learning entirely online. There may be other guidelines to receive funding as well, such as minimum hours of attendance, whether the program is accredited, and required supplies like books or specific software.