Transitioning from military service to civilian life can feel overwhelming, but the Golden State offers a wealth of opportunities. With its robust job market and numerous programs designed to support veterans, you’ll find that your military background is not only valued but can also open doors to exciting, rewarding, and lucrative career paths.
Still, knowing where to start is daunting. This article offers an overview of post-service employment as a veteran, diving into topics like:
- Career opportunities for veterans generally
- Federal employment as a veteran in America
- Working specifically for the VA to assist other veterans
- Remote work opportunities
- Pursuing nursing as a veteran
e’ll also touch on information about federal programs that support the employment of veterans, like the Veterans’ Preference Program, which gives veteran applicants priority over non-veterans when it comes to hiring.
Resources for Vets in California: An Overview
If you’re a veteran in the Golden State, California offers a comprehensive array of resources aimed at helping patriots just like you transition smoothly from military service to civilian life, particularly in fields like social work. These services address a range of needs, from education and career development to mental health support and rehabilitation. Veterans in California can benefit from the state’s diverse programs tailored to enhance their professional skills and well-being. Below, we offer a list of a few key resources available to vets in California, but bear in mind: this list is not exhaustive!
Some key resources available to veterans seeking employment after serving include:
- GI Bill: Covers tuition for public universities.
- Yellow Ribbon Program: Reduces costs at private institutions.
- Military Tuition Assistance: Supports active-duty personnel in pursuing education.
- Transition Assistance Program (TAP): Provides career counseling and guidance.
- Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): Focuses on educational and vocational support for disabled veterans.
While these options focus on educational resources, it’s important to note that California’s commitment to veteran services extends beyond education, with numerous initiatives aimed at providing mental health services, housing assistance, and job placement programs. Through these avenues, veterans can access the tools and guidance you need to thrive in post-military careers.
Scholarship Opportunities for Veterans
Scholarship programs for veterans in the United States come from a storied history, one that is deeply rooted in the nation’s efforts to support its military personnel transitioning back to civilian life.
One of the earliest and most transformative initiatives was the GI Bill of Rights (1944), which offered educational benefits to World War II veterans, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. education policy. Since then, numerous federal, state, and private scholarship programs have emerged to meet the evolving needs of veterans, with many, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, expanding eligibility and coverage.
Today, both national and state-level programs continue this tradition, with California leading in veteran-specific scholarships like the CalVet College Fee Waiver, which waives tuition at any California State University, University of California, or California Community College for veterans and their dependents. Additionally, the California Veterans’ Education Assistance Program (VEAP) matches contributions from eligible veterans, allowing them to save and invest for their educational goals.
Nationally, veterans can take advantage of the Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship, which supports military members, veterans, and spouses who are pursuing a degree in any field. Another major program is the Folds of Honor Scholarship, which provides financial support to the spouses and children of veterans.
Another unique offering is the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (also known as the Fry Scholarship), available to children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. This program provides funding for tuition, fees, housing, and textbooks.
What Resources Are Available for Active Duty Military?
In case you’re concerned that the resources available for scholarships and employment are available only to veterans, fear no more! Active-duty military personnel also have a wealth of resources available to support your educational and career goals, which are explored a bit below.
Firstly, the Military Tuition Assistance (TA) Program and Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship both provide support to active-duty military as well as veterans.
Additionally, the SkillBridge Program allows service members to intern or receive civilian job training during their final six months of service, helping to bridge the gap between military and civilian careers. For those interested in teaching, Troops to Teachers (TTT) assists with the transition into education careers.
Finally, active-duty personnel can also take advantage of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC), which offers language training to improve both professional and operational skills.
Career Options after Serving in the Military: What’s Out There for Me?
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can feel like stepping into uncharted territory, but the good news is that there are a multitude of career options available that can align well with your skills and experience.
Many veterans find that their leadership abilities, problem-solving skills, and discipline are highly valued in a wide range of sectors.
For instance, you might consider a career in project management, where the ability to lead teams and manage complex tasks can translate directly from your military experience. Similarly, roles in cybersecurity, logistics, or operations management can also be a natural fit, capitalizing on your ability to operate in high-pressure environments and make quick, effective decisions.
Beyond these more traditional paths, there’s also a growing number of opportunities in emerging fields. For example, tech companies are increasingly seeking veterans for roles in software development, data analysis, and IT support, especially those who have received technical training during their service. If you’re interested in something less conventional, entrepreneurship might be an attractive option as well. Many veterans have successfully started their own businesses, like Nike founders Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman. The key is to take time to explore your interests and leverage the extensive resources available for veterans, such as career counseling, education benefits, and networking opportunities, to find a path that aligns with both your skills and your passion.
Organizations and Fellowships Help Veterans Find Work and Develop Skills
Veterans bring unique skills to the table—such as leadership, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure—that are highly valued in fast-paced, innovative environments.
At some companies, like Nike, veterans and military spouses have a stated advantage in the hiring selection process. Because Nike was founded by two veterans, the company has made a public commitment to support the military community through various initiatives, including targeted recruitment efforts and internal support networks.
In other cases, existing organizations like American Corporate Partners, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), and the Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program help veterans connect to mentors, access professional training, and find employment.
These organizations understand the unique challenges veterans face when entering the civilian workforce and provide tailored support to bridge the gap between military and civilian careers. American Corporate Partners, for instance, pairs veterans with experienced professionals in their field of interest, helping them navigate career paths and build valuable networks. Meanwhile, ESGR works with employers to promote understanding of the skills and commitments of National Guard and Reserve members, ensuring that they are fully supported in their civilian jobs.
Finally, the Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program provides an immersive experience, placing veterans in internships with leading companies where they can gain first-hand experience and demonstrate their capabilities. Together, these programs empower veterans to find meaningful employment, further their professional development, and thrive in their post-military careers.
Remote Jobs for Veterans
Remote work offers a fantastic opportunity for veterans looking to transition to civilian careers while maintaining flexibility in their work environment. Many veterans possess the self-discipline, time management skills, and adaptability that make them ideal candidates for remote roles. Whether you’re interested in technology, customer service, or creative fields, there are a variety of remote positions that can match your skill set.
For example, remote jobs in IT support, cybersecurity, and software development are in high demand, and veterans with technical training or experience can find these roles particularly rewarding. These jobs not only allow you to work from anywhere but also often offer competitive salaries and room for growth.
In addition to tech-related jobs, remote work opportunities in project management, operations, and administration are also available. Veterans who have experience in logistics, supply chain management, or team leadership can transition these skills to manage projects, coordinate remote teams, or oversee operations from a distance. The military’s emphasis on structure and efficiency often translates well into these roles, where keeping things running smoothly, even from afar, is key. Many companies value the unique perspective that veterans bring, particularly in roles that require strong organizational skills and the ability to keep a team focused and motivated.
For those looking for something more entrepreneurial, remote work also opens the door to freelance opportunities in work like writing, graphic design, and/or consulting. This path allows you to leverage your specific expertise while enjoying the flexibility of setting your own schedule and working from wherever you choose. Additionally, starting a remote business—whether it’s a consulting firm, an online store, or a service-based company—can be a fulfilling way to apply your military-honed leadership skills in a new and dynamic way.
The key to success in remote work is to identify your strengths, explore the wide range of opportunities available, and use the discipline and resilience you developed in the military to excel in a civilian career from the comfort of your own home.
Employment in the Federal Sector for Veterans
The federal government is one of the largest employers of veterans, with an appreciation for the discipline, leadership, and technical expertise that veterans bring to the table.
Many federal agencies actively seek to hire veterans, recognizing the unique strengths they can contribute to roles in areas such as national security, public administration, and law enforcement. Working for the federal government can provide veterans with job stability, competitive benefits, and the chance to continue serving their country in a new capacity.
One of the significant advantages of pursuing a federal career as a veteran is the various programs and initiatives specifically designed to support veteran employment.
The Veterans’ Preference program is a key example, giving qualified veterans a preference in hiring over non-veteran applicants. This means that veterans often receive additional points in the scoring process for federal job applications, improving their chances of securing a position. Additionally, programs like the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) and the Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) offer veterans special hiring authorities, making it easier to transition into federal employment. These initiatives are part of the government’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding the service of military members by providing them with meaningful employment opportunities after their service.
There are also specific federal agencies and programs that focus on hiring veterans. For example, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is one of the largest employers of veterans in the federal government, offering roles that range from healthcare to administration, directly supporting the needs of fellow veterans. Similarly, agencies like the Department of Defense (DoD), Homeland Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) actively recruit veterans for positions that benefit from military experience. These agencies value the leadership, security clearance, and specialized training that veterans bring, making them highly sought after for roles that require a deep understanding of national security and public safety. Overall, the federal sector not only provides a diverse array of job opportunities for veterans but also actively prioritizes their employment, making it a compelling choice for those looking to transition from military to civilian careers.
Working in the VA
Working for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be an incredibly meaningful career choice for veterans, as it provides an opportunity to continue serving their fellow service members in a different but equally impactful way.
The VA is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare, benefits, and services to veterans, and as someone who has served in the military, you bring a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges that veterans face. Whether you’re working directly with veterans in healthcare, supporting them through administrative roles, or contributing to the development of policies that affect their well-being, your firsthand experience can make a significant difference in the lives of those you serve.
The VA offers numerous opportunities in administrative, IT, and managerial positions. Veterans in these roles help ensure that the VA runs smoothly and that the services provided are efficient and effective. For instance, working in human resources, logistics, or program management allows you to use your leadership and organizational skills to improve the delivery of services to veterans. Your understanding of military systems and structures can help streamline processes, making the VA more responsive to the needs of veterans. Moreover, contributing to the development and implementation of veteran-focused programs or policies allows you to have a broader impact on the lives of veterans across the country.
In fact, one of the most common roles for veterans at the VA is in healthcare. With positions ranging from nursing and medical support to mental health counseling and rehabilitation services, veterans can apply their knowledge of military culture and the specific health issues that veterans face, such as PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic conditions related to military service.
As a healthcare provider within the VA, you have the chance to offer empathetic, informed care that addresses not just the physical, but also the emotional and psychological needs of fellow veterans. This direct connection to the veteran community can make your work deeply fulfilling, knowing that you’re helping those who share a similar background and experiences.
Nursing Jobs for Veterans in California
California is home to a large veteran population, meaning that there’s a significant demand for healthcare professionals who understand the unique needs of veterans.
If you’re interested in pursuing work in healthcare as a veteran, you have the opportunity to leverage your existing experience in leadership, decision-making, and working under pressure—skills that are highly valued in nursing.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a registered nurse (RN), a nurse practitioner (NP), or pursuing an advanced role such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), California offers a wide range of nursing programs and job opportunities tailored to help veterans enter this field. Additionally, veterans that seek to specifically provide care to other veterans can find employment offering healthcare as part of the VA (for more on that, see the above section, “Working in the VA”).
Moreover, California has numerous programs and resources to support veterans in their pursuit of nursing careers. For example, the state offers educational benefits through the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), which can help cover the costs of schooling, including for military spouses.