Skill-Stack with Free Education Options
Skill-Stack with Free Education Options
Take time to explore what may be a good fit for you. If you’re not ready or able to take on a full degree program, there are shorter, more digestible forms of education to increase your skillset without committing to years of study.
Military members, veterans, and spouses are able to take advantage of a unique opportunity through Onward to Opportunity, which is a partnership between the IVMF and Syracuse University that offers professional certifications and employee support services free of charge to eligible participants.
“O2O combines industry-validated curricula, strong partnerships with leading veteran service organizations and private sector companies, and comprehensive career coaching services to prepare and match you with your next career.”
You can view course offerings here, to include some hard-hitting, professional resumé glitter, like: PMP, PHR, CISSP, Java, etc.
Still not sure, check out free Mass Online Open Courses (MOOCs) via sites like Coursera, EdX, and Udemy. While you may not find anything on underwater basket weaving (trust me, I checked), you can type in practically anything you want to learn, and there’s a course for it. Over 700 universities offer free courses that are the same as you would receive if enrolled in their program. Most courses can be audited for free, but you can earn a certificate of completion (or even college credit/degrees) for a cost. Here are a few to wet your whistle:
Harvard’s Lessons From Ebola: Preventing the Next Pandemic
Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
Web Programming with Python and JavaScript
Leading Digital and Data Decision Making
Global Leadership and Personal Development
Reliable Online Degree Programs
Consider pursuing online degree programs. I get it, online programs can be intimidating; however, the nontraditional student population has grown quite a bit over the years, and universities are adapting their programs to accommodate working adults. Many programs delivered online receive the same instruction as those delivered in-residence.
Colleges and universities are being proactive about setting up online students for success by providing military-specific teams and success advisors throughout the entirety of the program. Gone are the days where you feel disconnected from your instructors and peers with a lack of resources.
Think about degrees that not only have potential for higher income, but also provide some level of flexibility, growth, and sticking power during tough times. Are you technologically inclined? Cybersecurity professionals are needed now more than ever, and as a veteran, you can access free cybersecurity training or earn a scholarship for service through CyberCorps. Don’t have coding experience? Start with software development or a coding bootcamp to get a foundation, then stack certifications and degree programs.
If computer tech isn’t really your ideal career, consider emergency management, supply chain management & logistics, project management, healthcare, criminal justice, public service, community health, or education. The list could go on and on, but the point is, there is a program out there for you.
Recession-proof Career Prep
There are lessons to be learned from the Great Recession and 2007-2009 as well as current essential businesses. Unfortunately, this won’t be the last time we see a recession, or recession-like conditions, but it is certain that during these times, people change their spending habits.
When I transitioned in 2008, I made the move from the aircraft industry to non-profit housing because there are basic necessities of life that people will continue to seek out, regardless of the economic situation. Housing is one of them, but our current situation is highlighting a variety of other careers essential to daily life. Who is able to continue working from home right now? Who is on the front lines? Where is the work? What companies are taking actions to protect their employees? Consider these options and whether they require technical/vocational training, certifications, or a full degree program.
One of the best things you can do to set yourself up for success, is to look at the available jobs and industries in your area and align your education to the requirements you see in positions that would be a good life/salary fit.
Lean into your network. Reach out to your military brothers and sisters who have already made the transition. Do they have a place for you in their business venture? Is the organization they work for hiring?
Don’t be afraid to network virtually. LinkedIn is a great place to not only connect with your current professional network, but to reach out to employees and employers in your industry for advice and even mentorship.
Make use of free services like Hire Heroes USA. Not only will these incredibly talented people write your resumé, but they have specific industry knowledge on translating your military skills and experience to appropriate, easier to understand, civilian lingo. If you’re looking for a federal position, they have a specialized team to assist you with that process. Attend their virtual workshops and take advantage of their mock interview services - who knows, maybe a virtual mock interview will turn into a real job offer!
With all that said, new, stressful environments aren't "novel" to you. You can adapt and overcome, but know that you don't have to do it alone. This is a great time to be a veteran with all of the supportive resources available, most quite literally at your fingertips.
Author: Alison Garrow