Whether you're a veteran or are about to transition out of the military, the best time to think about a new career is yesterday. If you don't have your heart set on one career or another, you should think in terms of practicality. Which fields are hiring? Which careers pay well? How stable is the industry you're looking at? One of the top industries right now is tech, and there are plenty of jobs to go around. The only caveat is that jobs in this field usually require a rigorous education, so you should plan as early as possible.
If you think a career in the tech industry is right for you, think about getting these four degrees as recommend by G.I. Jobs. They not only provide a solid foundation for tech work, but provide healthy challenges that push candidates to excel.
Related: Search for Computer & Technology jobs.
1. Information Technology – IT specialists are professional troubleshooters. They ensure that companies are reliably hooked up to the internet and the majority of services that go with it. IT work typically doesn't involve coding or any in-depth knowledge of technology, but it does require working as a jack-of-all-trades in hardware and software. Rather than operating as a specialist in one particular area, you'll know enough to handle most common day-to-day issues.
2. Computer Science – Computer Science offers a deep look at the fundamentals of writing programs and algorithms. It can lead to very lucrative work depending on your areas of specialization, but in general it lends itself to solid wages. Computer Science programs alone aren't a gateway to jobs, however. Often, businesses require extracurricular work by way of internships or side projects.
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3. Software Engineering – Software engineering drills down to the core of code so students know how to build entire systems. Although the average starting income is roughly the same as computer science majors, software engineers tend to earn more money over a shorter period of time. This discipline should not be taken lightly, and can be difficult for some to learn. Those with an appreciation for math and code will do well.
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4. Computer Engineering – If crunching code isn't your thing, computer engineering may be right for you. A computer engineering degree will teach you about what computers are made of and how to work with it. Computer hardware is advancing every day, and this field is constantly evolving. Due to the intense challenges it presents, there tends to be higher demand for computer engineers than there is supply, so braving the curriculum will help secure a large, stable paycheck.
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The Next Step: Find the Right Veteran Job
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