From Boots to Bytes: Why More Veterans are Pursuing Information Technology
From From Boots to Bytes: Why More Veterans are Pursuing Information Technology
By Molly Cuddy, ACP
The information technology industry continues to grow day by day, with new technologies, such as AI, emerging. The world is seeing a bigger need for the evolution of technology, and Veterans possess a unique set of skills from their time in the service that may make IT the perfect career for them.
Technology is not one of the top industries Veterans tend to gravitate towards, according to the US Census. Instead, they gravitated towards careers like administrative and support services, manufacturing, and retail trade sectors.
However, there are plenty of reasons why a Veteran would want to pursue a tech career.
Transitioning from Military to Information Technology
Curtis Prill, a U.S. Army Veteran and current American Corporate Partners (ACP) Mentor, has been working in the tech industry for over 20 years, since he separated from the military in the 2000.
“In 1994, I was given a computer by another soldier and from the moment the case was opened, I could see the processes, the functions in my head,” says Prill. “Even though it was DOS 6 and Windows 3.1 (both in German), I was hooked… I loved learning the new functionality of the hardware, was amazed at how beautiful 17 inch monitors were, and every advancement of technology made me hooked even more.”
Why Pursue IT?
Prill is currently working with fellow U.S. Army Protege Chancy Burgess in their ACP mentorship, and they are focusing on systems, applications and products, a specific niche within IT. Over the past seven months, they have been working to refine Burgess’s skills in the field. “The implications of SAP are far reaching,” Burgess said. It is an ever growing industry that adds new areas to keep up with technological demands in today’s fast growing technology sectors.”
Prill understands the unique challenges that may come from a Veteran pursuing this career, and he has plenty of advice for Burgess and other interested Veterans.
“Figure out your passion and turn it into your niche – is it infrastructure or is it user functionality? Those are different mindsets, different focuses, and different skill sets,” says Prill. “Forget about the blue polos and khakis that you see on TV, don’t expect an invitation to DEFCON, but do expect the same late nights from the service and just have fun, always learn, find mentors and industry experts.”
Prill believes Veterans offer several strengths in the field, due to their experience with teamwork and tackling challenges. “What Veterans bring to tech is that we won’t give up when it comes to problem solving,” he notes. “Unlike some, who will stop when step three doesn’t work, we understand the purpose of the mission, the reason we are there and we figure out solutions, we are used to getting the job done regardless of how long it takes.”
Not Just a Career for Veterans
The IT industry doesn’t stop at opportunities for Veterans. Military Spouses are also joining the rapidly expanding field, and have qualities that stand out to hiring companies. Astha Gurung, a U.S. Air Force Spouse, has recently broken into the tech field and is pursuing her dream through a Hiring Our Heroes fellowship. “It’s a field where curiosity is encouraged, and I love that it doesn’t feel redundant and there’s always more to learn and grow,” Gurung says.
“Military Spouses are incredibly adaptable, because we’re used to moving a lot and starting all over again in new places,” she adds. “Every PCS move feels like managing a new project, so we get really good at planning,problem-solving, staying organized, and being resourceful. These core skills are useful, not just in real life, but in any job.”
Lean on Support Systems
Gurung recently decided to make the leap from a career in accounting to IT. She says that she couldn’t have done it without the resources provided to Veterans and their families. “There are also many amazing organizations for Vets and Military Spouses out there, like Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) and ACP, to name a few. They played a big role in helping me on my career journey, and I cannot recommend them enough.”
Veterans can find their place in the IT industry with an ACP Mentorship. ACP is a national non-profit organization that offers a year-long, one-on-one customized mentorship to post-9/11 Veterans and Active-Duty Military Spouses at no cost. Mentors come from highly regarded companies such as Crowdstrike, IBM and Kyndral. Interested parties can apply here.
