The transition from military to civilian life comes with challenges, one being the job search. The military trained you for life in the military. The civilian world is a different ballgame. Our staff can partner with you as you navigate this transition. Career Development is happy to meet with you to discuss your vocational calling, deciding on a major, the job search, resume writing, or any other career-related topics. We also have a military student organization on campus that is comprised of other veterans, reservists, and students awaiting their next duty station. Below is a list of various websites that may help you during your job search.
A veteran transitioning into his or her first civilian job has many things in common with any other career changer. For this reason, we encourage using the following resources (found on the Career Development tab of theROCK) if applicable to your situation:
- “Resume Writing for Career Changers” (Downloadable Handout)
- “Cover Letter Writing for Career Changers” (Downloadable Handout)
Northwestern Contact Info
If you have questions about tuition benefits or need a VA certifying official, please contact:
(866) 492-7877 or (651) 628-3400 or via email at cags@unwsp.edu.
Veteran’s Preference
Veteran’s Preference gives eligible veterans preference in hiring decisions over many other applicants. Veteran’s preference applies to virtually all new appointments in both the competitive and excepted service. To determine whether you are eligible, go to FedsHireVets.gov.
General Career Resources
American Corporate Partners - Free long-term career development services for veterans. www.acp-usa.org/
Job Transitioning for Vets and Former Military www.livecareer.com/career/advice/jobs/former-military
Marine for Life - Connecting Marines with Opportunities. usmc-mccs.org/services/career/marine-for-life-network/
Military.com - Veteran Employment Center - Deals with topics such as career transition, VA loans, financial planning, GI Bill and education services, travel, relocation, military news, community and more. www.military.com/veteran-jobs
Military Officers Association of America - Represents the interests of military officers in their careers. www.military.com/veteran-jobs
Student Veterans of America - Resources and support for student veterans. studentveterans.org/index.php
Suiting Warriors - Seeks to provide veterans with professional attire that will help them to compete in the workforce. suitingwarriors.org/
The Entrepreneurship Boot camp for Veterans with Disabilities - Training related to entrepreneurship for post-9/11 veterans with disabilities. ebv.vets.syr.edu/
Novoresume.com - An excellent guide to job search for veterens. novoresume.com/career-blog/veteran-jobs
Job Search Websites
CorporateGray.com - Connects veterans with military friendly employers. http://corporategray.com/
G.I. Jobs - Job search resources for veterans. www.gijobs.com/
Hire Heroes USA - Transition assistance and job search assistance to those who have served. www.hireheroesusa.org/
Jobs with the Department of Veterans Affairs - www.va.gov/jobs/
MilitaryFriendly.com - Includes annual list of Top 100 Military Friendly Employers. http://militaryfriendly.com/
RecruitMilitary.com - Free for veterans military-to-civilian recruiting firm. https://recruitmilitary.com/
Return to Work - Vocational rehabilitation and employment services for veterans. www.return2work.org/
The Mission Continues - Fellowships to empower wounded and disabled veterans to serve in their communities. https://missioncontinues.org/
Veterans Job Search and Transition Resource Center - Contains job search websites and articles on transitioning to the civilian workforce. https://www.job-hunt.org/veterans-job-search-guide/
VetJobs.com - Serves transitioning military members to the civilian work force. https://vetjobs.org/
USAJobs.gov - The federal government’s employment database for all government agencies. www.usajobs.gov/
Silent Professionals - Private Security Jobs, Defense, and unique corporate security opportunities in the USA and abroad. https://silentprofessionals.org/
If you are considering earning your degree, Northwestern offers undergraduate degrees for traditional students and working adults. Graduate degrees and certificates are also available. Northwestern also participates in the Yellow Ribbon program and is a Military Friendly School.