Jobs & Careers

Finding meaningful work after service isn't just about getting a paycheck — it's about finding purpose, stability, and a future you can be proud of. The skills you built in uniform are valuable, and there are programs designed to help you carry them forward into civilian life. Whether you want to serve in government, build a career in the private sector, or even launch your own business, you don't have to walk that path alone.

🏛 Federal Employment & Government Programs

The federal government remains one of the largest employers of veterans, and there are programs built to make sure your service is recognized and rewarded when you apply.

1. USAJobs (Federal Employment Portal)
   The official job board for U.S. federal government positions. Many postings are reserved for veterans or give preference points.
2. FedsHireVets (OPM Veteran Employment Program)
   The government's veteran employment portal, explaining veteran preference, hiring initiatives, and resources for federal careers.
3. DoD SkillBridge
   Allows service members in their last 180 days of service to gain real-world job experience with civilian employers.
4. National Labor Exchange (NLx / VetCentral)
   A partnership with state workforce agencies that connects veterans to state-level job banks and employers nationwide.
5. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD)
   Provides training, counseling, and access to capital for veteran entrepreneurs.

🏢 Civilian Career Programs

Sometimes the best fit is outside of government — and there are organizations that specialize in connecting veterans, service members, and spouses with private-sector opportunities.

1. Hire Our Heroes (U.S. Chamber Foundation Initiative)
   National program connecting veterans, transitioning service members, and spouses with employers through job fairs and hiring initiatives.
2. VetJobs (Military Spouse Jobs / CASY)
   Career site dedicated to connecting veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses with vetted employers.
3. LinkedIn Veterans Program
   Provides veterans and military spouses with free one-year Premium membership and access to LinkedIn Learning courses.
4. RecruitMilitary
   One of the largest veteran-focused job boards and job fair networks in the U.S., connecting employers with veterans nationwide.

🚀 Veteran Entrepreneurship & Business

For some, the next chapter means building something of your own. These programs are here to help veterans and military families start, fund, and grow businesses.

1. Syracuse University IVMF – Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV)
   Free, intensive program that helps post-9/11 veterans and spouses start and grow businesses.
2. Warrior Rising
   Empowers veterans to become "vetpreneurs" by offering mentorship, training, and funding to start businesses.
3. Bunker Labs
   A nonprofit nationwide network that helps veterans and military spouses start and grow businesses through community, resources, and mentorship.
4. V-WISE (Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship – Syracuse IVMF)
   Training program specifically for women veterans and military spouses pursuing entrepreneurship.
5. Boots to Business (B2B – SBA Program)
   Offered on bases worldwide as part of TAP, this program introduces veterans to entrepreneurship and small business ownership.
6. Second Service Foundation
   Supports veterans, military spouses, and Gold Star families with coaching, resources, and capital through programs like the Military Entrepreneur Challenge.

📝 Career Prep & Skill Translation

Finding the right job often starts with putting your skills on paper in a way employers understand. These resources help veterans and spouses translate military experience into civilian careers.

1. Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E – VA Chapter 31)
   VA program offering resume help, career counseling, training, and job placement for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
2. ResumeEngine.org (Hiring Our Heroes)
   Free online tool that translates military experience into a civilian-friendly resume.
3. My Next Move for Veterans (DOL/O*NET)
   Helps veterans map their military experience to civilian career paths and explore job outlooks.