Veterans transitioning to civilian work life are a smart choice for government IT work in SLED (State, Local and Education) and other growing industries. Prosum’s top markets in Denver, Phoenix and Los Angeles boast some of the largest veteran populations in the country for potential IT talent.
As Veterans transition back into civilian life, they present a valuable opportunity to address the tech talent gap in the tech workforce. Over the past several years, hiring organizations have expressed concern about this gap. In the wake of restructuring within large tech companies, mid-sized organizations across various industries as well as companies that service government agencies have seized the opportunity to attract tech talent and enhance their competitiveness.
One standout group for filling these tech roles is our nation’s veterans. This talent group offers a compelling solution to the skills gap many organizations face.
Veterans Bring a Blend of Tech and Soft Skills to the Team
Many service members in today’s armed forces undergo rigorous training that equips them with a distinct set of skills. First, the technology utilized by the U.S. military provides a strong foundational understanding for its members—ranging from the installation of remote telecommunications equipment to advanced cybersecurity practices.
As a result, numerous military personnel possess practical knowledge of these technologies, making them well-suited for technical development in the private sector.
Some of the best jobs for veterans in tech based on training during their service and high demand in the private sector include:
- Network systems administrators
- Computer systems analyst
- Intelligence analysts (strong data skills)
- Cybersecurity specialists
- Telecommunications experts
In addition to their technical expertise, veterans bring valuable soft skills to the table. Their experience in teamwork, early leadership roles, and adaptability in high-stress, fast-paced environments enables them to transition smoothly into new workplaces. With an increasing focus on hiring professionals who demonstrate versatility and the capacity to learn quickly on the job, veterans are an excellent fit.
Veterans Are Ready With Clearance for Many Private Sector Roles
Working in government roles can differ significantly from civilian jobs. This is where veterans have an advantage in that many already fulfill specific requirements and have secured additional security measures
Staffing firms like Prosum implement rigorous background screening and vetting processes for all candidates. Since veterans have often undergone similar scrutiny by government agencies, hiring them for government IT related roles in the SLED sector or private firms that contract with government entities can streamline the process.
Veterans’ Tech Skills Adapt Across Evolving Industries
When it comes to tech, nearly all industries have specialized needs as they seek to modernize their organizations.
- Aerospace and Defense is a natural path for many veterans based on the technical skills they have acquired in defense analysis, equipment engineering and more.
- Healthcare IT is a growing field, where some veterans have extensive experience in healthcare IT systems found in field clinics as well as skills associated with problem-solving and the ability to perform under pressure that is often be prevalent in healthcare settings.
- Logistics and Transportation are burgeoning with new tech initiatives to create efficiencies, and build critical tech infrastructure through software development, GPS technology and more. Similar skills can apply to manufacturing industries where technology is leveraged to streamline operations, and fine-tune equipment.
Engage Veterans to Strengthen Your Tech Workforce
Prosum’s experienced IT staffing and recruiting teams are here to assist you. With over 25 years of experience serving Orange County, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Denver, we can help you tap into growing talent pools, like veterans transitioning from military careers to civilian careers. In fact, Denver, Phoenix and Los Angeles all have a higher-than-average percentage of veterans who call these cities home.
Recent reports show that Arizona as a state ranks 13th in the nation for housing veterans and Maricopa County, where Phoenix is located, has the largest concentration. Colorado shows that the population of veterans has reached nearly 7.5% of the adult population.
In addition to alleviating common concerns for SLED tech departments when hiring talent through an agency, there are numerous benefits to developing a tech workforce inclusive of veteran talent with the assistance of a staffing firm. These benefits include a unique approach to identifying qualified talent, built on years of relationship development by seasoned technical recruiters who understand the market, the candidates, and the technology landscape. To discuss veteran hiring strategies, reach out to an IT staffing expert today!
