Mastering Leadership Concepts: The Need to Bridge the Gap
(NOTE: Information and data released by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Defense, Veteran Affairs, and the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) were used to calculate the estimated data and trends within this article. These are estimates made with the data available for public use and should not reflect official results reported by these agencies.)
Transitioning from military to civilian life is a significant milestone that presents challenges and opportunities. One of the most crucial aspects of this transition is education. For many service members and military-affiliated students, pursuing higher education and obtaining certifications within their fields can be the key to a successful and fulfilling civilian career. This article explores the importance of continuing education, highlights the educational gap that often exists during this transition, and examines unemployment rates across different service branches to underscore the necessity of academic advancement.
The Educational Gap: A Barrier to Success
Transitioning service members often face an educational gap when transitioning from military to civilian life. This gap can be attributed to several factors, including the specialized nature of military training, the lack of civilian-recognized credentials, and the limited opportunities for formal education while in service. While military training equips service members with invaluable skills and experiences, these are not always directly transferable to the civilian workforce. Consequently, many veterans are disadvantaged when competing for jobs requiring specific degrees or certifications.
The Power of a Degree and Certifications
Earning a degree is a powerful way to bridge the educational gap. Degrees provide the knowledge and skills needed for civilian careers and offer credentials employers recognize and value. However, a degree alone may not always be enough. Supplementing a degree with certifications in adjacent fields can enhance employability by demonstrating specialized expertise.
For example, a veteran with a degree in Information Technology (IT) might pursue cybersecurity, network administration, or cloud computing certifications to increase marketability. Similarly, a veteran with a degree in business administration might benefit from certifications in project management, human resources, or financial analysis.
The power of certifications lies in their ability to validate specific skill sets that are directly applicable to civilian job roles. According to a 2023 report from the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA), veterans who obtain certifications alongside their degrees are 25% more likely to secure employment within six months of leaving the military than those with degrees alone. Furthermore, veterans with certifications often command higher starting salaries, with an average increase of 15% compared to their non-certified peers.
Certifications bridge military experience and civilian job requirements, allowing veterans to translate their skills into credentials employers understand. This combination of a degree and certifications can open doors to a broader range of career opportunities and provide a competitive edge in the job market. For instance, in the healthcare sector, a veteran with a nursing degree might seek additional certifications in areas like critical care or trauma to enhance their employability and job security.
Unemployment Rates by Service Branch
Examining unemployment rates across different service branches further emphasizes the importance of continuing education. While the overall unemployment rate for veterans has improved in recent years, disparities exist between branches, highlighting the need for targeted educational initiatives.
Army: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate for Army veterans in 2023 was 4.8%, slightly above the overall veteran unemployment rate. The diverse roles within the Army, many of which may not directly translate to civilian jobs, contribute to this higher unemployment rate. Receiving a college education and technical certifications are essential for Army veterans to bridge this gap and secure stable employment. For example, Army veterans with logistics or operations management certifications have seen a significant decrease in unemployment rates, dropping to around 3.2%.
Navy: Navy veterans had a lower unemployment rate of 3.9% in 2023, reflecting the technical training and certifications they often receive while in service. However, continuing education remains essential to stay competitive in an evolving job market. Navy veterans with engineering or maritime studies degrees who pursued certifications in project management or environmental safety have enjoyed even lower unemployment rates, around 2.7%.
Air Force: Air Force veterans benefit from technical training, contributing to their relatively low unemployment rate of 3.5% in 2023. However, those who supplement their skills with degrees and certifications, particularly in aerospace, cybersecurity, and information technology, have seen even greater success, with unemployment rates falling to 2.4%. The combination of formal education and certifications in these high-demand fields significantly enhances job prospects for Air Force veterans.
Marine Corps: Marines have traditionally faced higher unemployment rates, recorded at 5.2% in 2023. This can be attributed to some roles' lack of specialized technical training. However, education and certifications have proven effective in translating their leadership abilities into civilian management positions. Marines who pursued degrees in business administration and supplemented them with certifications in leadership, supply chain management, or human resources management saw their unemployment rate drop to 3.8%.
Coast Guard: Coast Guard veterans had the lowest unemployment rate among the branches at 3.1% in 2023, thanks to their specialized training in law enforcement and maritime safety. However, continuing education is vital for career advancement and to keep pace with industry changes. Coast Guard veterans who pursued certifications in homeland security or environmental science and their degrees have reported unemployment rates as low as 2.1%, reflecting the value of targeted education.
The Numbers: Why Education Matters
Statistics demonstrate the importance of continuing education for veterans. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for veterans in 2023 was 4.2%, slightly higher than the national average of 3.9%. However, veterans with a bachelor’s degree or higher had an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, underscoring the value of a college education. Additionally, veterans with professional certifications had an even lower unemployment rate, highlighting the impact of specialized training. The report also noted that veterans with degrees and certifications are more likely to experience upward mobility in their careers, with a 20% higher chance of being promoted within the first year of employment than those without certifications.
Final Thoughts
As service members transition from military to civilian life, continuing education is not just an option—it’s a necessity. Earning and supplementing a degree with certifications in adjacent fields can bridge the educational gap, enhance employability, and open doors to rewarding civilian careers. By understanding the unemployment rates across different service branches and the importance of education, transitioning service members and military-affiliated students can make informed decisions that will set them up for long-term success in the civilian workforce.
The Military-Affiliated Professionals Program
The MAPP provides all manners of career service to the military-affiliated students of Austin Peay State University. This population is estimated to be about one-third of its total student population.
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In addition, the MAPP extends its services to all service members, veterans, military and veteran spouses, and military and veteran family members, regardless of their affiliation with Austin Peay State University.
Services can be provided virtually or in person under the MAPP. Let us know your needs, and we will tailor our services to meet them.
Austin Peay State University's commitment to our service members and veteran communities remains unmatched.
To take advantage of the services offered by the MAPP, contact us at,
Call or text: 931-221-7930
Email: [email protected] .
If you would like to donate to our program, visit https://give.apsu.edu/ . Select Newton Military Family Resource Center Fund of Excellence. The Military-Affiliated Professionals Program falls within that category.
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Austin Peay State University
At Austin Peay, we proudly serve you during your academic career. We are invested in your success and have created a division dedicated to our Military-Affiliated Students and their families. The Military and Veterans Affairs Division comprises several offices and resource centers trained to help you fully utilize your education benefits. From offering condensed 8-week courses through the Austin Peay Center at Fort Campbell to getting career advice from our Military-Affiliated Professionals Program, we are ready to support your success.
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Friends of the MAPP:
United States Army Transition Assistance Program: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/taphq/
Operation Stand Down Tennessee: https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/osdtn/
RecruitMilitary: https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/recruitmilitary/
Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development: https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/tennessee-department-of-labor-workforce-development/
Wisedoc Resume Builder: https://wisedoc.net/
SkillSyncer: https://skillsyncer.com/
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