Are you a transitioning service member looking for a career that provides service to others, a sense of community, and a wide variety of opportunities? You may have not considered this career space before, but higher ed could be the place for you.

There are misconceptions that higher ed is only for teaching and faculty, but a quick job search on HigherEdMilitary or HigherEdJobs reveals that higher ed has a vast amount of opportunity for transitioning service members that reaches far beyond teaching and faculty roles. Interested in working in a field like IT, finance, security, marketing, athletics, graphic design, or advising to name a few? There is a career for you in higher ed.

For job search advice specifically related to transitioning service members looking to work in higher ed, check out these articles and resources. Several veterans and military-affiliated professionals who work in higher education recently shared what they see as the benefits of working in higher education.

A Marine Corps veteran and decades-long higher ed leader lists:

• Service to others, opportunity to help someone every day.
• Leadership roles, opportunity to lead teams and improve processes.
• Athletic coaching opportunities and supporting athletic programs.
• Planning and attending college-wide events.
• Professional development for own personal growth funded by your college.
• Career advancement, especially in student services.
• Ability to volunteer with local community and serve on boards, impact not only at college level.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Tuition programs for families to attend college for free.
• Retirement and medical benefits.
• Being able to teach and mentor students.
• Flexible work schedule (many institutions are going remote two days a week in student services roles).

A military-affiliated higher ed professional lists:

• The careers available in higher education are broad, with positions for a variety of education and skill levels, in a diverse array of specializations or content areas. The field offers many ways to use your unique talents.
• Jobs in higher education are relatively stable with good benefits and retirement plans.
• Supporting students and improving educational institutions is rewarding work. You will be part of something bigger that is positively contributing to the betterment of individuals and society.
• There may be financial benefits, like tuition reimbursement and other education benefits.
• Working on a college campus has cultural benefits as well. Many times, the campus will be the cultural hub of the community and you will have access to this, possibly at a discounted rate.

An Army veteran and higher ed leader lists:

• Immersed in an environment that has a passion for learning and discovery; celebrates and encourages the discovery of learning.
• If a faculty member, certainly the opportunity to teach, mentor, and help others to discover new ideas is very personally and professionally rewarding.
• Part of a culture that celebrates people that defy the odds and achieve their goals and dreams (graduation is a monumental event, especially for those that are first generation or underserved and may have had to break down barriers to graduate).
• Great benefits with free leave (when university is closed, it is paid time off without having to take vacation), and tuition remission programs.
• Different career opportunities. Staff, faculty, and administration all provide unique career opportunities, and transitioning service members would qualify for many of the opportunities, depending on skillsets and experience.

A National Guard member and higher ed professional lists:

• Similarities/parallels with military service for your family.
• Careers around the globe: including both remote/brick-and-mortar.
• Careers ranging from athletics to instructor/adjunct to clerical and support (facilities, custodial, foundation/alumni relations, career and professional development, law enforcement, and much more).
• You can work in the "veterans space," and have the ability/opportunity/chance to give back to help service members and their families continue to pursue their educational and professional goals
• Incentives such as tuition discounts/remission for employee and family members.
• Institutional pride -- from community college/technical schools through D1 institutions.
• Occasional travel opportunities, professional development, higher ed membership, and leadership opportunities.
• Although it seems to be a very large community, which it is, it's also just like the military where it's a "small community." A lot of lifelong networking and collaboration.

If you are a transitioning service member looking to begin a career in higher education and don't know where to start, please consider joining the HigherEdMilitary LinkedIn Group for networking and signing up for the HigherEdMilitary newsletter for relevant job search advice.

Article Topics

Job Search Advice Working as a Veteran in HigherEd

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