Computer science and related IT degree programs are popular among veterans, with approximately 43% of veterans in STEM occupations working in computer science or IT. From 2019-2021, more than 130,000 veterans used the Post-9/11 GI Bill® for STEM degrees.

Computer science programs have long followed a straightforward path: learn to code, master the basics, earn a degree, and get hired. That approach no longer matches what employers need.

Bridging Gaps in Communication Skills

Interviews conducted for this article with Google employees show that employers still value strong technical skills, but now expect more. They want graduates who can communicate, connect technology to business goals, use AI tools, and understand how to contribute to an organization. Coding alone is not enough.

Communication skills came up in every interview. Technical talent matters less if graduates cannot communicate or work well with others. Employers also look for interpersonal skills, both in small groups and larger settings. Weak interpersonal skills can hold back even the most technically skilled employees from moving into leadership roles.

Many students still believe technical ability is all that matters. In reality, employers need people who can explain problems, discuss options, work across teams, and communicate with non-technical colleagues. A graduate who can code but cannot work with others may not be ready for the job.

Computer science programs that serve military-connected students should help those students recognize the communication skill strengths they have garnered from military service.

Bridging Gaps in Practical Experience

Another gap is practical experience. Students are not getting enough preparation in solving practical, real-world problems. Students need more experience applying technical knowledge to business outcomes; being knowledgeable in isolated IT concepts on their own is not enough. Graduates need to understand how those concepts relate to business and how business and IT implementation work together, because the purpose of engineers in an enterprise setting is to support the enterprise's business functions, not just produce code.

That is an important distinction. Employers do not hire computer science graduates to solve classroom problems; they hire them to help organizations operate better, make better decisions, and deliver better results. A technically correct answer is useful, but employers also want graduates who understand why the work matters and what problem they are actually solving.

The D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families shares, “Many [veterans] are particularly attracted to STEM disciplines and exhibit strong aptitude coupled with relevant practical and applied skills in these areas as a direct result of military training. Traits of leadership, achievement, and high-level performance are the norm for service members and veterans.”

Computer science programs that serve military-connected students can help those students apply their real-world experience into their degree programs, job applications, and materials.

Bridging Gaps in AI

AI was another major theme; all interviewees said that AI has changed what it means to be job-ready. One interviewee said AI “changes everything” and argued that students need to understand how to use it quickly or risk falling behind. Another said graduates are increasingly expected to know modern tools, including large language model workflows, and to have informed opinions about them.

Colleges should not start dropping computer science fundamentals to make way for prompt engineering. Still, students do need some working fluency with AI tools and enough understanding to use them productively. Employers want graduates who can combine core computer science concepts with AI-assisted workflows, not students who treat AI as either magic or a threat to avoid.

Bridging Gaps in Workplace Experience

Interviews also stressed the need for more workplace experience before graduation. One interviewee argued that schools should help facilitate internships to make students more marketable. Another emphasized that internships and onsite learning teach students how organizations actually work, how messy real work can be, and how classroom learning translates imperfectly into practice.

Colleges should treat internships as essential, not optional, for degree completion. Real-world experience helps students understand the workplace, decide if the field is right for them, and graduate with skills employers can use right away. That may be one of the most practical steps institutions can take right now.

Making Our Military-Connected Computer Science Students Career Ready

For military-connected students, this evolving definition of career readiness may be good news. Veterans, service members, and military spouses bring strengths that overlap well with the skills these interviews highlighted: communication, teamwork, adaptability, mission focus, and experience operating within large organizations. Those qualities do not replace technical ability, but they help military-connected students stand out in a field that is increasingly valuing more than coding alone.

The message for colleges is clear. Computer science degrees should keep a strong technical core, but also prepare students for today's workplace. That means better communication, business understanding, practical AI skills, and real-world experience. Employers want strong coders who can also think, explain, adapt, and contribute from the start. 

Article Topics

Job Search Advice Military Friendly Institutions Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success

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