Veterans transitioning to civilian careers bring unique skills like leadership, discipline, and technical expertise. The tech industry values these abilities, offering tailored programs and career paths to help veterans succeed. Here are 8 top companies actively hiring veterans in tech, along with their standout initiatives:
Amazon: Offers programs like AWS re/Start and Technical Apprenticeships for roles in cloud computing and software development.
Boeing: Focuses on aerospace and cybersecurity through its Military Skills Program and SkillBridge internships.
Tesla: Supports veterans with leadership development and networking through its Veterans Task Force.
Meta: Provides training and networking via its Military Career Program and Veterans & Allies Resource Group.
Cisco: Runs the Veterans Talent Incubation Program (VTIP) with a 20-week technical training curriculum.
Microsoft: Offers the Military Software & Systems Academy (MSSA), a 17-week program with guaranteed job interviews.
Accenture: Combines structured training and certifications for roles in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
Why Veterans Should Consider Tech
High Demand: Tech jobs held by veterans grew by 37% between 2014 and 2023.
Higher Pay: Veterans with tech skills earn 59% more on average.
Early Promotions: Veterans in tech are 39% more likely to advance quickly.
Key Features of These Programs
Training: Structured programs to bridge skill gaps.
Mentorship: Veteran-led guidance for career growth.
Certifications: Opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials.
Support Networks: Veteran-focused employee resource groups.
These companies provide clear pathways to help veterans transition into thriving tech careers. Whether you’re skilled in cybersecurity, project management, or engineering, these programs can help you leverage your military experience in the tech industry.
Why All Military Veterans Should Work in The Tech Industry
Amazon has made a strong commitment to hiring veterans and military spouses through its Military Hiring Initiative, aiming to add over 100,000 individuals from these groups to its workforce by 2024 [13]. This program highlights how military experience can seamlessly translate into roles within the tech industry.
One standout opportunity is the Amazon Technical Apprenticeship Program, which provides veterans with paid classroom training lasting 10 to 18 weeks, followed by up to a year of on-the-job experience [13][10]. This program helps veterans transition into roles such as cloud consulting, software development, and technical account management [13].
Other key programs for veterans include:
AWS re/Start: A training program focused on cloud certifications.
Technical Academy: A nine-month paid program designed for software engineering.
Career Choice: Offers tuition assistance for training in high-demand fields.
To further support veterans, Amazon has created the Warriors@Amazon employee resource group. This group includes over 10,000 members, consisting of veterans, military spouses, and allies. Additionally, Amazon recognizes Veterans Day as a paid holiday company-wide [2][11].
Amazon also offers resources to help veterans build technical skills. For example, the company has pledged to provide free cloud computing skills training to 29 million people by 2025, with veterans eligible for VA reimbursement for certification exam fees under the GI Bill [13].
Through the SkillBridge Program, transitioning service members can gain hands-on experience in fields like cloud computing, robotics, and software engineering, helping them prepare for civilian tech careers.
Boeing has built a strong connection with veterans, with over 15% of its workforce coming from military backgrounds [3]. Through its Military Skills Program, the company helps veterans transition into careers in aerospace and technology by offering specialized training and career development opportunities [1][2].
A standout feature of this program is the SkillBridge initiative, which provides internships in areas like aerospace engineering, software development, and cybersecurity for those moving out of military service. Impressively, 94% of participants secure full-time roles after completing the program [2][3][9].
Boeing offers veterans four key career pathways:
Boeing Learning Together Program: Focused on STEM education.
Cybersecurity Apprenticeship: Hands-on training in cybersecurity operations.
Accelerated Leadership Program: A management-focused career track [4][14].
The program’s impact is clear through individual success stories. For example, Scott Harkey, a former Supply Officer, transitioned into a transportation analytics role. Similarly, Don Koval, a 20-year Air Force veteran, used his aircraft expertise to secure a position in electrical engineering [9].
Veterans also benefit from Boeing’s Military Skills Translator, a tool that aligns their military experience with relevant tech roles [12]. Additional perks include:
Integration with the GI Bill for tuition support [12]
Access to veteran-specific career counseling
Veteran-focused employee resource groups (ERGs)
Flexible work schedules tailored for reservists [14]
While companies like Amazon and Boeing focus on structured training, Tesla takes a different approach by tapping into veterans’ ability to thrive in high-pressure environments. Through its Veterans Task Force (VTA), Tesla helps former military members transition into leadership roles, using a veteran-led recruiting team to align their skills with the right positions [3][7].
“Many former soldiers find the transition to Tesla’s dynamic workplace organic due to similarities in pace and structure”, says Kristen Kavanaugh, a Navy and Marine Corps veteran who leads Tesla’s Veterans Task Force [3].
Tesla’s veteran-focused initiatives include:
Monthly networking sessions to foster connections
Career advancement support through the Veterans Task Force
Leadership development programs tailored to veterans
In 2024, Tesla hired 800 veterans [3], with many excelling in manufacturing and engineering roles where their military training aligns well with Tesla’s operational needs [7]. Veterans have become a key part of Tesla’s technical teams, bringing precision and discipline to their work.
Tesla also ensures continued support through:
Collaborative monthly sessions to refine programs
Opportunities for leadership development to help veterans grow within the company
This approach focuses on practical application, helping veterans integrate their military experience into Tesla’s fast-paced, innovation-driven environment. It offers a hands-on pathway to leadership, setting it apart from programs like Microsoft’s training academy (discussed later).
Meta has developed its Military Career Program to help veterans transition into tech roles. Through its Veterans & Allies Resource Group, the company provides resources like monthly speaker series, recruiting panels, and professional development tools[6].
“Our veteran hiring goal reflects the unique value military experience brings to tech”, says John Oliveira, Meta’s Veterans Program Manager[8].
Meta has also teamed up with Hiring Our Heroes, aiming to recruit 1,000 veterans and military spouses by 2026[8]. Key roles include software engineering, data operations, and cybersecurity[9].
In addition, Meta collaborates with organizations like BreakLine Education and Vets In Tech to offer training programs tailored for veterans entering the tech industry[6]. The Veterans@ employee resource group provides ongoing support, helping veterans build a strong network within the company[8].
Cisco’s Veterans Enablement and Troop Support (VETS) program offers the Veterans Talent Incubation Program (VTIP), a 20-week mix of classroom instruction and hands-on experience[1].
This program equips veterans with skills in:
Cisco’s program boasts a 90% job placement rate, thanks to its emphasis on technical training[1]. While Tesla focuses on leadership development through hands-on roles, Cisco’s approach highlights the transition of military expertise into tech careers.
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6. Microsoft: Military Training Academy
Microsoft takes a structured educational approach with its Military Software & Systems Academy (MSSA), providing veterans and service members a clear path into tech careers. Over 3,000 participants have already transformed their careers through this program. MSSA leverages military leadership skills and blends them with technical training, offering a model that combines academic depth with career preparation.
The program runs an intensive 17-week curriculum focused on four specialized technical tracks:
Technical Track
Core Focus Areas
Cloud Development
Azure development, web applications
Cloud Administration
Infrastructure management, system operations
Cybersecurity Administration
Security protocols, threat detection
Database & Business Intelligence
Data management, analytics
Program Highlights
Job Placement Success: 90% of graduates land tech roles, thanks to guaranteed interviews with Microsoft or its partner companies [5][8][9].
Competitive Salaries: Graduates start with an average salary of $70,000 [5].
Supportive Resources: Participants gain access to mentorship from Microsoft employees, career coaching, and networking opportunities with hiring managers [4].
“The military taught me how to learn, adapt, and overcome. These skills were crucial in my transition to the tech industry”, says U.S. Army veteran Tina Karr. After completing MSSA, she successfully moved from logistics to a role as a cloud solution architect at Microsoft [3].
Recent Updates for 2024
Microsoft has expanded MSSA to include both in-person and hybrid learning formats, making the program more accessible to veterans across the country [7]. Additionally, the company has pledged to hire 5,000 veterans and military spouses by 2025 [3].
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for MSSA, applicants must meet these requirements:
Admissions are rolling, welcoming veterans with basic computer knowledge and an interest in technology, even if they lack prior technical experience [6][15].
ServiceNow takes a mentorship-first approach with its Veterans Career Program, established in 2018. The program is designed to help military veterans transition into tech careers by offering tailored training and mentorship. By focusing on aligning military skills with tech roles, ServiceNow has successfully hired over 600 veterans and military spouses, boasting an impressive 92% retention rate among participants [1][3][14].
Technical Career Pathways
ServiceNow provides clear pathways for veterans to transition into tech roles by aligning their military skills with specific positions:
“The ServiceNow Veterans Career Program transformed my military cybersecurity experience into a thriving tech career”, says John Smith, a former Navy cryptologist now working as a cybersecurity analyst. “The structured training approach and veteran mentorship made the transition feel natural” [14].
2024 Program Updates
Looking ahead, ServiceNow plans to expand its hiring goals to bring on 1,000 veterans by 2024. They are also introducing improved tools to better translate military skills into tech qualifications [3][4].
Veteran Benefits
Participants in the program gain access to several benefits, including:
GI Bill-aligned tuition reimbursement
Flexible scheduling for reservists
Support from the Veterans ERG community
With a 95% job placement rate, the program has proven to be a strong bridge for veterans transitioning into tech careers [3].
Accenture wraps up our list by offering a global initiative that combines structured training with career growth opportunities tailored to veterans. Since its launch in 2016, the program has placed over 1,000 veterans in tech roles, boasting an impressive 85% retention rate after two years and a 40% promotion rate within three years[6][2]. With more than 2,000 veterans on staff, the company effectively transitions military experience into roles within the tech industry.
Technical Training Pathways
The program provides focused training tracks designed to meet industry needs:
Training Track
Typical Role Placement
Cloud Computing
Cloud Solutions Architect
Cybersecurity
Security Analyst
Data Analytics
Data Scientist
Software Development
Software Engineer
Project Management
Technical Project Manager
Bridging Military and Civilian Careers
Accenture supports veterans in navigating the shift from military to civilian careers by pairing them with mentors who are also veterans. This mentorship helps them translate their military expertise into skills valued by the tech industry.
Comprehensive Support Systems
The program includes several standout features to ease the transition:
Accessibility support: Tailored assistance for veterans with disabilities[18].
Global placement: Access to roles across Accenture’s international offices.
Certifications: Opportunities to earn credentials with AWS, Azure, or GCP.
Ongoing education: Continuous access to training in emerging technologies[17].
Program Features by Company
Several trends stand out in tech programs designed for veterans:
Focused Training Programs: Companies offer intensive training sessions, typically lasting 16-20 weeks, to address technical skill gaps. For example, Microsoft uses an academy-style approach, while Cisco combines classroom and online instruction.
Check out the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program. It offers internships with participating companies while you continue to receive military pay and benefits.
Fine-Tune Your Application Approach
Translate your military experience into tech-friendly language by:
Participating in virtual events hosted by company employee resource groups (ERGs)
Build Your Network
Engage with veteran ERGs at the companies mentioned. These groups often hold virtual networking events tailored for service members transitioning into civilian roles[16].
FAQs
Veterans often have questions about company policies and which roles might be a good fit for them. Here are some common inquiries:
Do these companies hire veterans without tech experience?
Absolutely. All eight companies highlighted offer training programs tailored for veterans transitioning into tech, even without prior experience. These programs include technical training, mentorship, and certification assistance to help veterans gain the skills they need.
What types of roles are a good fit for veterans at these tech companies?
Veterans tend to thrive in roles like cybersecurity (drawing on their military security expertise), technical project management, and IT support, where leadership and handling high-pressure situations are highly valued.
How do these companies accommodate active reservists?
These companies follow USERRA requirements and go a step further by offering additional support, such as hybrid work arrangements, to help reservists balance their training and duties.
Let me tell you about one of my favorite organizations for veterans.
It’s a mentorship and coaching course designed for veterans and former elite athletes run by Shift Group.
imageWhat do they do?
Shift Group takes you through a self-guided course. If you really focus, you can knock it out in three days.
In that course, they help you answer a few questions:
What are your personal values?
What do you like to do?
What are you good at?
What type of work do you want to do?
What type of company do you want to work for?
After you complete the training module, you get paired with a coach who can work with you to help you find the best company to work for and help you get hired.
What are their results?
Simply speaking, the numbers speak for themselves.
1000+ Athletes and Veterans placed
300+ Hiring Partners
<5% attrition(industry average is 35%)
9 months average time to promotion (2x faster than average)
They have quite simply figured it out. Shift knows how to place people in new roles where they thrive and the company is happy.
That’s also why their program is free for veterans. They do the work with you up front and everyone has a better result on the back side.
Want to learn more? Check out Shift Group here.
Amazon has made a strong commitment to hiring veterans and military spouses through its Military Hiring Initiative, aiming to add over 100,000 individuals from these groups to its workforce by 2024 [13]. This program highlights how military experience can seamlessly translate into roles within the tech industry.
One standout opportunity is the Amazon Technical Apprenticeship Program, which provides veterans with paid classroom training lasting 10 to 18 weeks, followed by up to a year of on-the-job experience [13][10]. This program helps veterans transition into roles such as cloud consulting, software development, and technical account management [13].
Other key programs for veterans include:
Boeing has built a strong connection with veterans, with over 15% of its workforce coming from military backgrounds [3]. Through its Military Skills Program, the company helps veterans transition into careers in aerospace and technology by offering specialized training and career development opportunities [1][2].
A standout feature of this program is the SkillBridge initiative, which provides internships in areas like aerospace engineering, software development, and cybersecurity for those moving out of military service. Impressively, 94% of participants secure full-time roles after completing the program [2][3][9].
Boeing offers veterans four key career pathways:
Meta has developed its Military Career Program to help veterans transition into tech roles. Through its Veterans & Allies Resource Group, the company provides resources like monthly speaker series, recruiting panels, and professional development tools[6].
Cisco’s Veterans Enablement and Troop Support (VETS) program offers the Veterans Talent Incubation Program (VTIP), a 20-week mix of classroom instruction and hands-on experience[1].
This program equips veterans with skills in:
ServiceNow takes a mentorship-first approach with its Veterans Career Program, established in 2018. The program is designed to help military veterans transition into tech careers by offering tailored training and mentorship. By focusing on aligning military skills with tech roles, ServiceNow has successfully hired over 600 veterans and military spouses, boasting an impressive 92% retention rate among participants [1][3][14].
Accenture wraps up our list by offering a global initiative that combines structured training with career growth opportunities tailored to veterans. Since its launch in 2016, the program has placed over 1,000 veterans in tech roles, boasting an impressive 85% retention rate after two years and a 40% promotion rate within three years[6][2]. With more than 2,000 veterans on staff, the company effectively transitions military experience into roles within the tech industry.
