Veterans who can learn to code can position themselves well to make a substantial salary.
According to PayScale, the average software engineer makes $87,694 per year.
But when you start looking at the big tech companies, those numbers go up even more:
(These numbers are for entry-level positions)
- Google: $131,000 per year + signing bonus and stock options
- Facebook: $123,000 per year + signing bonus and stock options
- Apple: $131,000 per year + signing bonus and stock options
Learning the skills necessary to start in software development can be a great way to start down a path toward a great income.
Learning to code is also great because EVERYONE needs software developers. It’s an extremely transferrable set of skills that are needed in any industry nowadays.
Being able to code also lets you work from anywhere. All you need is a computer and an internet connection and you can do your job.
Ok, so learning to code sounds great. But how can veterans learn to code?
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FREE Courses for Veterans to Learn to Code
Code Platoon offers a number of ways to train veterans on full-stack development. What is full-stack you ask? Don’t worry- I just had to look it up myself.
There are front-end developers who provide the user experience associated with a website, app, or piece of software. Then there are back-end developers who make all the functions work in the background and ensure that the whole thing runs smoothly. Or you can be a full-stack developer and be able to do both as a generalist.
Code Platoon’s flagship offering is a 14-week in-person course in Chicago. Code Platoon programs can also be covered by the GI Bill, making this program very enticing for veterans. If you have no experience in coding, you can start with their Intro to Coding course which is totally free.
Apprenti doesn’t teach you themselves, but they are a nonprofit focused on getting underrepresented populations (like veterans) into tech. They will help you land a role at a tech company where you will be an “apprentice” (hence their name) and you will get on-the-job training in a tech-related field.
nPower is another nonprofit that can help you get technical training at no cost and then help you land your first job. They also offer training through the DoD Skillbridge program.
Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA) provides technical training for FREE. They used to have veterans use their GI Bill but this program is now fully funded by Microsoft. It is also eligible for DoD Skillbridge participation.
edX is an open course platform run by MIT and Harvard to help the world learn more. They offer everything from business classes to literature classes to computer science courses. This is a really easy way to pick up some extra skills or knowledge.
The courses are totally free, with the option to pay for a verified certificate. I wouldn’t hold too much stock on the certificates, as edX wants you to get one so they make money. But for technical skills like coding, adding a certificate to your resume or Linkedin profile could start a conversation on your skills and interests.
Also free, just pay a fee if you want a certificate. Coursera is strictly for-profit and not associated with any big-name institutions, but they have a well-trusted name in the online education business and are routinely listed as a place to go for online learning.
Learn to Code During a DoD Skillbridge Internship
What is DoD Skillbridge? Find out all about it here.
Galvanize has a host of options available to veterans, from doing a Skillbridge program to using the GI Bill, or VR&E (Voc Rehab).
Use Your GI Bill To Learn to Code
If you have any interest in learning technical skills, it’s worth looking into the VET-TEC program from the VA.
It’s worth noting that there are a lot more coding academies than these out there, but these ones are listed as approved by the VA for the VET-TEC program and have information available for veterans about their offerings.
How do you know if you’re eligible:
Conclusion
Learning to code can be a great way for veterans to level up their careers after the military. From using the DoD Skillbridge program to your GI Bill or free resources, there are many ways that veterans can learn to code.