Frequently Asked Questions About Non-VA Career Transition Resources

Are you preparing to transition out of the military and into a civilian career? The Department of Veterans Affairs offers many transition assistance resources, which are often the first thing people think of when planning their move to a civilian job. But there are many non-VA resources available to help you change from a military career to a job “on the outside.” We explore many of them below.

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Why is it important to look beyond the VA for transition assistance?

The non-VA options include a range of programs tailored specifically for career success. Using resources from the DoD, DOL, SBA, non-profits, and state agencies is a key step for service members, veterans, and spouses planning a successful professional future.

What kind of career support is available for transitioning military members outside of the VA?

A large network of support exists from other federal agencies like the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Labor (DOL), non-profit organizations, and corporate partners. They offer resources for professional development, networking, and employment. You can learn more about the DoL Transition Assistance program and DoD TAP options at the official sites.

What is the Department of Defense’s role in transition assistance?

The DoD provides the first and most basic transition support through a required, structured process designed to prepare service members for civilian careers. If you have spent more than six months in uniform on active duty, you are required to attend DoD TAP sessions as you outprocess.

What is the DoD Transition Assistance Program (TAP)?

TAP is a mandatory DoD program for most separating service members that begins at least a year before their end of service. It provides a standard curriculum to inform individuals about their benefits and the steps needed for a successful transition.

What are the core components of TAP?

TAP includes initial one-on-one counseling and self-assessment, pre-separation counseling about benefits and resources, DoD-led training on managing the transition, a mandatory VA benefits briefing, and a Department of Labor employment workshop. After the core components, service members choose a specialized two-day track.

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How does the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) help veterans transition?

The DOL’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) provides resources through American Job Centers (AJCs). At these centers, Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVERs) connect with employers to create jobs, and Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialists provide intensive case management for veterans with barriers to employment.

What resources does the Small Business Administration (SBA) offer for veterans?

The SBA offers the Boots to Business (B2B) program as part of TAP to introduce entrepreneurship. For those already transitioned, there is Boots to Business Reboot. The SBA also helps with certification for federal contracting (VOSB), guarantees loans to make financing easier, and partners with Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) for counseling and training.

What are some non-profit organizations that offer comprehensive programs or fellowships?

Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) offers a 12-week Corporate Fellowship Program with major corporations. Onward to Opportunity (O2O), run by the IVMF at Syracuse University, provides free professional certifications and job placement support in fields like IT and project management.

What is the DoD SkillBridge Program?

DoD SkillBridge allows eligible service members to use their final 180 days of service to gain civilian work experience through internships or apprenticeships. They continue to receive military pay and benefits while training with an approved civilian employer.

Are there non-VA programs that focus on mentorship and networking?

Yes. American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides one-on-one, year-long mentorships with professionals from corporate partners. FourBlock runs a semester-long program where veterans meet weekly with different companies to build their professional network and improve their career strategy.

What support is available for veteran entrepreneurs?

Bunker Labs is a national non-profit for military-connected entrepreneurs start and grow businesses through community programs like the Veterans in Residence incubator.

Are there resources for specific industries, such as technology?

Yes, several non-profits specialize in helping veterans enter the tech industry. Organizations like Shift.org, BreakLine, Operation Code, and VetsinTech provide the specific training, networking, and coaching needed for roles in technology.

How do corporations and state governments support veteran employment?

Many large companies have dedicated military recruiters, veteran hiring events, and internal support groups for veteran employees. Nearly every state has its own Department of Veterans Affairs that offers services like state government hiring preferences and connections to local employers.

Does the Department of Veterans Affairs offer career transition resources?

Yes. Warriors to Workforce is one example of the options you’ll find at VA.gov.

According to the official site, Warriors to Workforce (W2W) is a program offering veterans “…an opportunity to transition into a career” in the federal government, “…by applying military experience to the requirements of positions offered in the federal workforce. The W2W program includes transitional support, mentoring, professional development, and “foundational career training.”

Interns complete this transition training option, “as a cohort, fortified by a built-in support system that mirrors the team environment and camaraderie that they experienced in the military.”

Other VA transition assistance programs include a program called Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E). This option is focused on “job training, education, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching.” See the VA official site at VA.gov to learn more about these career transition options.

Visit our resources page for in-person job fairs for military and veterans.