Vets to Jobs: Certifications Beat Degrees?

The transition from military service to civilian life can be daunting, especially when it comes to education and career advancement. Many veterans face unique challenges in translating their skills and experiences into credentials that resonate with employers. How can we ensure our education systems truly support those who have served?

Sergeant Major (Ret.) Anya Petrova knew something had to change. After 22 years in the Army, including three deployments to the Middle East, she retired and set her sights on a career in project management. Anya held a bachelor’s degree she’d earned through online courses during her service, but found that it wasn’t enough to land the types of jobs she wanted. Employers in Atlanta, where she’d decided to settle near her sister, seemed to value specific certifications and experience more than her general degree.

Anya’s story isn’t unique. Many veterans struggle to translate their military training and experience into civilian-recognized credentials. A report by the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) VETS highlights the need for better alignment between military skills and civilian job requirements.

What’s the solution? I believe it begins with a shift in focus. Instead of pushing all veterans toward traditional four-year degrees, we need to emphasize skills-based training and certifications that directly translate to in-demand jobs. This approach recognizes the practical experience many veterans already possess and helps them quickly acquire the specific skills employers are seeking.

For Anya, this meant exploring options beyond a master’s degree. She discovered a project management professional (PMP) certification program offered at Georgia Tech. The program focused on practical application and real-world scenarios, which resonated with her military background. “It was less about theory and more about doing,” Anya explained. “That’s what I needed.”

But even with the right training, challenges remained. Anya encountered difficulties navigating the Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits system to cover the cost of the certification program. The paperwork was confusing, and the approval process took longer than expected. This is a common complaint among veterans pursuing education benefits. A 2025 study by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) VFW found that nearly 40% of veterans reported difficulties accessing their education benefits due to bureaucratic hurdles.

Colleges and universities also have a responsibility to improve their veteran support services. Many institutions lack dedicated advisors who understand the unique needs of veteran students. These students often face challenges related to transitioning from military culture, dealing with PTSD, and balancing academic demands with family responsibilities. We saw this firsthand at the University of Georgia when we partnered with the school’s student veterans association to improve retention rates. Dedicated mental health resources are crucial.

Anya eventually secured her PMP certification and began applying for project management positions in the Atlanta area. However, she quickly discovered that simply having the certification wasn’t enough. Many employers struggled to understand how her military experience translated to the civilian workforce. One hiring manager even told her, “We appreciate your service, but we’re not sure how your combat experience applies to managing software development projects.” Seriously?

This highlights a critical need for employers to actively recognize and value the skills that veterans bring to the table. Leadership, discipline, problem-solving, and teamwork are all highly valued in the military and are directly transferable to civilian jobs. Companies need to develop training programs and hiring practices that specifically target veterans and help them translate their skills into marketable assets.

One company that’s doing it right is Home Depot, headquartered right here in Atlanta. They have a robust veterans’ hiring program that includes mentorship, skills translation workshops, and a commitment to providing career advancement opportunities. Their success demonstrates that when employers actively invest in veterans, everyone benefits.

Anya didn’t give up. She networked relentlessly, attended industry events, and volunteered for project management roles within local non-profit organizations. She even connected with a mentor through American Corporate Partners ACP, a national non-profit that pairs veterans with business leaders.

Finally, after months of searching, Anya landed a project manager position at a construction firm specializing in sustainable building practices. Her military experience in logistics and resource management proved invaluable in coordinating complex projects and managing teams. She quickly became a valuable asset to the company, earning praise for her leadership skills and attention to detail.

Anya’s success story underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to veteran education and career advancement. It requires veterans to be proactive in seeking out skills-based training and certifications, colleges and universities to provide comprehensive support services, and employers to actively recognize and value the unique skills and experiences that veterans bring to the workforce. It’s not just about “honoring their service;” it’s about unlocking their potential.

I had a client last year who needed to hire a construction site supervisor. After interviewing several candidates with years of experience in the field, we decided to take a chance on a former Marine. Sure enough, the Marine’s leadership skills and commitment to safety transformed the site culture. The project finished ahead of schedule and under budget.

Here’s what nobody tells you: the transition for some veterans can be harder than their time in service. The civilian world is often less structured and more ambiguous than the military, which can be disorienting. Support and understanding are paramount.

Anya’s journey reminds us that supporting veterans in their educational and professional pursuits is not just a matter of gratitude, but a strategic investment in a highly skilled and dedicated workforce. By focusing on skills-based training, improving support services, and recognizing the value of military experience, we can ensure that all veterans have the opportunity to thrive in civilian life. It’s time to move beyond simply thanking veterans for their service and start empowering them to succeed.

Many resources are available to assist veterans in their transition. For example, exploring VA benefits can provide crucial financial and educational support.

We also need to address the myths surrounding veterans in the civilian world. These misconceptions can hinder their employment opportunities and overall integration.

It’s also important that veterans get access to mental health support. The challenges of transitioning and finding meaningful work can take a toll.

The lesson here is clear: a targeted approach to education, coupled with dedicated support, is the key to unlocking the potential of our veterans. Don’t just offer them a hand; offer them a plan.