At the FPU Career Development Center, we understand that the transition from the military to college and civilian life can have different challenges than for traditional college students. We know it can be difficult to connect your job experience in the military with potential majors and future jobs. Below you will find links to useful information about assessments, military-to-civilian crosswalks, career exploration, choosing the right school for you, transferrable skills, civilian and federal resumes and job postings specifically for veterans, along with other resources.
Information for Student Veterans
Transferable Skills & Crosswalks
If you’ve been in the military for several years, it may seem daunting to translate those skills to skills needed for civilian jobs. Use the resources below to match your military job to civilian careers that use similar skills.
- | Match your military experience to civilian jobs with this easy-to-use database.
- | Provides a sample listing of military jobs from each branch matched with civilian vocational occupations that hire workers with similar skills, training and interests.
- | Search for civilian jobs that translate from your military branch and military title.
- | Enter your military job and where you live to be matched with civilian careers that use similar skills.
Career Assessment, Selection & Programs
Choosing a career after military life can be a challenge for many. Take an interest assessment, find occupations that match your interests, explore the various facets of those jobs and map out your career plan with the resources below.
- | this quick 30-question interest assessment takes about five minutes to complete and displays careers that fit your interests.
- | search careers like your military job, by key words or industry. Still not sure? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler, which suggests careers based on the type of work you enjoy.
- | match your military skills and experience to civilian occupations.
- | explore criminal justice careers here.
- | read this article that outlines a few occupations that can be applied to various fields of study in college.
- | find 10 sample careers showing the military branch and job title, civilian job match, further education and how to get it, three skills beneficial for that civilian career and the matching military skills.
- CDELC Career Exploration & Planning | Use the information and resources on this page to get the most out of your career exploration experience. When you have finished exploring, map out your career plan before making a move.
Choosing the Right School for You
Veterans students have different needs than traditional students. Fortunately, many colleges have great programs to assist vets and help them succeed. Here are some things to consider as you conduct your search.
- | Veterans Affairs (va.gov)
For more information, contact Associate Director Regional Campus and Veteran Support David Black USN(RET) at 559-573-7822 or email david.black@fresno.edu.
Employment for Student Veterans
The internet can be a very useful tool in locating employment opportunities, but it is not the sole answer to your job search. In addition to checking out the following links, stop by the CSC to make sure your job search strategy is on the right track.
- | enter your military job and where you live. Career One Stop will match it to civilian careers that use similar skills and show you job openings in those careers.
- | explore various careers/options, a skills translator, job search listings and more.
- | access employers who want to hire veterans along with other services.
- | find military friendly jobs on this job listing website.
- | find government jobs by searching using keyword and location or use the filter. This job-listing site allows you to build a profile and save searches.
- CSC Job Search Strategies | learn about the top four strategies that work when searching for jobs.
- CSC Networking | learn the best way to find a job.
- Linked In | create a strong LinkedIn profile to connect with superiors outside of the online system you had when in you were in the service for references or letters of recommendations.
- | FPU's online job board
Resume Writing for Student Veterans
- Resumes & Cover Letters | discover the components of a winning resume, how to get your resume noticed and what you should say in a cover letter.
- | learn how to create a federal resume here.
- | find out what information the U.S. government wants to see on a federal resume.
Interviewing for Student Veterans
Successful interviews don't just happen. Learning interviewing skills and being fully prepared will help you make a winning impression and get the job you want. Review the resources below to help you make a winning impression.
- Interview Preparation-FPU Career Development Center | learn interviewing tips to make a winning impression and get the job you want with the resources provided on FPU’s Career Development Center’s Interview Preparation page.
- | use these resources to help you prepare for and ace your next job interview.
Helpful Resources
These helpful resources provide you with benefit information and services available to veteran students through FPU’s Veteran’s Services Office.
- | Federal Student Aid
- | A one-stop website for employment, training and financial help after military service.
- FPU's Veterans Services | Discusses attendance and load, veteran’s information links and FAQs.