Student Veterans

Make the Most of Your Military Experience

As you transition from military service to civilian life, student veterans bring a unique and valuable skill set to the workplace. This career resource page is here to help you translate your experience into future opportunities.

On this page you will find tools to help explore careers, insights on job search strategies from other career experts, examples of a civilian-ready resumes with how to talk about your military experience.

Networking & Career Exploration

Translating Your Military Experience

Applying & Interviewing for Jobs

Disability Disclosure

Veteran Voices Insights

Where should I start my job search, and how do I make professional connections?

These tools connect veterans to employers who value your experience. Use them to build your network, explore careers, and apply with confidence. Many Employers that attend CSU career Fairs are looking to hire Veterans, make sure you make time. To attend any of the CSU Career Fairs and employer events found on Handshake.

Quick Start Checklist- Check out our Job Search Guide

Update and tailor your resume using the Career Center Resume Guide
Create a cover letter to make your application stand out
Set up LinkedIn, Use the free Veteran Premium access.
Translate your skills – Try O*NET or My Next Move.
Sign up for veteran job boards
Start networking reach out to other vets and professionals on LinkedIn, attend events like the CSU Career Fair and other industry events

Am I eligible for VA work-study, and how do I apply?

If you’re using VA education benefits and enrolled at least ¾-time, you might qualify for paid VA Work‑Study while you’re in school. You could earn income working in a flexible, veteran-supportive role on or off campus.

Check your eligibility and apply here: VA Guide on Using Work-Study Benefits

Career Exploration

Explore Military Careers Career Exploration
Military Crosswalk Search see what your job was in military as a civilian plug and play)
DOD CIVILIAN CAREERS
GI Jobs – Jobs for Veterans Everything to support Military
https://apex.studentveterans.org/home AI powered career matching
What Can I Do With This Major?

Veteran Friendly Job Search Support and Networking

Veterans get Complimentary Access to LinkedIn Premium
Helmets to Hardhats– Construction Management
Larimer County Workforce Center
GI Jobs – Jobs for Veterans A little of everything)
Colorado Department of Labor,Veterans | Department of Labor & Employment
CDLE Hire A Veteran ( Colorado Work force Career Center)
Vet Jobs
Hire Heroes USA Job Board
Virtual Classroom – OPM.gov
Clearance Jobs
Advanced Search – HirePatriots.com
Military.com – Veteran Employment Center

How do I explain what I did in the military in a way civilian employers will understand?

Translating your military role into civilian-friendly language is key to helping employers understand the value you bring. These tools can help you identify transferable skills, match them to civilian job titles, and describe your experience in a way that’s clear and compelling. Use them to find language for your resume, cover letter, or LinkedIn profile, and to explore new career paths based on your military background.

Think about the professional context of your story, ask yourself…

Who did this help or impact? (unit, team, family, customers, community, YOU?)
Why did it matter? What was the purpose, goal, accomplishment, challenge, outcome/ result?
How might this look like in a job setting

Use CSU Career Competencies to identify YOUR skills and knowledge you’ve achieved from school and your past experiences.

Translate Your Skills

What should my resume and cover letter look like now that I’m transitioning to a civilian career?

Writing a Resume

Your resume should translate your military experience into terms civilian employers can easily understand. Focus on your transferable skills, accomplishments, and the value you bring to a team or organization. Avoid military-specific jargon and acronyms, use plain language to make your experience relatable.

Writing a Cover Letter
Think of your cover letter as a personal introduction that connects your military and civilian experience to the job you want. It’s your chance to explain why you’re a strong fit, highlight transferable skills, and express your interest in the role. Aim for clear, everyday language, avoid military jargon or technical terms that might not be familiar to civilian employers.

Below are some examples of translating military terminology for civilian comprehension for resume bullet points, cover letters, and during interviews.

Mission

responsibility, task, objective, job

Battalion, Unit, Platoon

organization, agency, department

Subordinates, Service members

employees, co-workers, colleagues, personnel, individuals

TDA/MTOE

organizational structure, material resources, manpower

NCOIC, Watch Captain, Petty Officer of the Watch

Supervisor, Manager, Coordinator

Action Officer (AO)

Analyst (or Senior Analyst if applicable)

First Sergeant

Personnel Supervisor

Senior Leader Course (SLC)

Senior-level Leadership, Technical and Management Development Course

Veteran & Military Transition Center

More Translated Military Terms

Application Materials Resources

How do I talk about my military experience in a job interview?

Interviewing for Civilian Roles

Interviews are your chance to show how your military experience translates into strengths for a civilian workplace. Focus on the skills you gained for example, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and discipline. Connect them to the job you’re applying for. Use clear, simple language and avoid military jargon. Practice sharing specific examples that show how you’ve made an impact.

Vet Life Today Interview Tips
Big Interview – Career Center
Practice Answering Questions– Career One Stop PDF
Working Wardrobes– Career Support for veterans- clothing and pre-recorded workshops CA

Do I need to disclose my disability when applying for jobs?

Disability information and accommodations during job search for veterans.

Whether or not to disclose a disability is a personal decision, and you are never required to share unless you’re requesting an accommodation. If you do need accommodations during the application or interview process, you can choose to disclose at a time that feels right for you. Employers are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations under the ADA. This section includes information on your rights, how to ask for accommodations, and resources specifically for veterans navigating this process.

What have other veterans done with their degree and experience after service?

Military to Career Insights

Hearing from other veterans can be one of the most powerful ways to explore your own path. These podcasts feature real stories and conversations about how military members navigated their transitions, used their education, and built fulfilling civilian careers. Whether you’re figuring out what’s next or need a boost of motivation, these episodes offer both insight and inspiration.