Tips for Veterans Pursuing an Online Education
For veterans returning to civilian life, the transition can be difficult. If you’re unsure of what to do with your life after serving in the military, consider going to college to earn a degree. For veterans who also need to work to support themselves or their families, an online education is a great option. If you need guidance on how to better assimilate into civilian life, check out the Vets Help Center for support.
Transition to civilian life
While many veterans are able to transition to civilian life with ease, over a quarter of veterans have difficulties, according to the Pew Research Center. There are a number of factors that come into play—the amount of time served, the severity of trauma experienced while in service, and whether a veteran has a strong support network all impact a person’s ability to transition smoothly.
Veterans who are struggling to find their place in society after serving in the military can take advantage of the GI Bill, which helps former service members pay for tuition. The GI Bill is accepted at many institutions and for a number of different degrees, meaning you can pursue an education that interests you.
Take online classes
Going to school full-time can be very demanding, especially for veterans who have family obligations or need to work to support themselves. Online classes offer students a great deal of flexibility, so look into programs that can be done remotely.
One degree that can be done completely online is information technology (IT). IT is a great career path because it equips graduates with a variety of skills that can translate to a number of careers. Not only will you gain an in-depth knowledge of computer information systems and technology, but you’ll also be able to get important industry-recognized certifications.
Another degree that can be done online is marketing, which sets graduates up for a number of potential career paths. People who get a marketing degree can work in sales, management, or content creation. Digital marketing is a growing field, and you’ll have plenty of work opportunities if you choose this path.
For veterans interested in working with children, becoming a teacher can also be done online. Whether you want to work in elementary education or as a high school teacher, an online teaching degree will give you time and flexibility to complete your studies while meeting your needs or your family obligations.
Tips for learning online
The benefits of learning online are many: you can take it at your pace, and it broadens your scope for your career path. However, there are challenges with learning online, so come prepared with these tips.
First, understand what you need to accomplish to do well in each course. Read the syllabus closely, and use a personal calendar to help you manage your time and meet deadlines accordingly. Even though you’re learning online, set yourself up for success by showing up to class as though it were in person: get dressed out of your pajamas, find a quiet space in your home, and turn off your mobile phone to eliminate distractions.
Another great tactic for online learning is to practice active learning. Rather than reading the course material and moving on, take an active part by quizzing yourself on what you’ve just read. Or, take notes on key learnings: we often learn best when we read concepts in our own handwriting, so it may help you absorb new information more effectively.
Online learning is a great option for veterans because it allows for flexibility and a self-paced learning environment. Online degree options are more varied than ever before: along with becoming an IT specialist, you could learn digital marketing skills or become a high school teacher. Your options are vast for learning online, but remember to take advantage of these tips and resources to be successful in your education.
