5 Reasons Veterans are Uniquely Prepared for Careers in Tech

By Barry Becker, Senior Vice President, Alliances & Partnerships Leader at Kyndryl US, and US Air Force Veteran

In today's fast-paced world of technology, companies are constantly seeking skilled professionals who can adapt, innovate and excel under pressure. Veterans, with their unique blend of discipline, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, have long proved to be strong candidates for technology careers.

While many skills acquired during years of service transfer well to the business world, veterans can also positively impact company culture and its bottom line. Veterans bring the mental discipline and technical expertise to keep IT systems and infrastructures running in high-stakes environments. That’s something we have seen firsthand at Kyndryl, the world’s largest IT infrastructure services company, specializing in designing, managing and running complex mission-critical information systems for customers in major industries around the world.

Kyndryl is committed to supporting veterans through recruiting and hiring efforts, an internal business resource group dedicated to the military community and its Supplier Diversity program that facilitates opportunities for businesses owned and operated by veterans.

Here are five ways in which the experiences and skills gained in the armed forces can translate into successful roles within the technology industry.

1. Technical skills, certifications and expertise

In the military, veterans gain hands-on experiences and hone extensive technical skills that can translate into thriving careers in the technology industry. Their expertise in configuring and troubleshooting complex problems is highly sought after. For instance, veterans who specialize in cybersecurity can seamlessly transition into cybersecurity specialist roles, thanks to their experience in identifying and mitigating security threats. Additionally, these skills also open pathways to careers as network engineers, cybersecurity analysts or systems administrators.

2. Project and financial management

Veterans, adept in planning and executing missions, are good candidates for tech project management roles. Their expertise in resource management, budgeting, setting deadlines and team leadership equips them to run high-value, intricate, multi-step projects. Their ability to maintain unwavering focus translates well into highly detailed projects like software development or technology deployments.

3. Resourcefulness and adaptability

Veterans bring adaptability and resourcefulness to tech startups. Military training instills the ability to think fast, make swift decisions under immense stress and pivot in rapidly changing environments. Remaining composed under pressure and inspiring others to do the same is a core skill. In the ever-changing tech landscape, veterans excel by finding innovative solutions and adapting to evolving circumstances.

4. Teamwork and leadership

Veterans possess exceptional leadership skills with extensive training in critical decision-making, navigating risk management, adhering to high ethical standards, and a keen understanding of leading cohesive teams to a common goal. They are strong candidates for management positions in technology companies, becoming effective team leaders in the private sector, thanks to their ability to focus on what’s essential and put their team first.

5. Diversity and inclusion

The military unites individuals from diverse backgrounds under a common mission, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Diversity is not only embraced but celebrated, valuing people for their unique skills. Veterans carry this inclusive mindset into tech companies, actively promoting diverse and collaborative work cultures. They contribute significantly by collaborating with colleagues from various backgrounds, enriching the workplace with their experiences and perspectives.

Incorporating military veterans into the technology industry not only recognizes their service but also capitalizes on their invaluable skills and experiences. Their seamless transition into various tech roles highlights the adaptability and resilience fostered in the armed forces. As companies continue to prioritize innovation, teamwork and attention to detail, veterans stand as pillars of strength, making significant contributions to the ever-evolving world of technology.

If you are a veteran looking to make the transition to the private sector, visit our Careers page to explore how you can transfer your skills into a career at Kyndryl.