Tips for a Smoother Military-to-Civilian Transition through Education

It’s no secret; change can be very stressful. That’s true whether you’re in the military or a civilian – and especially so when you’re transitioning from one to the other.

From military spouses and families to active-duty personnel, coming up on your end date and getting ready to rejoin the civilian population is no picnic. Where will you live? What’s it take to adapt to civilian life? What kind of benefits can you and your family expect to continue to receive…and how?

And a biggie: What will you do for a new career?

As an educator with a military friendly educational institution, I’ve worked with dozens of active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and military families. I’ve learned a few things I’d like to pass on to you as you consider your transition, especially if you know education is the route to a brighter post-military future.

Start Now.

The sooner you begin, the sooner you will graduate with a degree. That may seem like common sense, but many avoid the commitment of a degree program thinking they’ll move before they can complete it. An online degree program gives you the flexibility to attend classes from anywhere there’s a stable Internet connection.

Transfer Credit.

While this is up to the receiving institution, most schools will accept credit earned at an accredited on-ground or online college. Many colleges, especially those with a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) policy, will also award credit based on military training, equivalency exams, and life experiences. Be sure to check out the transfer policies of the schools you’re considering.

Ask Questions.

Have some colleges in mind but not sure which is right for you? Here are a few questions to ask – or explore – to help you make the right decision:

• Does the school give credit for military experience and training?
• What’s its Career Services Department like?
• Does it have a fully staffed VA department?
• What is the learning experience like?
• Does it offer free tutoring services?
• Will an advisor be assigned to me?
• How can I judge the quality of an online school?

(Note: The best way to determine the academic viability of an institution is to ensure the agency accrediting it is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation [CHEA].)

Invest Wisely.

Ask about funding your education as a servicemember and select a school that specializes in being a military friendly institution. You earned your benefits. Don’t be overwhelmed by the ins-and-outs of all that is available to you. You can find resources online, but a true military friendly school will have a fully staffed VA department that can walk you through the process.

Transitioning from military life to civilian life can be overwhelming, but it can also be very exciting. As you look toward this transition, remember preparation through education is the key.

Good luck!
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This piece was written by Eden Lord, adjunct faculty at Grantham University. For more information, check out Grantham’s series of Military-to-Civilian Transition Guides: http://bit.ly/grantham-u-resources