Student veterans

Career resources for military veterans

A transition from “boots to books” can be stressful and overwhelming at times. To help reduce that stress, the Career Center is committed to helping and supporting our Veterans in the job search process. We work one-on-one and provide group presentations to ensure that our Veterans on campus receive excellent service that is tailored to their job-search needs.

UW Bothell welcomes veterans!

UW Bothell has been designated a veteran-friendly campus by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.

Getting a jump start on your career

Landing your perfect career after graduation or getting into graduate school, takes more than just going to class each day. Take a look at the tips below to gain some insight on what you can do now to succeed after graduation.

• Explore your options: Make an appointment to learn about career choices with your major; complete an assessment to help you discover your strengths; use available resources to build an action plan to turn your degree into a career.

• Get experience: Seek out internship, volunteer, or research opportunities to gain practical experience in an occupation or career field.

• Become a student leader: Employers and graduate schools want to see leadership experiences on your resume. Get involved with a student organization or start a campus club to refine your leadership skills.

Develop a “civilian-friendly” resume

To apply for jobs and internships outside of the military you will need to adapt your resume language to civilian terms. For help in doing so, please make an appointment with Career Services to assist in developing and reviewing your resume, cover letter, and other application materials. Some additional materials:

• Military Skills Translator: Translate your military skills, experience, and training to find career opportunities that best align with your skills and abilities.

• O*Net Online. Click on “Crosswalks” and enter your military job code or title. This skills tool translates terms from your military assignment into civilian occupation key words to help you build effective bullets on your resume.

• Resume Writing for Veterans (accessible word doc) includes tips on writing a resume with military experience and background.

Hiring preference for veterans

Many organizations want to hire veterans and in some cases give preference to veteran applicants:

• G.I. Jobs.com: View a list of the 50 most “veteran friendly” employers.
• USA Jobs – Federal Government Openings: The United States Federal Government gives preference to job seekers who are veterans.

Washington state and VA resources

In addition to receiving service from Career Services, you may find the resources below helpful as you begin your job search.

• Veterans Administration Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. Some veterans may qualify for employment and vocational rehabilitation services through the Veterans Administration (VA).
• Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs has employment resources for veterans.

Additional job search and information resources

There are a variety of career search websites for veterans and their families. Here are some of the many resources available:

• Bunker Labs is a 501(c)(3) non-profit national network of veteran entrepreneurs dedicated to helping new veteran entrepreneurs start their own business.
• COMMIT Foundation aims to create serendipity for men and women separating from uniformed services and entering the professional civilian world.
• EduMed provides an online guide for students veterans to get hired in the healthcare field.
• Google for Veterans provides useful resources and links for families and veterans.
• Military.com is a job search portal that provides job postings, networking, and career advice.
• My Next Move helps veterans find civilian careers similar to their military experience.
• RecruitMilitary. Find veteran and civilian careers through this online job portal as well as career and recruiting fairs for vets and their spouses.
• VetCentral Jobs determines veterans’ special rights and privileges for Federal civil service employment and transition services.
• Veterans Today is an online journal that features news, benefits, and job search information.
• VetNet, operated as a collaboration between The Institute for Veterans and Military Families and Hire Heroes USA, provides a platform to help veterans and their families find careers.
• Work Source assists thousands of military veterans, including disabled veterans, find employment. They also have additional resources such as skills assessments, workshops and technical trainings.

UW Bothell veteran support services

UW Bothell Veteran & Military Resources Office provides information on the GI Bill, Tuition Reduction Program, and other academic and support resources.

Know your rights

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) is a broad law with implications for returning veterans, including protection from job discrimination. For more information please visit the USERRA website.