After serving our country, many
veterans are ready to pursue new employment opportunities. As many realize, a high
school diploma or even an associate’s degree is often not enough to procure
employment with a decent salary and benefits. Also, some veterans may have unfinished
college coursework or dream jobs that require additional education, which may
not seem feasible if they are working already and supporting families.
Fortunately, the rise in online education has allowed more veterans the ability
to pursue their passions, interests and, ultimately, careers. The following are
some of the benefits for veterans who pursue online continuing education.
You
can utilize your experiences.
Through online education, many veterans
can pursue careers that help other military personnel, having once been
employed in similar, high-stress occupations. No one can empathize better with
active personnel, as well as other veterans, than those who have served in
their positions. There are numerous online programs in military social work,
including a flexible program at the University
of Southern California. This program prepares students to provide support
to active and retired military personnel suffering from conditions like
posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression. Students work towards
master’s degrees at their own paces, accessing interactive, online coursework
as well as getting hands-on practice during live field experiences.
Your
time is flexible.
Military.com
Education emphasizes that online education offers the luxury of
flexibility. You can choose how many courses you wish to take and when you want
to access your courses. You can do your coursework in the middle of the night
or early in the morning. You can manage your school time around your work
schedule and other activities. If you have children, online education allows
you to spend more time with them and cuts down on childcare costs. Naturally,
online classes require self-discipline because professors still post assignment
deadlines and offer rigorous coursework. It requires a fair amount of
organization, so make sure that you are self-disciplined enough to handle it.
Try taking one course to see if the format is right for you.
There
are financial aid incentives.
As long as you take courses from an
accredited institution, you are still eligible for financial aid. Get
Educated describes the various financial aid options available to military
veterans. Some veterans use the older Montgomery GI Bill, while those who have
served for a minimum of three years since 2001 can access the post 9/11 GI Bill,
which can cover the entire cost of your education. Some veterans are eligible
for both incentives. You can find out exactly what types of aid you are
eligible for by contacting the VA at 1-888-GIBILL-1 or visiting the website of
the United States Department of Veteran Affairs.
Achieve
your dreams.
It is never too late to go back to
school and prepare for a new career in something that you love. Online
education allows you to explore your passions while still working and spending
time with your family. Whether you have always yearned to be a teacher or a
therapist, education has never been so accessible.
This post was written by Joshua John,
he handles community relations for the University of Southern California’s
Online Masters of Social Work.
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