What career counselors need to know
Though military service is hard, many veterans tell us that transitioning out of the military is harder. Veterans on campus may be experiencing the frustrations of navigating a complex bureaucracy for services and supports, adjusting to a different culture, dealing with family issues, and adjusting to a service-connected disability.
Veteran-appropriate supports, policies, and services are a key part of ensuring that these students can stay in school and transition to successful careers.
Student veterans are more likely to have children and a spouse than are traditional college students. So, career counselors need to be prepared to support student veterans in finding and managing childcare services.
Some veterans may still face significant disruptions related to ongoing service requirements that involve returning to active duty and/or relocating. When this happens, career and academic counselors are needed to find ways to mitigate these disruptions so that the veteran can, as much as possible, graduate and embark on a career.
Nearly half of Gulf War Era II veterans have a service-connected disability. Tool 2 discusses veterans and disability and is a must-read for career counselors working with student veterans.
