What to Do After the Military: How Bellevue University Helps You Reach Your Career and Life Goals

Leaving the military is a major life milestone. After years of service and dedication, transitioning to civilian life can bring its own unique challenges, but it's also a powerful opportunity to build the career and life you've always envisioned. Whether you've served for a few years or decades, your next step is all about aligning your educational plans with your goals for the future.

At Bellevue University, we're here to support you. Our mission is to help veterans and active service members find educational paths that match their career and life goals as they transition from military service.

Every student we work with, whether they're in their first year of military service or their 24th year, is building knowledge that will help them transition to a civilian career.

Russ Lane, Vice President for Government Military Affairs, reflecting on Bellevue University's deep commitment to helping veterans smoothly transition into civilian careers or wherever their next mission in life leads them.

Finding Your Path: Understanding Your Career Goals

Choosing a post-military career isn't just about finding a job. It's about discovering a path that aligns with your personal values, goals, and lifestyle. At Bellevue University, we know that everyone's journey is different, which is why we take a personalized approach to help you identify your ideal career path.

"Usually, a vast majority of veterans don't really know what they want to do when they get out," shares Matthew Ritter, Relationship Manager within the Government Military Affairs Team, acknowledging the uncertainty many face when leaving the military. This is why we start with candid conversations. Our experienced enrollment counselors will help you uncover your goals, financial plans, and educational interests.

"The first step is getting the right information," Russ Lane adds. "We'd like to have military members talk to an enrollment counselor to explore their options at Bellevue University." These conversations allow us to understand where you are on your journey and connect you with the programs and support you need to succeed.

Leverage Your Military Skills for Civilian Success

The skills you developed in the military—leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, and technical expertise—are highly valuable in the civilian workforce. Employers in a wide range of industries recognize and seek out these strengths, and Bellevue University is here to help you translate them into opportunities for a rewarding career.

"The idea is to match their years of military experience with something that's relatable to the civilian world," says JR Richardson, Director of the Military Veterans Services Center. Our degree programs are tailored to build on military strengths and provide a smooth transition into high-demand civilian roles.

Some key military skills that transfer well to civilian careers include:

Leadership and Teamwork: Your experience leading teams or working in collaborative environments makes you a strong candidate for roles in management, operations, and human resources.
Adaptability: The ability to think on your feet and thrive in unpredictable environments makes you well-suited for fast-paced fields like technology, logistics, and emergency management.
Technical Expertise: Whether your military role involved communications or cutting-edge technology, industries like IT, cybersecurity, engineering, and communication could be a natural fit.

Programs like cybersecurity and supply chain management are particularly well-suited for veterans, as Stan Hawkins, Director of Government Military Affairs, points out: "Cybersecurity is number one in the world right now. Supply chain logistics is another natural fit for military members due to its focus on operations and strategy."

Tailored Education: Bridging the Gap to Your Career Goals

Our academic programs are not one-size-fits-all. We focus on aligning our offerings with career paths that military members often pursue after their service. Our degree programs are tailored to help you reach the next step in your career while meeting the practical needs of your life.

Here are just a few areas where Bellevue University stands out for veterans:

Cybersecurity: If your military experience involves communications, security protocols, or technology, you could land roles in IT security, network defense, and beyond after becoming equipped with the technical expertise of our cybersecurity program.
Business Leadership and Administration: If you've led teams or managed operations in the military, you're already primed for leadership roles in business. Our business programs provide pathways to prepare for management, operations, and executive positions where decisive leadership is highly valued.
Healthcare Management: Veterans with experience in medical or operational support roles may find health and healthcare management a natural next step. Our degree programs in this area focus on leading teams, managing healthcare facilities, and improving patient outcomes.

Support for Veterans, From Day One

We understand that transitioning from military life to civilian life can be overwhelming, which is why Bellevue University offers extensive resources tailored specifically to veterans. From academic advising to VA benefits services, our Military Veteran Services Center is here to support you at every stage of your journey.

"They know they have a place to go where they can be served. They can be heard. They can be supported," says Russ Lane. Bellevue's veteran peer groups, career workshops, and networking events help you connect with others who've transitioned, giving you the guidance and support you need to succeed.

Maximizing Your Military Benefits and Financial Aid

Financing your education is a key consideration and Bellevue University is dedicated to helping veterans maximize their VA education benefits and make the most of financial aid opportunities. As a military-friendly institution, we participate in several programs designed to help you cover the cost of your education, including:

Veteran's Education Benefits: Your service may entitle you to significant tuition assistance through the GI Bill® veteran education benefits.* Our staff is here to help you navigate your benefits and understand how to apply them toward your degree.
Military Preferred Tuition Rates: Take advantage of our Military Preferred tuition of $250 per credit hour** at the undergraduate level, available in relevant fields for you and your spouse.
Financial Aid Counseling: Not sure where to start? Our Military Veteran Services Center provides one-on-one assistance, helping you navigate the complex world of military benefits, scholarships, and other needed services.

Russ Lane puts it best: "We're here to make sure veterans are aware of and have access to all the benefits they've earned and deserve. It's never too early or late to get started."

Connect with an admissions counselor today to map out your next career move and see how Bellevue can help you today.

* GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at benefits.va.gov/gibill.

** Degree-seeking active-duty members of the U.S. Military, National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard, and their spouses, with proof of status, are eligible for a special tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for all undergraduate, certificate, and certificate of completion programs as they work towards their degree. Not able to be combined with other special rates, Guild or Campus@Work funding.