Boost Your Career With Upskilling
What’s “upskilling”? According to one source, it’s “the process of learning new skills or improving existing ones to enhance an individual’s capabilities and effectiveness in their current role or prepare them for future roles within the same field or organization.”
Upskilling focuses on deepening expertise and broadening knowledge within a related area.
A World Economic Forum report further defines upskilling as a tool to prepare workers for the jobs of the future by coordinating vested parties, including the “business, civil society, and government,” to align workers’ skills with the challenges of the workplace of the future. Its founders include executive leadership from LinkedIn, Coursera, Education Testing Services (ETS), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the Wharton School, among others.
Upskilling Need
While the veteran unemployment rate is relatively low, at 4.0%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, underemployment remains a consistent challenge. According to a 2022 report published by the National Veterans’ Training Institute, 1/3 of veterans are underemployed. That’s about 15% higher than for civilians. What does It mean to be underemployed?
Typically, it refers to those working in jobs that fall below their skill level or don’t match the amount of time available for work (part-time vs. full-time). For veterans, it may mean that you may have the skills but not the credentials to demonstrate your proficiency – that’s where upskilling can give you a boost in getting out from under the underemployment trap.
What is Upskilling?
LinkedIn defines upskilling as “When an employee undertakes learning to expand their existing skill set; that learning is known as upskilling.” These additional skills enhance the worker’s performance in their current role and potentially advance their career path. It differs from “reskilling in that it is focused on growing or improving skills in their particular field rather than developing those that may be aligned with their current job function but geared to a new or different path. In short, the process is similar in both, but the outcomes are different. Upskilling enhances your skills, while reskilling may grow them differently.
Common Reasons to Upskill
In many ways and professions, there is an ever-present need to modernize your skills portfolio to meet evolving needs. Upskilling is not just a technology tool but has become prevalent in many professions. Here are a few reasons you may want to consider upskilling.
- To avoid underemployment.
- To be prepared for changes in the industry you are or aspire to be in.
- To facilitate a transition to a new position or industry
- To increase your satisfaction with your job
- To grow your opportunities for a higher position and salary increases.
Why Veterans Should Consider Upskilling
Veterans can particularly benefit from upskilling as they explore careers in the civilian world. You’ve gained many skills and unique experiences; sometimes, it can be challenging to parlay them into a new gig. That’s where upskilling comes in. Let’s look at a few areas where your service coincides with the needs of the modern job market.
- Your ability to adapt can be a great asset to learning a new skill
- Your leadership prowess gives you an edge when it comes to problem-solving in a team or even in a management role
- You likely have a good grasp of modern technology
- You have had at least essential exposure to healthcare
- You have a ready-made network of peers with access to myriad organizations with help and resources – many are free.
Free or Discounted Programs
As we mentioned above, there are many, many free opportunities to upskill as a veteran. We’ll look at a few schools in a minute, but let’s get you started by looking at options that will keep your budget in check.
Veterans may receive a free year of coursework by applying through their veteran’s program. A substantial number of courses are available, and since many of them are short, you can explore various subjects. Additionally, you can earn a certificate from a college or university upon completion!
If you’re interested in construction, H2H has you covered. And get this: You may even get paid while you’re learning. Their partnerships with the International Construction Union will help you connect with their partners to explore careers in bricklaying, boiler making, electrical makers, ironmaking, elevator construction, and much more. When you complete your apprenticeship, you can access their job page, where partners and others list open jobs.
Operation Code is a Portland-based nonprofit organization with chapters nationwide that mentor veterans in the high-demand coding field. By becoming a member, you can access an online Slack community to get started, and they provide mentors to help guide your path. The best part? You only need a computer and a strong internet connection to get started. Membership is free.
Heroes to Healthcare helps students pursue a career in healthcare by providing financial assistance for items not covered by the GI Bill, including laptops, scrubs, medical equipment, online school subscriptions, laptops, and more. Students are nominated to be considered for this assistance.
College or University Resources
Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) has significantly invested in preparing veterans for employment through the programs below.
O2O provides free training, career counseling, and professional certification for military personnel, veterans, spouses, and transitioning service members, supported by a vast network of partnerships that includes Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and private companies. An evaluation conducted by Penn State’s Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness yielded positive data that supports the program’s efficacy, including that participants, were 2x more likely to find a new opportunity within 6 months and an average increase of $13,000 for those with E-6 pay grade and below.
Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE)
If you’re a woman veteran or spouse interested in starting your own business, V-Wise may be for you. This blended program includes a 4-week online curriculum that gives you fundamental business acumen leading to a capstone 2-day conference. The $75 registration fee covers the tuition along with most of the expenses associated with attending the conference. V-Wise has 2 cohorts per year and is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026
Other Options
Sam Houston State University Polytechnic College (Sam Poly)
Texas has embraced upskilling by launching a school in collaboration with industry leaders to address labor gaps. While it isn’t free, if you want to become a paralegal, computer specialist, or AI automation specialist, consider checking out this school in Houston. Texas has embraced upskilling by launching a school in collaboration with industry leaders to address labor gaps. While it isn’t free, if you’re interested in becoming a paralegal, computer specialist, or AI automation specialist, you might want to consider checking out this school in Houston.
Purdue University Northeast Cyber Workforce Certification Training (CWST)
Purdue’s cyber program permits you to get hands-on experience in the rapidly growing cyber field. There are a bunch of different paths for you to choose from, including everything from AI to forensic digital, and the time frame, at 10 weeks, is pretty manageable. You will get most of the curriculum online and attend live scheduled lectures. Upon completion, you will earn an industry and government-recognized certificate applicable to IT Information and Security.
About the author
Wendy Ann Lang
Wendy Ann Lang is the President and Founder of Operation College Promise. Wendy regularly presents at national conferences as a subject matter expert in best practices to support the military-connected student population. She is a founding member of the Stockton University Veterans’ Advisory Board and was awarded their “Veterans’ Advocate of the Year” in 2017. From 2020 to 2024, Wendy led the Bush Institutes’ Higher Education and Employment Task Forces, focusing on contemporary initiatives to optimize student veterans' postsecondary success and reduce barriers to employment in high-demand fields.