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Student Veteran Assistance

At the FPU Career Development Center, we understand that the transition from the military to college and civilian life can have different challenges than for traditional college students. We know it can be difficult to connect your job experience in the military with potential majors and future jobs. Below you will find links to useful information about assessments, military-to-civilian crosswalks, career exploration, choosing the right school for you, transferrable skills, civilian and federal resumes and job postings specifically for veterans, along with other resources.

Information for Student Veterans

Transferable Skills & Crosswalks

If you’ve been in the military for several years, it may seem daunting to translate those skills to skills needed for civilian jobs. Use the resources below to match your military job to civilian careers that use similar skills.

  • Skills Translator – Match your military experience to civilian jobs with this easy-to-use database.
  • Transferable Skills & Trades - Accredited – Provides a sample listing of military jobs from each branch matched with civilian vocational occupations that hire workers with similar skills, training and interests.
  • Military Crosswalks – Search for civilian jobs that translate from your military branch and military title.
  • Vet Crosswalks – Enter your military job and where you live to be matched with civilian careers that use similar skills.
Career Assessment, Selection & Programs

Choosing a career after military life can be a challenge for many. Take an interest assessment, find occupations that match your interests, explore the various facets of those jobs and map out your career plan with the resources below.

  • Career One Stop Interest Assessment – this quick 30-question interest assessment takes about five minutes to complete and displays careers that fit your interests.
  • My Next Move for Vets – search careers like your military job, by key words or industry. Still not sure? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler, which suggests careers based on the type of work you enjoy.
  • Military to Civilian Occupation Finder – match your military skills and experience to civilian occupations.
  • Criminal Justice Degree Guide – explore criminal justice careers here.
  • Best College Degrees for Veterans to Earn – read this article that outlines a few occupations that can be applied to various fields of study in college.
  • Vocational Careers – find 10 sample careers showing the military branch and job title, civilian job match, further education and how to get it, three skills beneficial for that civilian career and the matching military skills.
  • CDELC Career Exploration & Planning – Use the information and resources on this page to get the most out of your career exploration experience. When you have finished exploring, map out your career plan before making a move.
Choosing the Right School for You

Veterans students have different needs than traditional students. Fortunately, many colleges have great programs to assist vets and help them succeed. Here are some things to consider as you conduct your search.

For more information, contact Veteran Outreach and Admissions Representative David Black at 559-573-7822 or email david.black@fresno.edu.

Employment for Student Veterans

The internet can be a very useful tool in locating employment opportunities, but it is not the sole answer to your job search. In addition to checking out the following links, stop by the CSC to make sure your job search strategy is on the right track.

Resume Writing for Student Veterans

Three Easy Steps to Craft Your Resume

  1. Look at the job description for the position you are applying for. Highlight areas in which you have experience, skills, knowledge and abilities.
  2. Use the highlighted language to craft your resume using the template below, using the job description section to help you complete the profile section.
  3. Schedule an appointment to have your resume critiqued by Career Development Center staff.

Helpful Hint 1: Don't repeat job experience if you have held similar positions. Use different wording or split the experience between jobs. It’s okay to repeat key words if they have been used multiple times in the job description, but don’t overdo it.

Helpful Hint 2: If you are changing careers, use a Relevant Work Experience section and Other Work Experience section. In the Other Work Experience section, focus only on transferable skills as they relate to the position you are applying for. If necessary, you can also fill space by including course names of relevant coursework.

Helpful Hint 3: If you have very little or no work experience, you may use volunteer experience if it’s consistent. You can also use your experience from classroom research or projects. Any cocurricular activities such as leadership, sports or student club positions can be included. You can also provide a summary of summer jobs, such as mowing lawns or babysitting, at the end of the experience section. If you still can't fill in the blanks and you don't have a full page, you now know the skills, abilities, knowledge and experience you need to develop to reach your goal.

  • Military to Civilian Resume – learn how to use your military experience on a civilian resume.
  • Resumes & Cover Letters – discover the components of a winning resume, how to get your resume noticed and what you should say in a cover letter.
  • Go Government – learn how to create a federal resume here.
  • USAJobs Resume – find out what information the U.S. government wants to see on a federal resume.
Interviewing for Student Veterans

Successful interviews don't just happen. Learning interviewing skills and being fully prepared will help you make a winning impression and get the job you want. Review the resources below to help you make a winning impression.

Helpful Resources

These helpful resources provide you with benefit information and services available to veteran students through FPU’s Veteran’s Services Office.