By Mona Lisa Faris As the publisher of U.S. Veterans Magazine and a passionate advocate for veterans’ success, I have spent years understanding the unique skills and strengths that military veterans bring to the civilian workforce. One industry where veterans are particularly well-suited is the sports and fitness industry. Their military experience often translates seamlessly into the demanding and fast-paced nature of sports, providing them with valuable skills like leadership, teamwork, discipline, adaptability, a strong work ethic and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. Additionally, the camaraderie and community aspect of sports can be especially beneficial for veterans transitioning back…
Author: USVM
Transitioning from military service to academic life presents unique challenges for veterans. The structured environment of the military contrasts sharply with the self-directed nature of college, but with the right strategies, veterans can excel in higher education. From leveraging military-earned skills to finding the right support systems, here are key ways to succeed in college as a veteran:Veteran ResourcesMany colleges and universities offer dedicated support programs for veterans. Veteran resource centers provide guidance on financial aid, academic advising and career services tailored to military experience. The Student Veterans of America (SVA) organization also has chapters across campuses, offering peer support…
National University (NU)—a nonprofit, veteran-founded institution serving over 50,000 nontraditional, working, and military students annually through its degree programs and 80,000 more through its workforce and professional programs—today announced the launch of a “co-learning” center designed to provide comprehensive support services for the hard-working students balancing complex career, education and family responsibilities pursuing their education. Called the Nest—an homage to “Navi,” the university’s peregrine falcon mascot—the inaugural location will open on May 9th at National University’s main campus in San Diego, with a second location set to launch this year in Escondido. “The typical student today is an ANDer: a learner…
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) today released survey results highlighting the benefits of video games for U.S. veterans, with 77% of veterans saying they believe video games have a positive impact on their lives. The vast majority of respondents indicated that video game play provides a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety (86%), helps them cope with difficult times (81%), offers a valuable means of staying connected with others (77%) and that video game communities have a positive impact on their mental and emotional well-being (74%).Similarly, when asked to reflect on their time in the service, they indicated that playing…
As part of Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day, several businesses and organizations across the country are offering free and discounted services to servicemembers and veterans this month. Check out the list below and be sure to check in to see if there is an extra discount for the upcoming holiday.Unless otherwise specified, these deals apply to all branches of the military for active-duty, retired, and veteran members.Meal Deals: (Please confirm 2025 deals by visiting their website)Bob Evans: As a general rule of thumb, Bob Evans offers a 10% discount for active, veterans and retired military every day. Be sure…
In today’s job market, creating a resume is not just about impressing hiring managers; it’s also about passing the initial screening process conducted by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and AI-driven tools. These systems are designed to streamline recruitment by filtering out resumes that don’t meet specific criteria, making it essential for job seekers to optimize their resumes for human and machine readers. Here are practical tips to ensure your resume doesn’t get discarded by these automated systems.Standard FormattingATS tools can struggle with overly creative designs. While it’s tempting to stand out with elaborate layouts, unconventional fonts and graphics, these elements…
You already have the mindset. Now let’s plug those skills into some of the highest-paying civilian roles out there.🧠 Leadership & StrategyWhat you did: Led troops, managed missions, handled chaos without blinking.Civilian gold mine:Corporate Executive (CEO, COO) — Leadership translates directly into running businesses.Project Manager — Big money in construction, tech, defense contracting.Translation: You already know how to organize people, manage pressure, and deliver results. Civilians pay BIG for that.🎯 Tactical Operations & Risk ManagementWhat you did: Mission planning, threat assessments, operational execution.Civilian gold mine:Financial Analyst / Investment Banker — Strategy under pressure? That’s Wall Street’s playground.Operations Manager — Logistics,…
If you’re a veteran looking to level up your career — whether in corporate leadership, consulting, government, or even your own business — you’ve probably thought about advanced education. But not just any education. You want something that values experience, sharpens your edge, and opens doors.Enter the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at The University of Texas at Dallas’ Naveen Jindal School of Management (JSOM) — a top-tier choice for high-performing professionals ready to make an impact.Why a DBA — and Why Now?Unlike a traditional PhD, a DBA is geared toward practical, real-world business leadership. It’s not about locking…
If you’re a veteran with dreams of running your own business, you’ve already proven you have the discipline, dedication, and leadership skills to succeed. But let’s be real—getting the right funding to kickstart or expand your business can feel like navigating a minefield. Luckily, there are plenty of loan options out there tailored just for veterans, and we’re here to help you figure out how to secure the financing you need.Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of business loans, let’s acknowledge one simple fact: veterans are naturally built for business. The same qualities that help service members thrive—problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork—are…
May 9 is Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and National University—a Veteran-founded, nonprofit, Military Friendly® school—is helping address a persistent issue: military spouses face an unemployment rate 5x the national average, often due to relocations and career disruptions.This is an important and timely conversation, as military spouses are often overlooked in national workforce and education discussions—despite playing a critical role in the stability of military families.As part of its commitment, NU launched the Whisper Military Spouse Scholarship, providing $10,000 in tuition assistance to help spouses overcome financial barriers and pursue flexible, career-focused education.National University, a Yellow Ribbon School, is committed to…
