Our GI expert outlines the following three steps to take when you're ready to hit the books:
- Contact the Veterans Administration to confirm eligibility and estimate GI Bill benefits. If you are qualified, almost all colleges--public or private, online or in-person, and Yellow Ribbon Schools--are open for you.
- Gather any transcripts and military training records that can count as college credit. If you do get college credit, you can meet graduation requirements more quickly.
- Research schools to decide where you want to go. Start by eliminating the schools that appeal to you the least or that don't offer programs in which you're interested.
Also, when deciding on a school, dream big. "Use paper or computer to actually write down the attributes of your dream college," advises our expert. "Then search for schools offering just those traits...[It can] be fun to explore your educational options and prepare for your future."
Time Limit to Opt-In on GI Bill Benefits?
If you didn't enroll in the GI Bill program while enlisted, you might wonder if it's too late. Luckily, says our expert, Congress saved you.
Many servicemembers change their minds about foregoing an education, and that's why Congress included transferability, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and automatic enrollment in the Post-9-/11 GI Bill. Additional benefits and eligibility may be added.
In other words, "Whew! You're covered!" Remember that your GI Bill benefits are determined by the length of service, where you live, and the school you plan to attend. Often if you choose a more expense private college, the VA and the university may share the extra expense under the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Choosing a New Career
Once you've squared away eligibility and your transcripts, it's time to give some thought to your new career. The best place to start is to follow your passion. But if you aren't sure of your passion and want to explore your options, you can start with occupations in the fastest growing fields to see if any of those jobs pique your interest. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics database, the following are the 10 fastest growing careers through 2018, along with the education requirements:
- Biomedical engineers, undergraduate degree
- Network systems and data communications analysts, undergraduate degree
- Home health aides, on-the-job training
- Personal and home care aides, on-the-job training
- Financial examiners, undergraduate degree
- Medical cientists, except epidemiologists, PhD
- Physician assistants, masters degree
- Skin care specialists, vocational training
- Biochemists and biophysicists, PhD
- Athletic trainers, undergraduate degree
General salary expectations are listed in the full post. Also, know that for jobs like home health and home care aids where a degree isn't required, you may be unable to use your GI Bill since it requires enrollment in a program leading toward a degree. On the other hand, a position as an aide might be a good way to try out the field, and if you enjoy it, you could use your military benefits to pursue a degree as a nurse or technician, which pays a higher salary.
