Cybersecurity: Free Education Opportunities for Military

Interested in a lucrative career in cybersecurity?

Free Education Opportunities for Military

Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing career fields in the nation, with a 0% unemployment rate and median salary upwards of $90k in Idaho.

With statistics like that, it’s understandable that careers in the cybersecurity field are highly attractive for transitioning military members and spouses. Moreover, members of the military community are often a natural fit because of their aptitude for problem solving, attention to detail, and ability to learn and adapt quickly.

If you’re thinking about a career in this field, most employers prefer at least a Bachelor’s degree, along with a number of other industry standard certifications. While the income potential is great, you may want to consider maximizing your VA education benefits, as you’ll periodically need to renew or obtain a certification. The options below are free to eligible military members, veterans, and military spouses, and can help launch a lucrative career in cybersecurity.

MISSION43 CYBERSECURITY ACADEMY WITH SANS INSTITUTE

Through a partnership with SANS Institute, one of the most prestigious cybersecurity training and certification providers in the industry, we are supporting eligible members through a series of certifications, preparing them to meet the needs of the Idaho cybersecurity job market with an estimated average entry-level salary of over $60k annually. Mission43 will provide full scholarships to selected participants. SANS reports that 90% of graduates land new jobs in cybersecurity within 6 months of program completion. It’s our goal to introduce new cybersecurity talent into the civilian and Federal workforce. The ideal candidate for this program is:

Free education options

Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE) is a partnership between the Department of Homeland Security and Hire our Heroes to offer free, online cybersecurity training and certification prep courses like Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) Program offers cybersecurity scholarships to outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students of up to $34,000 to cover costs at a participating institution. In return for financial support, participants must agree to work for the U.S. Government, in a cybersecurity related field, for a period of time matching the length of the scholarship. In Idaho, students can attend either the University of Idaho or Idaho State University.

Cisco Veterans Cyber Scholarship Program, in partnership with CyberVetsUSA, provides free online cybersecurity training and certifications to transitioning service members, guard/reserve, veterans, and military spouses. The training is self-paced and usually takes 12-14 weeks to complete. Foundational IT/networking experience is recommended.

Onward to Opportunity is a partnership between the Institute for Veterans and Military Families and Syracuse University. O2O is a free program for transitioning military members and military spouses that offers industry standard certifications in areas like customer service, information technology, and business management. O2O courses are offered online for members in Idaho, and include some of the most sought-after certifications: CompTIA A+. Security+, CASP+, SSCP, CISSP, and many more!

Second Watch, created by Palo Alto Networks, believes that veterans have intrinsic skills needed in the cybersecurity arena. The program features 9 self-paced steps that guide you through digital learning courses, leading to free Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) and Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity (PCCSA) exams. Veterans can also take free courses leading to the (paid) Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Engineer (PCNSE) exam.

SANS VetSuccess Immersion Academy: If you already have a degree and/or some experience in information technology, information security, or audit from military service, this free SANS immersion might be right for you. Eligible transitioning service members and active duty spouses can complete up to three SANS courses and industry-leading certifications. Candidates must meet Academy requirements and submit an application, online assessment, and personal interview.

Skills gap in Idaho

The options above are great resources for all skill levels, but especially for those looking to stack their skills for marketability. Taking advantage of one or more of these opportunities can lead to a promising career in a short amount of time, as there is currently a high need for web and Java developers in Idaho and not enough graduates to fill open job positions.

If you’re new to the information security/cybersecurity field, it’s a good idea to establish your career goals and build your education plan accordingly. Local tech recruiters suggest that having a Bachelor’s degree in computer science can not only open more employment doors, but also lead to a $10+ an hour wage increase.

Education Discovery Series: CyberSecurity

Connect to learn more about Cybersecurity program options

Mission43 PMP Certification Course

Project Management Professional Certification Course for Transitioning Military, Veterans, and Spouses

Take your military experience and transition into project management

By 2027, the Project Management Institute estimates employers will need 87.7 million skilled workers in project-management oriented roles. Meanwhile, the shortage of qualified talent poses a notable risk for organizations that rely on that talent to implement strategic initiatives, drive change, and deliver innovation. 

Transitioning military members, veterans, and spouses are ideal candidates for the project management profession; military experience translates to project management success. Leading cross-functional teams to ensure accomplishment of mission objectives, managing budgets and scheduling activities, conflict mediation and performance appraisal are all key project management proficiencies.

With your experience and a Project Management Institute (PMI) credential, you can distinguish yourself to potential employers and open doors to new opportunities.

Launching your career

There is currently a high demand for skilled project managers in Idaho. With an increase in jobs requiring project-oriented skills and a widening gap of available talent due to an aging workforce, a career in project management is more achievable than you might think. 

If you think this sounds like a career-fit for you, consider taking these steps: 

• Inventory and translate your skills - a lot of military experience qualifies as project management experience. Action officer, training officer, operations planner, commander, platoon sergeant… sound like you? These are just a few military job titles that correlate to civilian project management. Much of project management is going to fall into five process groups, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and closing. Work with the Mission43 employment team to translate your skills into terminology recognized in the project management field and create a resumé that makes sense to employers.

• Explore Project Management sectors - There’s a wide range of industries and organizations seeking project managers in Idaho. If construction comes to mind when you think of project management, you’re right! However, project managers are needed in almost every sector, including safety, technology, healthcare, government, energy, manufacturing, hospitality, and more! This can be an incredible opportunity to match your skills and passion. 

• Grow your network - Join your local Project Management Institute chapter, like PMI Western Idaho. Network among industry professionals or other military-connected project managers. Use LinkedIn to your advantage to discover people who can help you determine if project management is the right fit for you. 

• Get certified - Earning a professional certification can increase earning potential in upwards of 25% and gives you a competitive edge in the job market. For those with experience and competence in leading project teams, the Project Management Professional, PMP, credential is the most important globally-recognized and independently validated certification for project managers.

Earn your PMP Certification with Mission43

Mission43 has partnered with Pinnacle Professional Development, LLC to provide a free Project Management Professional Certification course to select Mission43 members. 

Pinnacle Professional Development is a PMI authorized training partner, meaning they have access to exclusive training content from the Project Management Institute. With a veteran team and over 20 years of adult education experience, Pinnacle provides a meaningful classroom experience with the tools and resources needed to successfully earn your PMP certification. 

Selected applicants will receive a scholarship covering the full cost of the 4-day, 35 hour course and one testing voucher, valued at over $3,000.

To find out when applications are open or to learn more about this program, contact a Mission43 education pillar advisor today!