Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families is offering a no-cost Google Cybersecurity Certificate for veterans and military spouses as part of its Onward to Opportunity career training program. Research shows that a successful transition out of the military is predicated on finding the next impactful civilian career in which they can deploy their military-specific skills.
Veterans and military spouses are well-suited toward this career field that addresses threats and protects Americans’ data. Most cybersecurity jobs are fully remote, making them especially adaptable for spouses of active duty service members who move frequently and balance careers with their partners’ military service. Many veterans have IT/cyber experience from their military service that translates well to the civilian sector, and credentials like this make them more competitive in the job market.
Key Benefits:
No cost / no military/VA benefits required—program is fully-funded through a grant from Google
Entry-level program—no experience required
Self-paced, virtual learning
180 hours (target completion: six months)
New cohorts start each month
Access to career resources (resume review, interview prep, career support)
Discount exam voucher code toward CompTIA Security+ Exam
Nine continuing education units (CEUs) that can be applied toward specific college degrees
Cybersecurity Stats: High Demand, High Salaries
Cyberseek.org estimates that in 2023, there were more than 572,000 job openings requiring cybersecurity-related skills, and employers are struggling to find qualified candidates. On average, cyber roles take 21% longer to fill than other IT jobs.
Most entry-level positions offer nearly six-figure salaries.
One cyber attack every 39 seconds
95% of digital breaches caused by human error
$10.5 trillion total American business loss anticipated in 2025
Veteran Transition Stats:
The federal government spends $13 billion annually on military-to-civilian transition programs, primarily on education services, such as the GI Bill
The majority of veterans need – and want – the opportunity to go straight into the workforce.
Nearly two thirds of the nation’s 4.1 million post-9/11 veterans report that their civilian jobs don’t adequately align with their skills and education, even six years after service.
An estimated 200,000 service members transition out of the military each year, and more than half struggle with employment after service.
