Job & Internship Search for Military-Connected Students & Veterans

Translate Your Experience Into a
Career You’re Excited About

You served. You went back to school. Now it’s time to find the right job—or internship—for you. Whether pursuing something related to your military background or pivoting into a new industry, GGU’s Diller Center for Veterans supports every step of the journey.

  • Before diving into the job search, it’s important to take a step back and explore what kind of work actually excites you. Career exploration isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about getting curious, asking the right questions, and aligning your next move with your goals, values, and strengths.

    We’re here to help you explore your options in a practical, personalized way, starting with tools built specifically for service members and veterans:

    • Occupational Outlook Handbook: Get detailed info on hundreds of careers, including salary data, job growth, and typical duties.

    • My Next Move for Veterans: Enter your military job code and explore civilian careers that match your skills.

    • O*NET Online: Use your MOS, Rating, or AFSC to discover related job fields—and see what skills are most in-demand.

    Once you’ve identified some potential industries or roles, the next best step is to talk to someone in the field. Informational interviews can help you validate your ideas, gather insider insights, and build real connections as you explore new directions.

  • With a clearer sense of what’s possible and where you might fit, it’s time to take action. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to navigating the job and internship search—from researching opportunities to applying, networking, and preparing for interviews. Whether you're targeting federal positions, private sector roles, or internships to gain experience, we’ve got you covered.

    Understanding the field you want to enter will help you target the right roles—and speak the language of your future industry. Here's how to begin:

    • Follow companies and professionals on LinkedIn

    • Browse job boards like Handshake, USAJobs, Glassdoor, Idealist, and GoGovernment

    • Talk to professors and mentors about career paths in your field

    • Ask other veterans what they’re doing now—and how they got there

    💡 Tip: Not sure what you want to do? Book an appointment with your career coach to explore career options and transferable skills.

    👉 Schedule Career Coaching

  • Did you know? Over 80% of jobs are filled through personal and professional connections.

    Here’s how to grow your network:

    • Reconnect with former supervisors, colleagues, classmates, and mentors

    • Attend veteran-focused hiring events and career fairs

    • Conduct informational interviews with professionals in your desired industry

    • Use LinkedIn to connect with GGU alumni, fellow veterans, or employees at your target companies

    • Join organizations and programs that match you with military mentors or job pipelines

    👉 Visit our Networking + LinkedIn Guide

  • Even though networking is your most powerful tool, job boards still matter—especially when used strategically.

    Top Platforms for Military-Connected Job Seekers:

    • Handshake (GGU’s student job board)

    • LinkedIn Jobs

    • USAJobs.gov (federal government roles)

    • GoGovernment.org (federal job search tools)

    • Glassdoor (company reviews and salary info)

    • Idealist.org (mission-driven organizations)

    • Guidestar.org (nonprofits)

    • TeamWork Online (sports + event careers)

    👉 See our list of military-friendly employers

    ⚠️ Watch for Scams:
    A legitimate recruiter will never ask for your bank information or Social Security Number during the application process. If something seems suspicious, reach out to your career coach right away.

  • Once you’ve found a role that interests you, it’s time to stand out on paper.

    Make sure to:

    • Tailor your resume to each role using keywords from the job description

    • Write a custom cover letter that reflects your interest and alignment

    • Ask your career coach to review your materials before submitting

    👉 Visit the Resume & Cover Letter Guides

  • Made it to the interview stage? Amazing—don't stop now.

    Head over to our Interview + Negotiate resource page to:

    • Practice STAR-format stories

    • Prepare for common and unexpected interview questions

    • Learn how to send a post-interview thank-you email

    • Understand what (and how) to negotiate in a job offer

    👉 Go to Interview + Negotiate