Cecilian Partners Named Code Platoon’s 2025 Partner of the Year

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Chicago, IL, [June 25, 2025] – Code Platoon, a nonprofit coding bootcamp dedicated to helping Veterans, Servicemembers, and military family members transition into tech careers, proudly announces Cecilian Partners as its 2025 Partner of the Year. This recognition honors a corporate partner whose leadership and collaboration have significantly advanced Code Platoon’s mission. 

A leader in PropTech innovation, Cecilian Partners has not only developed cutting-edge digital tools for the real estate sector but has also assembled a multidisciplinary team with backgrounds spanning a broad range of industries and military service. Through its partnership with Code Platoon, Cecilian has hired full-time engineers and apprentices from the military community, creating an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and empowered.

“Our partnership with Cecilian Partners reflects the essence of being ‘Built Together,’” said Rod Levy, Founder and Executive Director of Code Platoon. “They recognize that talent comes from many paths—and they’ve opened their doors, their teams, and their leadership to Code Platoon graduates. Cecilian is a model of what it looks like when a company invests in people, not just roles. We’re proud to build with them.”

Over the past two years, Cecilian Partners has welcomed five Code Platoon alumni into its engineering team. Among them is Navy Veteran James Kelsey, now a celebrated contributor who earned the company’s 2024 MVP Award. Air Force Veteran and military spouse Kana Pankey, another hire, brings leadership and cross-functional thinking to the fast-paced environment. These hires are more than placements—they are examples of a shared belief that great teams are built, not born.

“We owe everything to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces—their service gives us the freedom to build, grow, and live without fear,” said John Cecilian Jr., Co-founder and CEO of Cecilian Partners. “Partnering with Code Platoon isn’t just about talent. It’s about character. These veterans bring discipline, humility, and a team-first mindset into our company. Creating a place where they can thrive in civilian life isn’t just a privilege—it’s our duty.”

Cecilian’s commitment goes beyond hiring. Their team actively supports Code Platoon through mentorship, sponsorship, and advocacy, elevating the mission in boardrooms, development teams, and community spaces alike.

Cecilian Partners will be formally recognized at Celebrate Code Platoon 2025, the organization’s annual benefit event, held on September 25, 2025, at Burning Bush Brewery in Chicago.

About Code Platoon

Code Platoon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that transforms Veterans, active duty Servicemembers, and military spouses into professional software engineers through an immersive, hands-on educational process and paid apprenticeship program. We recognize the unique and diversified skill sets and experience Veterans bring to the tech industry and provide the hard and soft skills for these individuals to transition to careers in tech. 

About Cecilian Partners

Cecilian Partners is transforming the digital future for community developers and homebuilders with its award-winning software suite, the Residential OS®. ResOS includes the industry’s first lot banking platform, interactive 3D maps, patented property development software, digital marketing tools, and an all-in-one app for community management and resident engagement. Headquartered in New Hope, PA, Cecilian Partners serves many of the nation’s leading real estate developers and builders. Learn more at www.cecilianpartners.com.

Contact Information:

Jim Hennessey
(312) 767-7673
jim@codeplatoon.org
codeplatoon.org

Code Platoon Launches New AI Cloud & DevOps Program to Meet Evolving Tech Workforce Demands

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TLDR: Updated curriculum and program name reflect the growing importance of AI and Cloud Engineering in technology roles.

Chicago, IL, [June 18, 2025] – Code Platoon, a nonprofit coding bootcamp for Veterans, active duty Servicemembers, and military families, is proud to announce the launch of its newly revamped AI Cloud and DevOps Engineering program. This update reflects a growing demand in the tech industry for professionals trained at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and DevOps engineering.

The first cohort under the new curriculum, AI Cloud and DevOps Delta Platoon, will run from October 13, 2025, to April 25, 2026. Applications are now open through August 17, 2025.

“AI and Cloud are no longer niche—they’re foundational,” said Rodrigo Levy, Executive Director and Founder of Code Platoon. “As employers rapidly adopt cloud-native infrastructure and AI tools, they’re looking for professionals who can build, automate, and scale with those technologies in mind. This updated program equips our students with the exact skills. 

Why AI and Cloud Now?

The tech industry has shifted. According to LinkedIn’s 2025 Emerging Jobs Report, roles in AI and cloud engineering are among the fastest-growing in the U.S., with job listings in machine learning operations (MLOps), cloud automation, and AI deployment up more than 40% year over year. Employers are increasingly integrating AI tools, such as AWS Bedrock and Amazon SageMaker, into their workflows, and they need engineers who can keep pace with these developments.

That’s where Code Platoon’s new program comes in.

A Curriculum Designed for What’s Next

The AI Cloud and DevOps curriculum offers students hands-on experience with today’s most widely used tools:

  • AI tools: Amazon SageMaker, Amazon Bedrock, AWS AI services, Bedrock Agents
  • Cloud & DevOps: Terraform, Ansible, GitHub Actions, Docker
  • Data: SQL/NoSQL databases, full-stack cloud architecture
  • Certifications: AWS AI Practitioner Certification

Graduates will be ready to tackle complex, real-world problems, whether it’s building automated cloud pipelines or deploying AI-powered applications.

Adam Cahan, Program Director at Code Platoon, emphasized the need to stay ahead of industry trends: “We’re not just teaching students how to configure servers—we’re teaching them how to build intelligent, scalable systems. The new curriculum blends DevOps with applied AI so that our grads can go into a team and immediately add value.”

Bridging the Skills Gap for Veterans and Military Families

Code Platoon has long focused on career training that leads directly to employment, with 80% of graduates landing jobs in software development, DevOps, or related roles. This new curriculum deepens that mission by targeting some of the most sought-after skills in tech today.

Whether you’re a tech professional looking to hire versatile engineers or a military Veteran or family member considering a future in cloud or AI, the AI Cloud and DevOps program offers a fast, effective path forward.

Apply Now

Delta Platoon starts October 13, 2025.
Application deadline: August 17, 2025.
Learn more and apply at codeplatoon.org.

About Code Platoon

Code Platoon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that transforms Veterans, active duty Servicemembers, and military families into professional software engineers through an immersive, hands-on educational process and dedicated career services support. We recognize the unique and diverse skill sets and experiences that Veterans and the military community bring to the tech industry and provide the hard and soft skills necessary for these individuals to transition into careers in tech. 

Contact Information:

Jim Hennessey
(312) 767-7673
jim@codeplatoon.org
codeplatoon.org

Is a Coding Bootcamp Right for You?

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Many people are considering jobs in the tech industry, and rather than pursuing traditional computer science degrees, they’re enrolling in coding bootcamps to get there. Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated path into tech careers, but they aren’t for everyone. Before you apply, ask yourself and your coding bootcamp these six questions to determine if a program is the right fit.

6 Questions to Ask Yourself and Your Coding Bootcamp

1. Can You Commit to an Accelerated Learning Experience?

Coding bootcamps are intense. In a full-time program, you’ll spend 10–12 hours a day, five days a week, learning full-stack software engineering at a pace similar to military training. It’s a fast, immersive experience that requires focus, discipline, and determination.

What if you can’t put life on hold?

If you have work, family, or other commitments, a part-time bootcamp might be the better fit. Evening & Weekend Bootcamps cover the same in-demand skills but on a longer timeline. This allows you to balance your responsibilities with transitioning to a tech career.

2. Can You Push Through Challenges?

Immersive coding bootcamps provide you with a learn-by-doing approach in a collaborative environment. You’ll spend hours coding complex projects that simulate real-world work experience. Because of this hands-on approach, some coding bootcamps have demonstrated placement rates comparable to top four-year colleges.

The key to success in a coding bootcamp isn’t talent—it’s resilience. If you’re determined to problem-solve and keep learning, you’ll thrive. If you’re willing to embrace the challenge, ask questions, and keep iterating, you’ll find that every challenge makes you a stronger developer.

3. Do You Work Well with Others?

Tech is a team-driven industry. While movies might show coders working alone in dark rooms, the reality is most software engineers collaborate daily.

At a coding bootcamp, you’ll work on real-world coding challenges with your classmates. You’ll pair program, debug projects, and build real-world software projects like you would in the workplace.

If you enjoy solving problems and working with others, you’ll fit right into a coding bootcamp and the tech industry.

4. Does the Bootcamp Offer Career Services?

The best coding bootcamps don’t just teach you to code. They help you land a job.

When comparing programs, look for:
✔ Strong job placement rates
✔ Apprenticeship or employer partners committed to hiring bootcamp grads
✔ Resume workshops, interview prep, and mentorship from tech professionals

A coding bootcamp is an investment in your future. Make sure the program you choose comes with a strong return.

5. Does the Curriculum Align with Industry Needs?

To land a high-paying tech job, you need real-world skills that employers want. A strong Full-stack Software Engineering bootcamp curriculum should teach:

  • Front-end development: Building great user experiences with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React.js.
  • Back-end development: Storing and managing data with Python, SQL, and databases like PostgreSQL.
  • Agile workflows: Working in sprints and iterating like real software teams.
  • AI and Prompt Engineering: Leveraging AI tools for debugging, automating, and optimizing your work.

Make sure your bootcamp prepares you for the future of tech, not just today’s trends.

6. Does the Bootcamp Set You Up for Success?

Not all bootcamps are created equal. Some programs enroll anyone, whether they’re ready or not. A quality coding bootcamp ensures you’re prepared before you start. Look for a bootcamp that offers pre-work or a prep course. A bootcamp that genuinely cares about your success will help you build a strong foundation before your first day.

Are You Ready for Coding Bootcamp?

Choosing a coding bootcamp is a big decision, and finding the right fit takes careful consideration. A great program will challenge you, prepare you with real-world coding skills, and provide the support and structure needed to help you succeed. 

Take time to research your options, connect with graduates and staff, and make sure the program you choose aligns with your goals, learning style, and career aspirations. No matter where you are in your coding journey, by asking the right questions, you can find a bootcamp that truly supports your transition into a rewarding career in tech.

Kayla Elkin is the Marketing Content Manager at Code Platoon. In this role, she brings skills developed from previous positions in higher education and educational technology. Kayla has degrees in English and Sociology from Clemson University and completed the Study in India Program (SIP) at the University of Hyderabad. Outside work, she enjoys playing video games and Dungeons & Dragons with her friends.

Celebrating 9 Years of Transforming Lives

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This year, Code Platoon celebrates nine years of empowering Veterans, military spouses, and now military dependents to transition to tech careers through our immersive coding bootcamps. As we hit this milestone, we’re reflecting on the impact our program has had on the lives and careers of our community.

From alumni and staff to mentors and hiring partners, their stories highlight the heart of our mission: equipping the military community with skills for meaningful careers in technology.

Empowering Individuals to Achieve the Extraordinary

Code Platoon changes lives. Neka Blair, a Whiskey cohort alum and Air Force Veteran, shares:

“I’ve seen a dramatic increase in how I view myself. For so long, I focused on what I couldn’t do. Code Platoon showed me what I can do.”

Before joining Code Platoon, Neka never imagined herself as a software engineer. Today, she thrives at Microsoft. Her story is proof that hard work and community support can unlock limitless potential.

Fostering a Network of Support

The Code Platoon community is more than a network—it’s a family. Will Minshall, a Navy veteran and TANGO cohort graduate, puts it best:

“I’m proud to be part of an alumni network of Veterans. Our shared experiences create a bond that continues the camaraderie and teamwork we had in the military.”

Whether it’s through mentorship, career guidance, or alumni connections, Code Platoon ensures no one walks this journey alone.

Changing Lives and Careers

For many, Code Platoon is a turning point. Jordon West, a Navy Veteran and Juliett cohort graduate, describes it this way:

“This program flipped my life in the best way. Now, I want to help others achieve what I’ve done.”

Jordon’s passion for giving back led him to become an instructor for our Evening and Weekends program, sharing his expertise with the next generation. His story reflects the ripple effect of Code Platoon’s mission—alumni paying it forward to create lasting change.

Bringing Value to Companies

Our hiring partners see firsthand the unique value Veterans and military spouses bring to their teams. Holly Maurizio, VP of People at Cecilian Partners, shares:

“Code Platoon has positively impacted our company culture. It’s not just about hiring talent—it’s about embracing the discipline, dedication, and leadership that Veterans naturally bring.”

These partnerships demonstrate how Code Platoon graduates contribute to a thriving tech workforce.

Building Lifelong Relationships

Mentorship at Code Platoon often leads to incredible outcomes. Don Bora, Partner at Eight Bit Studios and a longtime board member reflects on one such success:

“I mentored Michael Dorsey, a student who went on to start his own company. Today, he serves on the Code Platoon board. Watching him grow has been one of my proudest moments.”

This story illustrates how the bonds formed at Code Platoon extend far beyond the classroom.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate nine years, we’re excited for the future. From integrating advanced technologies like AI into our curriculum to welcoming military dependents, the opportunities ahead are boundless.

“Hearing about Code Platoon’s plans to support more people excites me,” says Neka Blair. “Expanding to include Veterans’ children means even more success stories in the tech world.”

A Heartfelt Thank You

At its core, Code Platoon is about more than coding—it’s about transformation, opportunity, and connection. The stories of our alumni, staff, and partners remind us why we do what we do.

To everyone who’s been part of our mission —students, graduates, mentors, hiring partners, staff, and supporters—thank you for helping make these nine years unforgettable. Here’s to the next chapter of impact, innovation, and growth.

Happy 9th birthday, Code Platoon! 🎉

How VR&E Supports Veterans Transitioning to Tech

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For Veterans with service-connected disabilities, the journey to find stable, fulfilling employment can be challenging. But there’s a VA program out there that many don’t know about: Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E). It provides the resources and support needed to transition into a new career. For Navy Veteran and Code Platoon graduate Marion Gordon, VR&E was a game changer. It allowed him to move from a physically demanding healthcare job to a tech career that aligns better with his strengths and well-being.

Marion’s story starts in the Navy, where he served for eight years as a physical therapy tech. “Healthcare was all I knew, so it felt too scary to venture into something new,” he recalls. After leaving the military, he landed a job in a Chicago hospital, working in in-patient physical therapy. But after four years, the chronic joint pain he developed during his service made it impossible to continue in the medical field.

“I knew I needed a career change, but I had no idea VR&E even existed,” Marion admits. “Even though I came out of the military with a disability rating, nobody told me what benefits were available.”

“When I was accepted to Code Platoon, I planned to use VET TEC, but it ran out of funding right before I started. Luckily, a friend told me about VR&E, and I had enough time to start a VR&E application.”

The path to securing VR&E support isn’t always straightforward. After applying, the next step is being assigned a VR&E counselor. But this process can vary significantly based on your location or even the counselor you’re assigned. Marion offers some advice for Veterans preparing for that crucial first interview.

“The most critical step is to come to the interview ready to explain why you need VR&E and how you’ll use it. For mine, I explained ‘My service-connected disability doesn’t support the physical labor necessary for the field that I’m in. I’ve already been accepted to Code Platoon where I can learn Full-stack Software Engineering and be ready for a tech job after 15 weeks.’ Code Platoon was on my counselor’s list of pre-approved training programs, so my plan was accepted.”

In addition to paying for Marion’s tuition, VR&E provided him with a subsistence allowance similar to the GI Bill. When he started experiencing dental pain while searching for a job after Code Platoon, VR&E covered his dental care. Finally, he was offered job search services through the VA.

“Although resume and interviewing support was available through VR&E, my counselor had no experience with coding bootcamps or the tech sector. So I took advantage of Code Platoon’s Career Services instead,” Marion says. “The Career Services team is who helped me get my amazing Software Engineer job in Travelers Engineering Development Program (EDP).”

If Marion could change one thing about the VR&E process, it would be the responsiveness from the counselors: “I’ve heard from others that some counselors are better than others. My counselor was pretty good, but my dental care took a few months to access.”

“For anyone looking into Code Platoon or VR&E, I would say do it 100%. My life has improved so much since I took advantage of these opportunities. It’s the biggest life-changing thing I’ve ever done.”

Marion’s story is a testament to the power of using available support for Veterans to make a meaningful career change. If you’re considering using VR&E for a career change, don’t wait to get started! Learn more about VR&E or hear more of Marion’s story on our Service to Software vodcast on YouTube.

Kayla Elkin is the Marketing Content Specialist at Code Platoon. In this role, she uses her marketing, writing, and editing skills developed from previous higher education and educational technology positions. Kayla has degrees in English and Sociology from Clemson University and completed the Study in India Program (SIP) at the University of Hyderabad. Outside work, she enjoys playing video games and Dungeons & Dragons with her friends.

X-Ray Platoon Final Projects

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Representing Code Platoon’s twenty-fourth Full-stack Software Engineering: Immersive cohort, the X-Ray Platoon graduates recently presented their final projects. This time, our graduates applied all of the front-end, back-end, and software project management skills they developed during the program to produce four hands-on capstone projects ranging from an AI-integrated eCommerce site, to an event management platform, and even a mobile game. Join us in this blog as we recognize our graduates’ dedication and celebrate their impressive final projects. 

The first team, Bonsai, developed an ambitious software engineering project including an ecommerce site to buy and sell bonsais, a social platform for the bonsai community to publish and share attributed blog posts, and an AI-powered “Zen Master” chatbot to help users care for their bonsais and even themselves.

“We built our ‘Zen Master’ using Haystack LLM framework pipeline and OpenAI. We used advanced components and imported documents, specific embeddings, and custom prompts,” Dustin, Navy Veteran and X-Ray Platoon graduate, says, “We taught the LLM Bonsai knowledge, Zen, and the real-life history of a legendary samurai to not only provide advice but also to make it respond with the depth and wisdom of a former warrior who has embraced a peaceful path. Zen Master’s unique responses are rooted in history, mindfulness, and tranquility while always bringing the focus back to bonsai.”

Other features implemented by the Bonsai team include mobile optimization and integration with APIs like Google Maps, PayPal, and OpenWeather to improve their users’ experiences while buying, selling, and caring for their bonsais. Check out their final project below!

The next team built Foundations of Programming (FOP), a class management tool for Code Platoon students and instructors. Features of their application include unique student and instructor course creation, question adding, and a Visual Studio Code Integrated Development Environment directly in the application. 

FOP uses React.js, Tailwind CSS, and Daisy UI on the front end. A Django REST framework makes up the back end. Programming languages used include JavaScript, Python, and CSS.

To facilitate a clean code base and prevent merge conflicts during their project, the team built a GitHub repository and internal review system with a feature branch based development cycle: “Whenever someone came up with a new idea, they would create a branch, do their work, then submit it through a pull request,” Navy Veteran and FOP team member Brandon says. “The request would be under review to a minimum of two reviewers before we would merge it to main.”

The Event Master team created a comprehensive full-stack web application for users to discover and organize events. Their users can search for events via keyword and location-based searches. Event organizers can generate links to ticket purchases and venue information directly in the application via the Ticketmaster API. Users can also see all of the events they’re attending and organizing on their user profiles, which are saved to Event Master via a PostgreSQL relational database management system.

All of this was created by a team of three transitioning Active Duty graduates who completed X-Ray Platoon via the SkillBridge program. 

“We had some difficulties managing our small team size, different time zones from Hawaii to EST, and two-week time frame to create Event Master,” Mickey, a transitioning Soldier and X-Ray Platoon graduate, shares. “Organizing our goals and making sure we were on the same page was essential. We took our daily stand-up and stand-down meetings seriously, so we knew our goals and who was working on what parts of the application.”

The last project in our showcase is Deal or Dragon, a mobile game with an AI “battle” system. Users put their creative writing skills to the test by convincing characters powered by the team’s AI assistant to purchase an item in a limited number of turns.

“I trained the AI bosses to adapt to player actions, ensuring that every interaction felt unique and challenging,” Erika, a military spouse, says. “The AI assistant has a data set of example conversations and decision-making scenarios. It includes a variety of player actions like persuasion attempts, logical arguments, or even emotional appeals and the assistant learns how to handle each of them differently.”

“Working on this project was an incredible team experience. Everyone collaborated, not just on isolated components but on every aspect of the game. We had to work very closely to make sure everything fit together smoothly. Every single one of the pages and parts of the databases has code from every member of the team. It brought its challenges but also enriched the project.”

Code Platoon Programs Approved as Certification Prep Courses

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Students Attending Remotely Can Use GI Bill® for Program Costs.

Chicago, IL – Veterans and military family members ready to transition into tech careers now have more options. Code Platoon’s programs have been approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as Licensing and Certification Preparation Courses, allowing students to use their GI Bill® benefits for reimbursement of program costs.

This approval will benefit students attending Code Platoon remotely, as it makes the GI Bill an option for the first time.

A significant portion of Code Platoon students attend remotely due to the demands of military service, including deployments and relocations. The ability to learn remotely provides essential flexibility for military families, balancing work, school, and family responsibilities.

“For military families, flexibility is often the difference between starting a new career or putting it on hold,” said Rod Levy, Executive Director of Code Platoon. “This approval gives Veterans (and military spouses and military children who have access to GI Bill benefits) access to training for some of the most in-demand tech roles, including software developer, system architect, and cloud engineer, no matter where life takes them.”

Under the Certification Preparation Course designation, the VA will reimburse tuition for preparatory courses as long as the student has remaining entitlement. Students must request reimbursement from the VA.

Edward Donovan, Board President of Code Platoon, added: “Our programs are designed to create pathways into tech careers for Veterans and military family members whether they’re learning to code for the first time or looking to upskill in areas like data analytics or system engineering. The VA approval of our programs as Certification Prep courses helps us extend this opportunity to even more of the military community.”

Code Platoon’s in-person training programs at their Chicago classroom were already eligible for GI Bill® benefits.


Why Code Platoon Stands Out

Code Platoon is a nonprofit coding bootcamp for beginners, offering hands-on training in web development, DevOps, and cloud engineering. With flexible options—including full-time, part-time, in-person, and online bootcamps—the program meets students where they are. Graduates leave with a strong foundation in coding, prepared for roles as full-stack developers, cybersecurity analysts, and more.

Code Platoon also stands out for its career-focused support, including partnerships with leading employers to help students transition into meaningful tech careers.

For more information on using your GI Bill for Code Platoon’s remote programs, visit www.codeplatoon.org.

Contact Information:

Jim Hennessey
(312) 767-7673
jim@codeplatoon.org.
codeplatoon.org

Code Platoon Graduate Outcomes 2024

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Code Platoon is committed to supporting Veterans, Servicemembers, and military families as they transition into tech careers. Over the past year, we’ve seen a slight dip in our six-month and one-year employment rates. Still, our graduates continue to leverage their skills and resilience to secure software engineering roles with a median starting salary of $80,000.

Our graduates’ continued success speaks volumes about the strength of our approach.  Our flexible learning options and dedicated support have helped Veterans and their families transition smoothly into new careers.

“Code Platoon continues to be the go-to path for Veterans and military spouses to break into tech,” Rod Levy, Executive Director of Code Platoon, says. “We’re always evolving our curriculum and career services to keep pace with the ever-changing tech landscape, ensuring our graduates are ready to hit the ground running.”

Code Platoon Graduate Outcomes 2024

  • In 2024, 61% of Code Platoon graduates secured jobs in tech within six months of completing the program, with a median starting salary of $80,000. 
  • One year after graduation, that placement rate increases to 72%
  • The median salary jumps to $102,000 after two years in the industry. 
  • Code Platoon continues to be recognized as a top coding bootcamp by Course Report and SwitchUp. This year, we also earned new designations as the #1 Best Coding Bootcamp of 2024 by College Consensus and a Military Friendly School by VIQTORY.

In-Demand Skills Employers Seek

Code Platoon graduates excel in tech because they master the skills employers demand. Our Full-Stack Software Engineering curriculum covers essential programming languages like Python and JavaScript, along with popular tools such as Docker, React, and PostgreSQL. This year, we added artificial intelligence training to our core curriculum, equipping students with one of the hottest skills in software engineering today. Our specialized DevOps and Cloud Engineering training also dives into continuous integration, configuration management, and automation—ensuring graduates can make an immediate impact in their new roles.

“In my seven years of tech experience, practical knowledge is the biggest asset. Nobody I’ve worked with has treated me differently because I don’t have a degree.” James, an Army National Guard Veteran and Technical Team Lead at Procore Technologies says.

Navigating the Job Market with Confidence

While the tech industry has seen shifts and challenges, Code Platoon graduates continue to stand out because of their unique combination of in-demand technical skills and lived experience from their military backgrounds, including discipline, leadership, and problem-solving. This combination continues to make them highly sought after by our corporate and hiring partners, including Caesars Digital, Travelers Insurance, and Cecilian Partners.

As the tech landscape evolves, our comprehensive Career Services help graduates take on the job search with a clear strategy and well-prepared materials. Our dedicated Career Services team provides personalized support, including 1-on-1 mentorship, resume workshops, LinkedIn optimization, and mock interviews, preparing our graduates to present their military-to-tech transition stories to future employers.

“Code Platoon prepared me for the job market better than a degree,” Megan, a Navy Veteran and Software Engineer at DRW, says. “The program gave me a good sense of communication skills and how to explain my work experience.” 

Companies that Hire Code Platoon Grads

Is a Career in Tech Right for You? A Guide for Veterans and Military Families

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If you’re a Veteran, Servicemember, or military spouse wondering whether a technology career might be a good fit, you’re not alone. Technology roles offer rewarding opportunities with significant job growth, financial stability, and a chance to leverage the skills you’ve honed during your military background. Let’s explore why a tech career may be your ideal path, where to find the best jobs in tech, and how to prepare for a tech career.

Why Consider a Technology Career

High Demand and Growth

The U.S. tech industry is rapidly expanding, making it a prime time to enter the field. With roles ranging from software engineering to cloud computing, technology careers are in high demand across various sectors, offering long-term career growth and stability.

Strong Salary Prospects

One of the key advantages of a technology career is the earning potential. The median annual wage for computer and IT jobs in the United States is significantly higher than the national median wage for all occupations. If financial security is your priority, a tech role offers a path to a stable and lucrative career. 

Veteran-Friendly Industry

Many tech companies recognize the unique skills that come from military service and actively seek to hire Veterans and military spouses. This makes technology careers particularly welcoming to those with military experience, where adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving are already second nature.

Where to Find the Best Jobs in Technology

You might be surprised to learn that jobs in technology are open to more than just the tech industry. Many sectors are experiencing a growing demand for tech professionals:

  • Banking and Finance: With the rise of mobile banking, fintech, and cybersecurity, this sector has a high demand for software engineers.
  • Healthcare: The shift to electronic health records and the rise of telemedicine have made healthcare a major player in the tech job market.
  • Retail and E-Commerce: The online shopping boom has increased the need for sophisticated logistics software, driving demand for tech talent in this sector.
  • Government and Public Sector: With ongoing digital transformation initiatives and the growing focus on cybersecurity, government agencies are increasingly seeking tech professionals.
  • Manufacturing and Industrial: As automation becomes more prevalent, tech employees are essential in manufacturing and industry.

Top Technology Roles for Veterans and Spouses

Veterans and military spouses often bring transferable skills that make stepping into entry-level tech roles easier. Here are a few of the best jobs in tech for those with a military background:

  • Full-Stack Developer: These professionals work on both the front-end and back-end of applications, adapting to various challenges like a multi-functional unit in the military.
  • DevOps Engineer: DevOps Engineers—akin to logistics officers—bridge the gap between software development and IT teams, ensuring smooth operations.
  • Cloud Engineer: Cloud Engineers manage complex cloud systems, drawing on problem-solving and strategic planning skills honed in the military.
  • Junior Software Engineer: Junior developers—the newest recruits—start with foundational skills and progress to more complex coding challenges with guidance from senior developers.
  • Project Manager: Project Managers oversee software products or other technical projects, keeping their teams on track and within budget. Their role requires strategic planning, communication, and leadership skills—making it a great fit for Veterans accustomed to managing complex missions.
  • Data Analyst: Data Analysts gather, interpret, and report on data to help organizations make informed decisions by leveraging their problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Software Architect: Software Architects excel in systems thinking and long-term planning. They design the overarching structure of software applications and ensure each part aligns with the intended goals.
  • Video Game Designer: For those with a creative and technical bent, Video Game Designers combine storytelling with tech skills to create interactive gaming experiences.

How to Prepare for a Tech Career

If you’re ready to start a career in technology, coding bootcamps offer accessible access to quality technical training. Bootcamps provide hands-on training in high-demand areas like software development and DevOps, making them practical and affordable alternatives to pursuing a college degree.

Is Technology the Right Path for You?

Every journey into tech is unique, but for many Veterans and military spouses, the industry has proven to be both rewarding and impactful. As you weigh your career options, consider the ways your skills and experience might fit into this high-demand field. Whether it’s through exploring free online courses, connecting with tech mentors, or attending information sessions for technical programs, small steps can help you gauge whether tech is the right choice for you. 

With the right training and support, a career in technology could be the next step that aligns with your military experience and future ambitions.

Kayla Elkin is the Marketing Content Specialist at Code Platoon. In this role, she uses her marketing, writing, and editing skills developed from previous higher education and educational technology positions. Kayla has degrees in English and Sociology from Clemson University and completed the Study in India Program (SIP) at the University of Hyderabad. Outside work, she enjoys playing video games and Dungeons & Dragons with her friends.

A word from our Partner of the Year, Travelers

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Innovative thinking, creative problem-solving, attention to detail, resiliency and determination – those are just a few of the attributes we look for in prospective employees. And we have found the military community to be an exceptional talent pool to tap for those skill sets. 

But being a military-friendly employer goes beyond seeking out talent. We understand how important it is to create a supportive environment and enable the success of our employees, which is why we maintain a robust suite of initiatives centered on helping military spouses and those with a military background. This includes programs like our military and veterans employee resource group that has more than 3,300 members, our comprehensive benefits for those deployed on active duty and our partnerships with organizations, like Code Platoon, that are helping veterans transition into civilian careers.

When it comes to our work with Code Platoon, we’ve been piloting a placement initiative that’s proven to be quite successful. Over the past year, we’ve hired a number of Code Platoon graduates into our Engineering Development Program, a one-year talent pipeline program that serves as the foundation for our Technology workforce. It contains four designated engineering tracks (software, cyber, data and infrastructure/cloud) designed to grow and develop technical capabilities. The program’s thorough and structured training approach features a combination of hands-on opportunities, immersive learning accelerators, and a mentoring component, providing a smooth transition into a corporate environment and a career in engineering. 

Our Code Platoon graduates have been an excellent addition to the team here – they take initiative, embrace change, actively listen and support diverse points of view and, importantly, they celebrate each other’s success.