Careers in Higher Education for Veterans: Why This Path Is a Hidden Goldmine
When most people hear the phrase "careers in higher education for veterans," they immediately think of becoming a professor or maybe a school administrator. But the truth is far more expansive—and exciting.
In a powerful episode of the VET S.O.S. Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight, hosts Dr. Hera and the VET S.O.S. team welcomed Monika Sziron, Assistant Director of Editorial Strategy at HigherEdMilitary, to demystify what careers in higher education for veterans actually look like. The insights she shared were both eye-opening and empowering, especially for those leaving military service or supporting veteran communities.
Falling Into a Mission-Driven Career
Monika SzironMonika’s journey into veteran-focused higher education work wasn’t intentional—it was unexpected. A civilian with no immediate military family, she was asked to take on the HigherEdMilitary project during a slow season at work. “I was the person doing the least,” she joked, “so they gave it to me.” But what started as a placeholder project quickly became a passion and a lifelong mission.
With a PhD in Technology and Humanities, Monika was no stranger to academia. However, she was a stranger to the military-affiliated side of higher education. “I didn’t even know where the student veteran center was on my campus,” she confessed. That changed fast. As she immersed herself in the world of military transition support, she discovered a powerful, tight-knit community that was eager to help one another thrive—and a huge opportunity gap in how veterans were being guided into higher education careers.
More Than Professors: Higher Ed as a Career Destination
When most transitioning service members think of working in higher education, they picture lecturing in front of a classroom. Monika is here to shatter that narrow perception.
“Colleges and universities are like mini cities,” she explained. “They need IT specialists, HR professionals, lawyers, public safety officers, engineers, and marketers—just to name a few.” In other words, there’s room for nearly every background and skill set within a campus environment.
That’s the heart of what makes careers in higher education for veterans such an exciting (and often overlooked) opportunity. These roles offer purpose, stability, and growth—values that resonate deeply with military professionals looking for their next mission.
From Job Board to National Community
HigherEdMilitary started as a job board—an extension of HigherEdJobs, the largest job site in academia. For years, colleges and universities expressed interest in hiring more veterans but didn’t know how to find or attract them. With the COVID-19 pandemic slowing operations, the HigherEdJobs team saw an opening to finally act on those requests—and that’s when HigherEdMilitary was born.
But what began as a job board quickly became a national community. Through focus groups and conversations with professionals serving veterans on campuses, the team realized there were deeper challenges—chief among them being isolation and fragmentation.
“There were professionals who had worked in veteran services at the same institution for years who didn’t even know each other existed,” Monika shared. “There was no community, no central hub.” That realization sparked the development of a much broader initiative—one focused not only on careers in higher education for veterans, but on building support for those already doing the work.
Support for Veterans and the People Who Serve Them
One of the most impressive aspects of HigherEdMilitary is that it doesn’t just support student veterans. It also champions the professionals—many of them veterans or spouses themselves—who are working to create inclusive, well-resourced veteran support programs on college campuses.
Dr. Hera put it best: “There are people with full veteran centers and support staff—and others who just have a desk and a lamp. HigherEdMilitary helps level the playing field by giving everyone access to community, content, and practical tools.”
Through monthly virtual networking sessions, free editorial content, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, HigherEdMilitary strengthens the entire ecosystem around veteran success in higher ed.
Fellowships, Networking & Free Resources
So how can veterans, military spouses, and higher ed professionals tap into this powerful resource?
Monika laid out several pathways:
Explore the Job Board
If you’re looking for a new role or curious about what’s out there, start at higheredmilitary.com. You can search by region, job type, and even filter for remote work.Pitch and Read Editorial Content
The platform’s blog is filled with useful, relevant content—from personal stories to policy breakdowns. You can even submit article pitches directly if you want to share your experience or perspective.Join Virtual Networking Events
Every month, HigherEdMilitary hosts free online sessions tackling real issues in veteran student support, campus culture, and professional development.Apply for the Writing Fellowship
Open each December, this program is designed for student veterans and military spouses interested in content creation and writing. It’s a great way to gain exposure, mentorship, and publishing credits.
The best part? All of these resources are free.
Why Veterans Should Seriously Consider This Career Path
Careers in higher education for veterans offer more than just employment. They provide:
A clear mission and community connection
Much like the military, higher education is built on service, structure, and mentorship.Professional development opportunities
Many institutions offer tuition reimbursement, certifications, and on-the-job training.Long-term stability and benefits
Higher education careers often include retirement plans, health coverage, and predictable hours—making them ideal for those transitioning out of military life.A values-driven workplace
Veterans often thrive in environments where integrity, collaboration, and lifelong learning are prioritized.
Breaking the Awareness Barrier
Monika and her team often encounter veterans who pass by the HigherEdMilitary table at job fairs, assuming the platform has nothing to offer them. “They say, ‘I’m not going back to school,’ and we have to explain—we’re not trying to teach you; we want to hire you,” she laughed.
That disconnect highlights the need for broader awareness campaigns and strategic outreach. There’s a massive untapped talent pool within the military-connected community—and HigherEdMilitary is on a mission to bridge that gap.
Final Takeaway: This Path Is for You
If you're a veteran exploring post-service employment, a military spouse looking for meaningful work, or a student veteran curious about what’s next, don’t overlook the opportunities available in higher education.
HigherEdMilitary is more than a job board—it’s a launchpad for careers in higher education for veterans and a community where you’ll never walk alone.
So go ahead. Visit higheredmilitary.com, explore what’s available, and take that next step. You might be closer than you think to your new mission.
