TLDR: Understanding workplace expectations, professional communication, and career navigation can be a barrier for Veterans and military spouses transitioning to tech. That’s why Code Platoon’s Beyond Tech curriculum is built into our coding bootcamps, helping bridge the gap from service to software engineering. Through career-readiness workshops, industry mentorship, and a supportive community, graduates gain the skills to thrive in their first tech jobs and beyond.
There are many paths to a career in tech after the military, from traditional colleges to coding bootcamps and software engineering apprenticeships. can all provide the knowledge and skills needed for an in-demand tech career. However, knowing how to do the job and presenting yourself to an employer can be two different challenges.
“There's a lot of Coding Bootcamps out there. What we do differently is ensure that when you graduate from Code Platoon, you’re not just technically skilled but also a well-rounded, career-ready professional,” Rod Levy, Code Platoon’s Executive Director, said.
At Code Platoon, we provide a structured plan to help you in your military-to-tech transition. Beyond Tech, our eight-part career-readiness series, ensures you don’t just graduate with technical skills, but with the confidence and career competence to succeed in the tech industry.
How Beyond Tech Helps You Succeed
Built into every Code Platoon bootcamp, Beyond Tech covers a range of critical career topics that will help you feel confident as you move from coding student to tech professional:
- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Building confidence in your skills and overcoming self-doubt.
- Navigating Workplace Culture: Understanding the differences between the military and civilian work environments.
- Diversity and Inclusion in Tech: Exploring how diverse teams lead to better products and stronger collaboration.
- Financial Literacy: Managing a new tech salary, understanding healthcare and retirement benefits, and planning for financial security.
- Job Search Strategies: Resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, networking, and interview preparation.
The Beyond Tech workshops were invaluable, even after my years of civilian work experience.
Everett Yeckley, Code Platoon graduate & Senior Software Developer at Charles Schwab.
Beyond Tech in Action
After separating from the Air Force in 2017, Gary Coffey struggled to find meaningful employment. He spent his first year as a civilian “barely scraping by” while working at a mattress store before discovering Code Platoon.
After graduating, he got an entry-level tech job at Enova International, where he now works as a Senior Software Engineer. Gary’s journey proves that with the right support, Veterans can successfully transition into rewarding, long-term tech careers.
“Code Platoon prepares Veterans to go from coding bootcamp straight into your new career,” Gary said.
Gary isn’t alone in his post-graduate success. More than 72% of our graduates are employed as full-time software engineers within a year of completing the program. The median starting salary for these graduates is $80K.
“My pay now is better than my old retail job, but honestly, the best part of working as a software engineer is that I don’t have to fake my enthusiasm at work. I genuinely enjoy what I do,” Gary said.
Comprehensive Career Support
Beyond Tech is just one piece of Code Platoon’s Career Services designed exclusively for Veterans and their families. Additional benefits include:
- Resume & LinkedIn Coaching to help students market themselves effectively.
- Mock Interviews & Job Search Guidance so graduates feel prepared for technical and behavioral interviews.
- Networking Opportunities & Employer Connections with companies looking to hire Veterans and military spouses.
- Apprenticeship Opportunities, offering hands-on experience and direct hiring pathways for selected in-person, Chicago-based graduates.
Keeping Up with Industry Trends
By combining our award-winning technical training, career preparation, and employer connections, Code Platoon ensures that our graduates don’t just learn to code. Like Gary and Everett, they launch sustainable, long-term careers in tech.
