Career Opportunities for Veterans: How Westcliff University Prepares You for Success

Transitioning from military service to civilian life presents unique challenges and opportunities. One of the most significant opportunities is the potential for a rewarding career that leverages the skills and discipline developed during military service. Westcliff University, with its main campus located in the beautiful city of Irvine, California, other campuses around the country and online learners around the world, is dedicated to helping military veterans. From achieving career goals through comprehensive education and robust support systems, here’s how Westcliff University prepares veterans for career success.

Personalized Education and Mentorship

Westcliff offers a wide range of programs across 21 areas of study, including technology and engineering, business, education, and law. A personalized learning approach ensures veterans meet their career goals in today’s markets. Each program is designed to provide practical, real-world knowledge that is directly applicable to future careers. Distinguished faculty members bring extensive industry experience to the classroom, ensuring that veterans receive education that is both current and relevant.

Beyond academic instruction, Westcliff places a strong emphasis on personalized mentorship. Faculty and program advisors work closely with veteran students to tailor their educational experience to align with their individual career goals. This personalized approach ensures that veterans not only acquire the necessary academic knowledge but also develop the specific skills needed to excel in their chosen fields. These advisors also help veterans make the best use of their benefits and navigate every corner of their educational journey.

Missed the required GPA for graduate school or have unrelated prerequisites? Westcliff’s ACHIEVE Bridge pathway is designed to help you meet Westcliff University’s entry requirements. Here you get personalized learning pathways, expert guidance, and comprehensive support to help you strengthen your academic foundation, gain new skills, and meet your graduate level educational goals.

Support from Fellow Veterans

One of the unique aspects of Westcliff University is its dedicated support team, which includes staff who are veterans themselves. These staff members understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by veteran students and serve as excellent sources of knowledge and support throughout the academic journey. This team is able to walk veterans through how to make the best use of their benefits and navigate their educational and personal journey. This peer support can make a significant difference in helping veterans feel understood, supported, and empowered to achieve their educational and career goals.

Cristian, the Assistant Director of Military and Veterans Affairs at Westcliff University, provides vital support to military personnel, veterans, and their dependents. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former Infantry Team Leader in Afghanistan, Cristian uses his extensive background in human services and rehabilitation counseling to help students navigate educational and military benefits, including the GI Bill. His leadership and commitment ensure that each student receives personalized guidance to achieve their academic and career goals.

David, Veterans Coordinator at Westcliff University, is passionate about helping military-connected students thrive. A Marine Corps veteran with a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, David uses his expertise to guide veterans, active duty members, and their families through the benefits process. His dedication ensures students get the support they need to succeed academically and beyond.

Military-Friendly Support Systems

Westcliff University is a designated Military Friendly® school, reflecting its commitment to providing sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. The university participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps fund tuition for veterans and their families. Additionally, Westcliff offers hands-on assistance with credit transfer and enrollment processes, making the transition to academic life as smooth as possible.

The support doesn’t end in the classroom. Westcliff frequently works in collaboration with veteran centered organizations. These events provide veterans with opportunities to network, share their experiences, and access valuable resources that can aid in their career development. This community-focused approach helps veterans build connections that can lead to job opportunities and professional growth.

Westcliff’s Alumni Affairs & Career Services department boasts a higher than national average job placement rate in students’ desired fields and offers comprehensive assistance even after graduation. This includes resume building, job fairs and networking events, job searching assistance, and more. You can find helpful, free resources to assist in exploring different industries or take the Myers Briggs test to see what type of career best suits you right here.

Maximize your GI Bill® Education Benefits! Check the VA’s GI Bill® Comparison Tool to see the tuition and housing benefits of attending Westcliff.

Hybrid Learning for Flexibility

Understanding the diverse needs of veteran students, Westcliff offers programs in a convenient hybrid format. This means that while many classes are available online, there are also opportunities for in-person engagement. This flexibility allows veterans to balance their studies with other responsibilities, whether they are working part-time, raising a family, or managing other aspects of their transition to civilian life.

Career Driven Program for Vets

Westcliff University’s curriculum is designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in high-demand fields such as technology, engineering, and business. The College of Technology & Engineering (COTE) offers certificate, undergraduate, and graduate-level programs in STEM fields, with popular concentrations in cybersecurity and advanced technologies. These programs such as the Undergraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and the Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity equips veterans with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the increasingly important cybersecurity industry.

For those interested in business, Westcliff’s College of Business, Bachelor’s of Business Administration (BBA), Masters of Business Administration (MBA), and Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) are tailored for working professionals looking to advance their careers in management, leadership, or consulting. The university’s focus on entrepreneurship also encourages veterans to pursue their own business ventures, leveraging the discipline and strategic thinking developed during their military service.

Get Started

If you’re a military veteran looking to transition into a rewarding career, Westcliff University offers the resources, support, and education needed to succeed. With a strong focus on personalized learning, career-oriented programs, and a supportive community, Westcliff is dedicated to helping veterans achieve their full potential personally, professionally, and academically.

Contact Westcliff University at military@westcliff.edu to learn more about how you can start your journey toward career success today. Join a community that honors your service and is committed to empowering you to achieve your educational and professional aspirations.