In 2019, the veteran unemployment rate was holding steady at 3.5 percent. In September 2020, that rate reached 6.8 percent.
The veteran population already faces hardships when trying to acclimate back to civilian life and find a job and career path. These challenges are heightened when faced with a service-related disability, and many former military members have trouble finding employment.
To help support this community, many companies now offer programs catered to veterans that offer benefits like:
-
Civilian life transitioning support
-
Education and training opportunities
-
Additional health benefits
-
Benefits for veterans’ families
-
Commitment to hiring a certain percentage of veterans
As more organizations are committing to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in general, these considerations are likely to stay at the forefront of hiring priorities.
Patrick O’Leary, the veterans affairs manager at UPS, understands just how important it is to support veterans with employment. A veteran himself, he says, “UPS could not exist without a strong military that assures a stable economy and smooth global trade.”
Veterans bring a host of valuable skills and knowledge to a range of industries. O’Leary goes on: “It’s the employer who should be grateful for the opportunity to employ a veteran.”
Employers across industries are now offering special programs for veterans and are announcing veteran hiring commitments, from finance to tech to transportation.
So what companies offer programs specifically focused on our veterans? Here are 10 organizations that offer notable programs and benefits for veterans.
1. Keller Williams Realty
Details: Keller Williams Realty partners with the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP) to offer support and advocacy to the veteran community. They educate veterans to be more financially literate, create VA Loan awareness, and create more economic opportunities for former military members. These are key reasons that Keller Williams topped Indeed’s 2019 list of best employers for veterans.
Industry: Real estate
Location: Austin, Texas
2. Coca-Cola
Details: Another company that values veterans and offers a support program is Coca-Cola, the largest beverage company in the world. They support current veterans and those who are just starting to transition into finding a civilian job. The program is through the Veteran Jobs Mission, which coordinates jobs for veterans in a range of industries and companies throughout the country.
Industry: Beverage manufacturing and retail
Location: Atlanta, Georgia (headquarters); nationwide
3. JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Details: Since 2011, Chase has hired more than 14,000 veterans and service members across all lines of business and experience levels. The company states that it wants to position veterans and military members to be able to thrive after they serve. Chase is also part of the Veteran Jobs Mission.
Industry: Banking
Location: New York City (headquarters); nationwide
4. PRISM
Details: PRISM, a cybersecurity and IT services company, has a Veteran Employment Program to ensure they create job opportunities for veterans and their families. PRISM supports veterans through their transition into the workforce. According to Monster, in 2019, 32 percent of PRISM hires were veterans, and 25 percent of the workforce are vets.
Industry: IT service management
Location: Reston, Virginia
5. Starbucks
Details: Through its Armed Forces Network, Starbucks has set a goal to hire 25,000 veterans and military spouses by 2025, hiring 5,000 annually. Beyond hiring, the coffee chain offers expanded benefits for veterans to help them along their educational path and find the support and resources they need for a successful future.
Industry: Coffee house and roastery chain
Location: Seattle, Washington (headquarters); nationwide
6. Walgreens
Details: Walgreens offers the HERO Program (Helping Veterans with Education and Retail Opportunities) to support veterans in gaining leadership experience and pursuing more education. Through the program, participants can take on roles in Walgreens stores including the shift lead and the assistant store manager trainee position, the latter eventually turning into the assistant store manager position.
Industry: Pharmacy store chain
Location: Deerfield, Illinois (headquarters); nationwide
7. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Details: The Veterans Employment Services Office (VESO) helps veterans find jobs with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans, including those with disabilities, are given hiring preference, as the VA supports and values veterans and aims to help them transition back to life at home. The VA offers remote work options, tuition reimbursement, competitive pay, and additional health benefits.
Industry: Government agency
Location: Washington, DC
8. PayPal
Details: PayPal executives recognize the valuable skills veterans have for both finance and tech. CNBC reported that since 2017, the company has added over 180 veterans to its staff. PayPal remains committed to hiring former service members. Their veterans network, called Serve, is an outreach and development program that focuses on hiring and supporting veterans. Services include professional and personal development, mentorships, outreach, and other opportunities.
Industry: Online payments
Location: San Jose, California (headquarters); multiple locations
9. DynCorp International
Details: DynCorp International has been selected by organizations such as U.S. Veterans Magazine, VIQTORY, Monster, Military Times, and the National Veteran-Owned Business Association as one of the best companies out there for veterans. The company says it’s veteran-friendly, and in 2019, 51 percent of hires were vets. Veterans make up 60 percent of their workforce and the company offers a variety of support, leadership, and training opportunities for those who formerly served.
Industry: Aviation, mobilization, global consulting
Location: McLean, Virginia (headquarters); multiple
10. UPS
Details: UPS has an ongoing commitment to offering opportunities for veterans. Veterans, National Guard members, and Reserve members made up 7.5 percent of UPS’s workforce in the U.S. in 2018. The company offers job openings from delivery drivers to pilots to on-road supervisors for veterans.
Industry: Package delivery and supply chain management
Location: Atlanta, Georgia (headquarters); nationwide
