A position as a 25B MOS information technology (IT) specialist translates into many different civilian jobs. Most of the skills or traits learned in this military profession can be used in one or more of these relatable careers. Reviewing the six choices below will help former Army members determine the best career path to take.
Career Comparison
| Job Title | Median Salary (2021)* | Job Growth (2021-2031)* | Applicable Military Skills/Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $62,760 | 7% | Customer service, critical thinking, active listening, decision making, active learning, problem sensitivity, analytical thinking, dependability, problem-solving |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $80,600 | 3% | Customer service, critical thinking, decision making, active listening, problem sensitivity, analytical thinking, dependability, communication, multitasking, problem-solving |
| Computer Programmers | $93,000 | -10% | Customer service, management, problem-solving, critical thinking, active listening, analytical thinking, concentration, detail-oriented |
| Information Security Analysts | $102,600 | 35% | Management, critical thinking, problem-solving, active listening, problem sensitivity, analytical thinking, dependability, detail-oriented |
| Computer Network Architects | $120,520 | 4% | Customer service, active listening, active learning, problem-solving, problem sensitivity, dependability, analytical thinking, flexibility, detail-oriented, interpersonal, organizational |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $159,010 | 16% | Customer service, management, critical thinking, active listening, decision making, problem sensitivity, dependability, communication, organizational |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Relevance to Military Background
Individuals who once served in the Army may have worked as IT specialists but are now planning to transition into a nonmilitary profession. Like the 25B MOS position, there are civilian jobs that mostly work with computer systems, networks, and software. Professionals are also knowledgeable in fields typically involving computer programming, engineering, support, or systems administration. If interested, former enlisted soldiers with a similar work background may be suitable for one or more of these alternative careers.
Computer Network Support Specialists
Computer network support specialists fit the job description of a 25B MOS in the Army. The two fields both specialize in testing, troubleshooting, and running maintenance on networks or programs. These specialists, in particular, provide technical assistance with local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), or internet network systems. Common work activities may include diagnosing network issues, backing up files, evaluating security breaches, and performing maintenance routines on networks. Professionals in this line of work are typically employed by an organization, like a computer systems company or telecommunications carrier, ensuring that networks within the establishment are functioning properly.
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
A former 25B MOS worker may find common ground with this profession. IT specialists are known to work in systems administration, and that's just what professional network and computer systems administrators do for a living. Tasks mainly include installing and maintaining an organization's LAN, WAN, and internet systems. These administrators sometimes work for hospitals and government-related jobs while making sure users have access to the operation's central server, whether it's a shared email or database network. In addition to this, duties include installing computer hardware or software, identifying server problems, upgrading networks, and monitoring the performance level of a computer system.
Computer Programmers
Computer programmers sometimes work in partnership with computer specialists and software developers, but they also have the option of working independently from home. The skills learned in this career field is a major part of being an IT specialist. Similar to the Army position, computer programmers create, edit, and test codes related to software, programs, and computer applications. They have to know how to write in computer languages, administer trial runs on new applications, upgrade software programs, fix faulty codes, and identify user needs. By doing all of this, programmers help developers improve or revise applications that are used through computer systems and mobile devices.
Information Security Analyst
This civilian job deals with monitoring and upgrading an organization's computer networks. However, information security analysts are more focused on safeguarding the data and digital files found on these systems. Experts in the field are full-time workers trained to counterattack viruses, security breaches, and cyber violations through the use of certain software and programs. Job assignments may involve monitoring a company's computer networks, implementing security procedures, installing protective software, and gathering reports on breaches. When an organization's networks have been threatened by outside violators, information security analysts typically transfer all information to another location as a recovery plan.
Computer Network Architects
Computer network architects are the engineers behind the design of extranets, intranets, LANs, and WANs. Army members who worked as a 25B MOS will be able to work with network connections used within an organization or business. Working in a server room to monitor a network's user capacity is one of the main concerns of this job. Additionally, workers propose new network plans, form layouts or models, update hardware and software, review security needs, and troubleshoot issues. Staying in contact with customers and sales staff is vital when improvements need to be made.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and information systems managers are closely related to an IT specialist Army career. This civilian job is known to operate within the IT department of a professional organization. Yet, these managers are behind in improving computer systems, networks, hardware, and software. They do this by determining computer needs, researching new technology, planning installations, managing new projects, assessing project expenses, and monitoring network security. In a full day of work, computer and information systems managers also supervise other staff members, including computer programmers, information security analysts, and customer support specialists.
