Military Services Members Community
Welcome to our community for our Military Service Members at the University of Montana! We are proud to support students who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Whether you’re beginning your academic journey, continuing your education, or transitioning into the civilian workforce, this community is here to help you navigate your next steps with confidence.
From exploring career options to understanding how your military experience translates into academic and professional opportunities, we’re here to make the process easier. You’ll find tools to help you use your education benefits, connect with support services, and plan for your career path after service.
Learn more about Experiential Learning and Career Success and how we can help you achieve your goals.
Did You Know?
You can meet with a career coach who specializes in supporting veterans — no military-specific career goal required.
Contact
Angie Thompson, Career Coach
Asst. Dir. of Student Engagement & AI Education
angie.thompson@umontana.edu | 406.243.6830
What You’ll Find Here
Explore Opportunities
- Career planning tools tailored to student veterans and service members
- Resources for transitioning from military to civilian careers
- Job and internship listings relevant to military-connected students
Connect & Get Involved
- UM Veteran Education and Transition Services (VETS) Office support and programs
- Events and community connections for veterans
- Campus and national organizations supporting military service members
Get Career-Ready
- Personalized career coaching
- Resume and interview guidance
- LinkedIn profile support and Handshake assistance
Be Informed
- Information about GI Bill® and other VA education benefits
- Guidance on translating military experience to civilian career pathway
UM Student Organizations & Campus Resources
Explore on-campus programs and organizations that support all students through peer connection, advocacy, academic services, and inclusive environments. These University of Montana resources promote accessibility and help students thrive academically and socially, offering mentorship, accommodations, leadership opportunities, and academic support to ensure full participation in campus life.
- Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC): The UM ROTC program boasts a strong tradition of elevating future Army leaders into vital roles in the military. Ranked in the top 20% of ROTC programs nationally, the Grizzly Battalion forges tough and intelligent Army officers to excel as future leaders. This program provides training and pathways to military leadership roles while supporting veterans who want to advance or transition into officer status.
- Veterans Education & Transition Services (VETS) Office: Offers dedicated support for veteran students—including GI Bill certification, academic advising, and personal guidance tailored to military experiences.
- Veterans Upward Bound (VUB): A pre-college program that helps veterans refresh academic skills, explore career paths, and prepare for college success—especially useful for adult learners or first-gen students.
- Office of Student Success: Central hub for advising, tutoring, peer support, and graduation planning.
- The Writing Center: Tutoring to strengthen writing, presentation, and public speaking.
- Undergraduate Advising Center: Advising for undeclared, pre-health, and first-year students
- Four Bear Program: Guides students to graduate in four years.
- UM Veteran organization (SVO): Peer-run community that advocates for veteran needs, hosts events, and connects military-connected students to academic and social support.
- Student Advocacy Resource Center: Confidential support for students facing harassment, discrimination, etc.
- Office of Disability Equity (ODE): Provides accommodations and support for students with disabilities.
- Dean of Students Office: Provides crisis response, referrals, and conduct support.
- ASUM: Student government advocating and providing campus services.
- Griz Hub: Central hub for student events, clubs, organizations, and intramural teams.
- The Branch Center: Intercultural hub for identity groups, programs, and connection.
- Campus Recreation: Fitness, outdoor, and wellness activities for all students.
- Curry Health Services: Primary health care and wellness services for UM students. Includes general medicine, pharmacy, dental, counseling, and other wellness services.
- Housing and Dining Services: On-Campus housing and meal plans with accommodations
- Financial Aid & Scholarships Office: Helps students navigate FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Montana 10: Scholarship program offering academic, financial, & social support.
- Alumni Association: Offers career advising, networking, and Handshake access to recent grads.
Explore Student Life & Clubs
Want to dive deeper into UM’s student communities? Here’s where to go next—GrizHub, ASUM, WelcomeFeast, or your department.
Organizations & Resources
The organizations listed are not affiliated with the University of Montana and are provided for informational purposes only.
- Academic and Financial Support
- Veterans Support Network Missoula Region is a regional information-sharing hub connecting veterans to academic, health, and peer resources.
- Montana University System Scholarships (Award Montana): administers need- and merit-based state scholarships and grants covering up to full tuition.
- Clearwater Credit Union: provides free financial education (budgeting, credit, and student financing).
- Career Support:
- Missoula Job Service: a local employment hub providing recruitment, interview facilities, and HR guidance.
- Missoula Works: connects individuals facing employment barriers with temporary and permanent jobs.
- Montana Department of Labor & Industry: offers comprehensive labor market insights and workforce services, helping students explore in-state career opportunities.
- Express Employment Professionals – Missoula: offers free online professional training (software, safety) and certifications via ExpressLearn, Workplace Pro, and Job Genius.
- Education and Social Support
- Montana Veterans Affairs Division: provides statewide coordination of VA benefits, education, housing, and veteran reintegration resources.
- Missoula VFW is a local nonprofit providing social support, community advocacy, and assistance for veterans and their families.
- The Lifelong Learning Center: offers certifications in trades and technical fields.
- XSports4Vets helps combat veterans transition and build community through extreme outdoor sports experiences in Montana.
- Girl Get After It: make new friends, try new things and connect with like-minded women in Missoula, Montana.
- Missoula Young Professionals: provides civic involvement opportunities designed to engage the next generation of leaders through networking and volunteer events that aid in professional and personal development.
- American Corporate Partners (ACP): offers free, personalized mentorship from industry professionals for veterans and transitioning service members.
- DOL VETS (Dept. of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service: provides training, job placement, and employment rights support for veterans nationwide.
- FedsHireVets: the federal government’s primary site for veteran hiring resources and guides to understanding Veterans’ Preference.
- FourBlock: offers a nationwide career readiness program that equips veterans and military spouses for post-service careers.
- Hire Heroes USA: delivers one-on-one coaching, resume help, and job search tools for veterans, transitioning military, and spouses.
- Student Veterans of America: is a national coalition supporting student veterans in higher education with leadership and policy advocacy.
- Team RWB: connects veterans to their communities through fitness, volunteerism, and team-based physical activity.
- USAJobs Veterans Help Center: walks veterans through the federal hiring process, including how to claim Veterans’ Preference on USAJobs.gov.
- Veterans in Media and Entertainment: supports veterans pursuing careers in entertainment and media through networking, workshops, and job leads.
- Wounded Warriors Project: provides job training, resume support, and career services to veterans recovering from visible and invisible injuries.
- Career Launch: is an evidence-based program with social capital development and competency benchmarking for job readiness
- American Graduate: Jobs Explained: is a PBS-backed public media initiative offering media-rich career guidance for school and college leavers
“But wait! This isn’t me!”
These communities are one way to organize resources and opportunities based on common student experiences. All Grizzlies are encouraged to explore every page and resource. Our career coaches are here to support every student.
Don’t see a community that reflects your experience, interests, or goals?
We welcome your feedback. Reach out to one of our career coaches — we’re here to help you find what you need:
