For many veterans, the hardest part of transitioning out of service isn't the discipline, the work ethic, or the resilience, it's knowing where to start in a civilian tech landscape that doesn't always speak the same language. On March 24th, the Vets in Tech Greater Philadelphia Chapter tackled that challenge head-on with Pathways into Tech, their first event of the year and a milestone moment for a chapter that's quickly becoming a vital hub for the region's veteran tech community.
Hosted at the Pennovation Center, the evening brought together a curated panel of veteran leaders who have successfully navigated careers across software engineering, product management, data and business analysis, and cybersecurity. The format was intentionally straightforward: no abstract advice, no generic platitudes, just real people who have walked the path, sharing honestly how they got there.
Panelists spoke to the full spectrum of transition experiences from the initial uncertainty of figuring out which tech role fits a military background, to the practical steps of breaking into competitive fields without a traditional degree. Across disciplines, a common thread emerged: the skills built in service such as systems thinking, adaptability, leadership under pressure, and a bias toward execution, are exactly what the tech industry needs. The challenge is learning to translate and position them.
The event was designed to meet attendees exactly where they are, whether curious about tech for the first time, actively switching careers, or rounding out a degree and preparing for what comes next. That inclusivity is central to what the Greater Philadelphia Chapter, led by Andrew Maza, Mark Griego, and Cami Hough, is building - a community where veterans and military spouses don't have to figure it out alone.
VetsinTech, a national nonprofit with over 60,000 members and chapters across the country, supports veterans through education, employment, and entrepreneurship programs in partnership with major employers including Google, Amazon, Adobe, and Salesforce.
