Professional Development and Career Readiness

Kickstart your Career with FourBlock

Looking for a structured way to launch your post-graduation career? FourBlock is a nonprofit career readiness program that helps veterans bridge the gap between military service and the business world through a semester-long course that combines online learning, live sessions, and direct interaction with employers. You will build a targeted resume and LinkedIn profile, sharpen your professional story, and connect with leaders from top companies who are actively interested in hiring veteran talent.​

If you are graduating soon or have recently graduated, this is a powerful way to clarify your career direction, expand your network, and create a concrete plan for landing meaningful civilian roles—not just any job.​

FourBlock also offers a Military Spouses Career Readiness Program, designed specifically for military spouses who want support in navigating career changes, growing their professional network, and finding flexible, fulfilling opportunities. If you are married, please share this with your spouse and encourage them to attend an info session as well.​

👉 Learn more and sign up for an upcoming virtual information session here: Career Readiness Programs: Information Sessions
 

What FourBlock Offers

• Veteran Career Readiness Program: A multi-week, semester-style program (offered in fall and spring) that blends online learning with live sessions and employer visits so participants can practice interviewing, networking, and storytelling in real time.​

• Evidence-based curriculum, developed with Columbia University, that helps you clarify your career goals, build a targeted resume and LinkedIn profile, and communicate your value to employers in interviews and networking conversations.​​

• Access to a national community of alumni, instructors, and employer partners from more than 60 top companies, creating a built-in professional network as you transition out of the military or complete your degree.​

Why It’s Great for Graduating Student Veterans

• Focuses on relationship-building with recruiters and executives so you can learn about different industries, discover roles you may not have considered, and get insider perspective on hiring processes.​

• Participants leave the program with a clear career search plan, a refined professional story, and a working list of target companies for internships or full-time roles.​

• FourBlock alumni have strong employment and retention outcomes, and many return as mentors and instructors—showing how impactful the program is for long-term career growth.​

Build In‑Demand Skills with Free Google Career Certificates

In partnership with Google, Student Veterans of America is offering free access to Google Career Certificates for all SVA members, students, and recent graduates through the Professional Development Series. Funded by a grant from Google, these industry‑recognized certificates are 100% online, self‑paced, and designed to help you stand out in a competitive job market.​

As an SVA member, you can enroll at no cost and receive support from SVA’s Career Center team as you move through the coursework and plan your next steps. You can study on your own schedule and even stack multiple certificates over time to keep building your skills.​

The following six Google Career Certificates are currently available through SVA’s Professional Development Series:​

• Cybersecurity – Build foundational security skills to protect systems, networks, and data.

• Data Analytics – Learn how to collect, organize, and interpret data to drive better decisions.

• IT Support – Gain hands‑on experience in troubleshooting, networking, and systems to launch an IT career.

• Project Management – Develop practical tools for planning, organizing, and leading projects across industries.

• UX Design – Learn user‑centered design skills to create intuitive, accessible digital products.

• Digital Marketing & E‑commerce – Build skills in online advertising, analytics, and customer engagement.

If you are interested, log in to your MySVA account, visit the Professional Development Series page, and request your Google Career Certificate to get started. Follow this link to get started: Professional Development Series - Student Veterans of America®

These certificates are a great option whether you are exploring a new field or leveling up skills you already have. If you start now, you can walk into your next semester, internship, or job interview with a new credential on your resume.