Transition can be cruel. Veterans of the post-9/11 era find the transition into the civilian world difficult due to a lack of education. While many have the experience, skills and knowledge needed to work in America's top corporate institutions, a small number of Soldiers have worked to earn a college degree. In the civilian world, a college degree often distinguishes a potential employee from others. In an LA Times article the writer writes: “many lack the qualifications that employers are looking for” (Semuels 2011). To be a little more convincing, the author states that, as of June 2011, “the unemployment rate for veterans who served any time after September 2001 was 13.3%” (Semuels 2011). My decision to enroll at Western Governors University (WGU) was born out of trepidation about becoming a member of the underemployed veteran community, an existence that requires an increase in my current earnings, and a career that my voracious appetite for success compared to a market where employers hold all the cards had a big influence on my decision. However, like many soldiers, I have had multiple opportunities to prepare for my future; my frivolous use of time put me in the position of having to act quickly. While wondering what steps I could take to counteract a personal fiscal collapse, I watched Gov. Mitch Daniels in a television ad, pitching WGU. Out of interest, I went to the WGU Indiana webpage to get more details. There, in a video, Governor Mitch Daniels said, “I could attend college online, on my own schedule, and at a cost I could afford” (indiana.wgu.edu, 2012). At this point, I was starting to think about the idea of ​​an all-online degree, but I was still skeptical. There were more facts... middle of paper.... I can work from a computer lab in Afghanistan or from a smartphone in a local park if deemed necessary. WGU also allowed me to reap the benefits I earned as a soldier. Most importantly, WGU is the stepping stone to a successful career when I turn on my gear. Remember, a veteran is not guaranteed a great job based solely on his or her service to the country. However, if you are in a similar situation to me, enroll at WGU, complete your degree plan, and enjoy the benefits now and in the future. Works Cited Semuels, A. (2011, July 11). Unemployment, Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 2011 from the Los Angeles Times: http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/11/business/la-fi-veteranjobs-20110711(Daniels, 2011)Mitch Dainiels, WGU Indianana. (2012, October 10). Retrieved October 10, 2012, from Indiana University Online: http://indiana.wgu.edu/