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Veteran Employment: Opportunities for Military Heroes

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Kenneth Keith
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The U.S. Department of Labor says veterans have many job options. These include jobs in agriculture, energy, transportation, homeland security, and the federal government. This shows how much employers value the skills and experiences of military members in the civilian world.

Moving from military to civilian life can feel overwhelming. But, places like the Veteran and Military Transition Center, CareerOneStop, and Hiring Our Heroes are here to help. They offer tools, job search help, and ways to meet other veterans to make the transition smoother.

Key Takeaways

  • The U.S. Department of Labor identifies a broad range of job opportunities for veterans across various industries.
  • Dedicated resources like the Veteran and Military Transition Center, CareerOneStop, and Hiring Our Heroes provide comprehensive support for veterans transitioning to civilian careers.
  • Hiring Our Heroes organizes events and summits to facilitate direct connections between veterans and potential employers.
  • Veterans can leverage digital tools like VirtualJobScout and the Hiring Our Heroes dashboard to explore job openings and manage their job search process.
  • Résumé writing resources, such as the Resume Engine, help veterans effectively showcase their military experiences and skills to civilian employers.

Veteran Employment: Unlocking Career Potential

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helps military veterans find civilian jobs. They know veterans bring leadership skills, discipline, and special expertise from their service. With the VA’s help, veterans can reach their career goals and fit well in civilian jobs.

The VA has a Veterans’ Preference program to help veterans get hired. It gives veterans an edge in the federal hiring process if they served in war or have a service-connected disability. To claim this preference, veterans need to give their DD-214 to the OPM or federal agencies.

The VA also has special hiring programs like the Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) and the 30% or More Disabled Veteran status. These programs make it easier for veterans to get federal jobs, using their unique skills and experiences.

Hiring Preference Eligibility Criteria Preference Points
Disabled Veterans Veteran with a service-connected disability of at least 10% 10 points
Non-Disabled Veterans Veteran who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized 5 points
Sole Survivorship Preference Veteran who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces and was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is permanently and totally disabled, or is missing in action 0 points

The VA works with many organizations to help veterans find jobs and grow in their careers. Groups like Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and RecruitMilitary offer job fairs, resume help, and networking for veterans.

With the VA’s support and connections, veterans can confidently look for jobs. They can turn their military skills into valuable civilian roles. This opens up many career opportunities that match their experiences and goals.

“The VA is committed to empowering veterans to thrive in their post-military careers. By providing tailored resources and support, we aim to unlock the full potential of our nation’s heroes and help them seamlessly transition into fulfilling civilian roles.”

Transitioning from Military to Civilian Workforce

Switching from military to civilian work can feel overwhelming for many veterans. But, there are many resources and strategies to help. These tools help service members use their special skills and experiences in the job market. By learning how to share their military skills and achievements, veterans can set themselves up for success in civilian jobs.

Skills Translation: Highlighting Military Experiences

One big challenge for veterans is showing how their military skills are valuable to civilian employers. Skills like adaptability, leadership, teamwork, and fast-paced work are wanted in many industries. By pinpointing and sharing these skills, veterans can show they’re a great fit for any company.

Resume Writing for Veterans: Showcasing Accomplishments

Writing a strong resume is key for veterans moving to civilian careers. It’s important to focus on specific achievements and the impact they made in the military. With help from the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), veterans can learn to share their skills and experiences in a way employers will understand.

A 2016 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics and Yale University found that 70% of jobs are found through networking. Veterans can use their networks and groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes to find jobs.

By using the right resources and strategies, veterans can smoothly move from military to civilian jobs. They can show off their special skills and achievements to employers.

Job Search Strategies for Veterans

When veterans move from military life to civilian work, they face unique job market challenges. But, there are many resources and strategies to help them find better career paths.

Networking Opportunities for Veterans

For veterans looking for jobs, building a strong network is key. Hiring Our Heroes hosts networking events and job fairs just for veterans. These events are great for meeting employers who want to hire veterans.

Also, sites like GIJobs.com and Militaryvetjobs.jobs.careercast.com connect veterans with employers. They also offer help with resumes and job boards for specific industries.

Resource Description
Hiring Our Heroes Organizes networking events and job fairs for veterans
GIJobs.com Provides a job board, resume assistance, and information for veteran job seekers
Militaryvetjobs.jobs.careercast.com Connects veteran job seekers with employers and offers a supportive community

A survey by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) found that 60% of veterans struggle to turn their military skills into civilian jobs. To help, sites like CareerOneStop.org and O*Net Online offer tools to showcase veterans’ skills to employers.

By using these job search and networking tools, veterans can set themselves up for success in the civilian job market. They can find careers that match their skills and dreams.

Military-Friendly Employers and Initiatives

Many businesses today are committed to hiring veterans and giving them good jobs. They see the great value veterans add, like their leadership skills and strong work ethic.

Veteran Hiring Programs and Incentives

The Hiring Our Heroes program is a great example of this effort. It connects veterans with job openings and events. Companies offer special programs and incentives to help veterans join their teams.

Companies like AAR CORP, Amazon, and Northrop Grumman are recognized for hiring veterans. American Water, Comcast NBCUniversal, and Cisco are also top employers for veterans.

To be called a Military Friendly® Employer, companies must meet certain standards. This includes keeping veterans on board and promoting them. The evaluation looks at career growth, company culture, and support for military staff.

These efforts help veterans find good jobs and make the workforce more diverse. Veterans bring new skills and perspectives, helping companies innovate and grow.

“Hiring veterans is not just the right thing to do – it’s a strategic business decision. These individuals bring invaluable leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills to the table, making them highly sought-after assets in any organization.”

With over 18 million living veterans in the U.S., the need for veteran-friendly employers is growing. By hiring veterans, companies can build a diverse and skilled team ready for success.

Entrepreneurship: Veteran-Owned Businesses

For veterans looking into entrepreneurship, there are many resources and programs to help. These offer guidance, funding, and mentorship. They help veterans use their skills and experiences to start and grow their businesses.

The Vets First Acquisition Program helps SBA Certified firms compete for VA set-asides. The Veteran Entrepreneur Portal (VEP) connects entrepreneurs to important information and best practices. It gives small businesses access to federal services and information on a wide range of topics.

There are also financing options for veteran-owned small businesses. The portal talks about government contracting programs and opportunities for these businesses. With veterans making up 9% of the U.S. population and over 21.2 million veterans, many are self-employed. They run over 2.5 million small businesses.

Actually, veteran entrepreneurs are 45% more likely to be self-employed. They own over 1.7 million businesses, adding a lot to the economy and making about $1 trillion a year. But, there are challenges. Millennial veteran entrepreneurs and Black and African American veteran entrepreneurs face higher denial rates and rely more on credit cards.

Groups like the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families and SCORE Mentoring for Veterans offer programs for veteran entrepreneurs. They help at all stages, from starting an idea to growing a business. Research by the IVMF helps understand and meet the needs of these entrepreneurs.

Statistic Value
Veteran Entrepreneurs in the U.S. 12% of veterans are self-employed, responsible for over 2.5 million veteran-owned small businesses
Veteran Entrepreneurship Rates Veterans are 45% more likely to be self-employed
Veteran-Owned Businesses Contribution Veteran entrepreneurs own over 1.7 million businesses, contributing $1 trillion annually to the economy
Challenges for Veteran Entrepreneurs
  • Millennial veteran entrepreneurs exhibit lower entrepreneurship rates compared to non-veteran counterparts and older veteran generations
  • Black and African American veteran entrepreneurs face higher denial rates from creditors and rely more on credit cards for business funding
  • Access to capital remains a significant challenge for veteran entrepreneurs
  • Female veteran entrepreneurs encounter unique systemic barriers to success
Support Programs for Veteran Entrepreneurs
  1. The Vets First Acquisition Program
  2. The Veteran Entrepreneur Portal (VEP)
  3. The D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (programs like V-WISE, EBV, and Veteran EDGE)
  4. SCORE Mentoring for Veterans

By using these resources and tackling the challenges, the entrepreneurial community can grow. It will continue to make a big impact on the American economy and workforce.

Career Resources for Military Spouses

Military spouses often face unique employment challenges due to the demands of the military lifestyle, such as frequent relocations. However, there are dedicated resources and programs designed to support them in overcoming these obstacles and finding rewarding careers.

Overcoming Employment Challenges for Military Families

The employment challenges faced by military spouses are well-recognized. An estimated 25 percent unemployment rate and a 25 percent wage gap compared to their civilian counterparts exist. Despite the fact that 77 percent of military spouses want or need work, frequent relocation can be a significant barrier to finding and maintaining a fulfilling career.

To address these challenges, organizations like Hiring Our Heroes work to connect military spouses with employment opportunities. They provide education and training options and help them navigate the unique obstacles they may encounter. Government initiatives such as the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) and the Military Spouse Non-competitive Appointing Authority aim to create more career resources and employment opportunities for military families.

Other valuable career resources for military spouses include the My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) scholarship program. This program provides financial assistance for education and training. The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) also offers workshops on resume building, networking, and interview skills.

For military spouses interested in entrepreneurship, programs like SCORE, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Entrepreneurship Boot Camp provide support and resources. These programs help them start their own businesses.

By leveraging these career resources and overcoming the unique employment challenges they face, military spouses can unlock their full potential. They can find rewarding careers that complement their military lifestyle.

Education and Training Options for Veterans

When military veterans move to civilian careers, they find many education and training resources. These help them grow professionally. Veterans can use financial help and get more certifications to boost their skills and job chances.

The Veteran and Military Transition Center is a great resource. It offers info on going back to school, getting more training, and using financial aid. This center helps veterans find education paths that match their career goals and eases their move to civilian jobs.

The Jobs for Veterans Act and the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service offer many programs and services. They help veterans turn their military skills into civilian jobs, prepare resumes, and find jobs.

For those wanting to start their own business, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Boots to Business program is perfect. It teaches how to start and run a successful business. With this program and other resources, veterans can use their skills and experiences to start their own businesses.

Veterans have many education and training options to help them succeed in civilian jobs. By using these resources, veterans can smoothly transition and find fulfilling careers that value their military service.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

Mentorship and Support Networks

Switching from military to civilian life can feel overwhelming. But, mentorship and support networks can really help. Groups like Hiring Our Heroes connect veterans with pros. They help build professional connections and offer advice for a smooth job transition.

This program matches each member with about 4 mentors, sometimes up to 25. It’s designed to make finding a job easier for the 1.5 million Veterans and 5.5 million military spouses looking for work.

Building Professional Connections

80% of job opportunities come from personal networks. That’s why mentorship and professional connections are key. The platform aims to link job seekers with mentors on a large scale. It uses the network’s knowledge to help Veterans and spouses in their careers.

“The platform has been recognized for its social impact entrepreneurial efforts, enhancing its credibility and reach within the veteran community.”

Many success stories from mentors and mentees show how well the mentorship program works. Mentors can set up calls at convenient times. This makes the mentorship process easy for everyone.

The veteran mentoring program has many benefits. It boosts morale, helps understand work culture, and improves productivity. It also helps with career growth and diversity. Mentors gain in leadership skills and make a big difference in a Veteran’s career.

The Department of Veterans Affairs says that support from employers and Veteran mentoring programs are key to keeping Veterans in their jobs. By using support networks and making strong professional connections, Veterans can confidently move into civilian careers.

Success Stories: Veterans Thriving in Civilian Careers

Leaving the military for civilian life can be tough, but many veterans have made it work and done well in their new careers. These veteran success stories are great examples. They show how the skills and experiences from military service are useful in civilian careers.

Hiring Our Heroes is celebrating its tenth anniversary by sharing 10 veterans’ stories of finding jobs in the civilian world. These stories show how veterans have taken different career paths. Some have moved into tech jobs at big companies like Amazon and Salesforce. Others have started their own businesses in the trucking industry.

Holly Harris moved from Amazon Fresh to a senior manager role at AWS through the HOH Corporate Fellowship Program. Jay Junkins got a job at Pierce Manufacturing after meeting people at a HOH Career Summit. These stories show how military skills fit well in the corporate world and the power of networking for veterans.

Joseph Campbell started his own business in the trucking industry after winning the 2019 Transition Trucking award. Kathrine Lukes moved from the military to the solar industry with help from the Solar Ready Vets Fellowship. These stories show veterans’ success in different fields and the help they get from special programs.

These stories inspire other veterans and show what employers gain by hiring military personnel. Jon Cox, a recruiter at Hy-Vee, has hired over 1,000 veterans a year after meeting them at Hiring Our Heroes events. This shows how these hiring events help veterans find jobs.

The success of these veterans proves that the skills, discipline, and leadership they learned in the military are valuable in civilian careers. With the right resources, networking, and experience, they’ve found fulfilling careers outside the military.

veteran success stories

The U.S. military is crucial for protecting the nation, and these veterans’ stories remind us that their skills are also valuable in civilian jobs. By sharing these veteran success stories, we encourage more service members to look into the many career opportunities out there.

Veteran Employment: Bridging the Gap

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be tough for veterans, especially when it comes to finding a job. But, programs like those from the Employment Development Department (EDD) and Hiring Our Heroes are making a big difference. They help bridge the gap in employment for veterans.

These groups offer great resources, support, and connections to employers who value veterans. This helps veterans get past the challenges they face and reach their career goals. Veterans can use their unique skills and experience to find jobs that match their goals and strengths.

The “Top Gun IGNITE Your Career” program has helped over 2,500 veteran candidates since 2016. More than 1,000 veterans and their families have found careers thanks to this program. Another program, Bridging the Gap, connects veterans and their spouses directly with employers. It offers recruitment advice, best practices, and support groups.

These programs work closely with the military community. They partner with the Army Reserve, the Department of Defense’s Employer Support to the Guard & Reserve (ESGR), and colleges to spread the word about career opportunities and resources for veterans and their families.

Easterseals is another key player in helping veterans find work. They offer training, connect job seekers with employers, and work with businesses to show the value of hiring veterans. Their efforts have helped many people, including veterans, people with disabilities, and those facing other challenges, find successful jobs.

These initiatives are tackling the issue of veterans not fitting into civilian jobs. They’re unlocking the huge potential of our military heroes. As we keep working to bridge the gap, we’re making sure veterans can succeed in their civilian careers. They can use their unique skills to make a difference in the workforce.

“Bridging the Gap conducts monthly onsite and virtual meetings with candidates to educate them on finding rewarding careers in a 21st-century environment.”

The success of these programs shows how important it is to support veteran employment. With the right resources, connections, and help, we can make sure veterans can move smoothly into fulfilling civilian careers. This benefits both the veterans and the communities they join.

Tapping into Veteran Talent Pools

Employers are now seeing the great value that veterans can add to their teams. By hiring veterans, companies can make their workforce more diverse. This brings in highly skilled, experienced, and disciplined people who can help the company grow.

Diversifying the Workforce with Military Veterans

Veterans bring skills like strategic planning, process improvement, leadership, and data analysis that are very valuable in the private sector. Companies are seeing how veterans can make a big difference in the workplace. They are known for their focus, expertise, and dedication to solving problems.

But, companies often struggle to recruit and integrate military professionals into their teams. To help, businesses are working with military talent specialists. These experts know the military well and can connect companies with a wide range of veteran talent.

Using a strategic approach to hire veterans can lead to great hires and help a company succeed. With about 10 million job openings in the U.S. and many companies struggling to find workers, hiring veterans can be a big advantage.

Key Statistics Insights
Approximately 17.9 million veterans are in the U.S., with 48% of them being work-eligible. A vast, underutilized talent pool exists, presenting opportunities for employers to diversify their workforce.
Around 200,000 military personnel transition from U.S. military service to civilian life annually. A steady stream of highly trained and experienced individuals is available for employers to consider.
Veterans are estimated to be underemployed at a rate roughly 70% higher than non-veterans. Significant potential for employers to tap into veteran talent and address skills gaps.
Companies that recruit military-connected workers are 36% less likely to face talent and skills shortages. Hiring veterans can provide a competitive advantage and contribute to organizational success.

Even though hiring veterans has many benefits, some employers may think they should only work in the military. But, most veterans don’t want to do the same job they had in the military. By seeing the skills and perspectives veterans bring, employers can make their teams more diverse and tap into a lot of veteran talent.

“Companies hiring Veterans benefit from increased productivity, lower turnover rates, availability of leadership, specialized skills, and global perspectives.”

To use the veteran talent pool well, companies need to support hiring veterans. This includes using job seekers, military-ready employers, champions, skills-based hiring, technology, and a focus on people. By hiring veterans, companies can make their teams more diverse and bring in a lot of expertise and experience.

Government Initiatives and Legislation

The government is key in helping veteran employment through initiatives and legislation. Programs like the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes help veterans find jobs. They also offer resources and work with employers for more welcoming workplaces for veterans.

The Veterans with Disabilities Employment Program (55-c) in New York aims to hire 500 qualified veterans with disabilities. The Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program helps veterans with a disability rating of at least 10% get career services and training.

The USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act) stops job discrimination against military service members. It also helps them get back to civilian jobs quickly after duty. The New York State Department of Labor Veterans’ Program gives priority to veterans in job and training programs, as required by law and the New York State Veterans Bill of Rights for Employment Services.

There are also programs like Edge4Vets for job preparation in different industries. The Veterans Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) Program is a five-year, $75 million pilot. It aims to improve veterans’ IT skills with top training providers.

The Federal Cyber Reskilling Academy and the DOD SkillBridge program offer chances for veterans to gain civilian work experience. They help bridge the gap from military to civilian careers.

These government initiatives and legislation show a strong support for veteran employment. They make sure veterans have the resources and chances they need to do well in civilian jobs.

“The government’s commitment to veteran employment is a testament to the immense value that military service members bring to the civilian workforce. By investing in these initiatives and legislation, we are empowering our nation’s heroes to seamlessly transition into fulfilling careers and continue serving their communities.”

Conclusion: Empowering Military Heroes

Helping veterans find jobs is a big deal that needs teamwork from the military, government, employers, and groups. By using the skills and hard work of veterans, companies can find great talent. This helps veterans move smoothly into good civilian jobs. We must keep working hard to make sure veterans get the jobs they deserve, showing our respect for their service.

Getting veterans back to work is a complex task. It means getting past challenges, showing how military skills apply in the workplace, and linking veterans with the right jobs. Groups like USA Cares are key in this effort. They offer help, support, and stories of success to encourage veterans and employers. Celebrating Invest in Veterans Week highlights the big sacrifices made by our heroes.

We must keep pushing forward to make sure veterans are seen and valued in the job market. By welcoming the special skills and views of veterans, companies can stay ahead. This also helps veterans who have given so much to our country to do well in their careers.

FAQ

What is the mission of Hiring Our Heroes (HOH)?

Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) connects the military community with American businesses. It aims to create economic opportunities and a diverse workforce. HOH offers programs and resources for veteran employment, like hiring events and fellowship programs.

How does the EDD (Employment Development Department) assist veterans in their career transition?

The EDD honors military veterans and helps them use their skills in civilian jobs. It gives priority to veterans in employment and training services. This helps them move from military to civilian careers smoothly.

How can veterans leverage their military skills and experience in the civilian workforce?

Veterans can use their skills and experience in the civilian world. They can find resources and tools to match their military skills with civilian jobs. These tools help them show their skills and experiences to employers.

What online programs and resources are available to help connect veterans with employers?

Online programs and resources connect veterans with employers who value their skills. These platforms offer job listings, tools for finding jobs by location, and support from American Job Centers. Veterans can also join Hiring Our Heroes events to network and find jobs.

How do businesses support the hiring of veterans?

Many businesses support veterans by offering them jobs. Hiring Our Heroes connects veterans with employers who value their skills. Employers may also have special programs and incentives for hiring veterans.

What resources are available for veterans interested in entrepreneurship?

Veterans interested in starting their own businesses can find resources and programs. These offer guidance, funding, and mentorship to help them succeed.

What resources are available to support military spouses in their career development?

Military spouses face unique career challenges. Hiring Our Heroes and other organizations offer resources and support. They help connect spouses with jobs, provide training, and overcome career obstacles.

What education and training options are available for veterans?

Veterans can find education and training to help them in their careers. The Veteran and Military Transition Center website offers information on further education and training. It also talks about financial aid programs.

How can mentorship and support networks help veterans in their career journey?

Mentorship and support networks are key for veterans in their career transition. Hiring Our Heroes connects veterans with professionals for guidance and advice. This helps them smoothly move into civilian jobs.

What are some success stories of veterans thriving in civilian careers?

Many veterans have found success in civilian careers. Their stories show the value they bring to the workforce. These stories inspire other veterans to explore their career options.

How do organizations like the EDD and Hiring Our Heroes bridge the employment gap for veterans?

The EDD and Hiring Our Heroes help veterans find jobs with employers who value their skills. They offer resources, support, and connections to help veterans transition smoothly into civilian careers.

How are employers benefiting from hiring veterans?

Employers gain a lot by hiring veterans. They bring skills, experience, and discipline to the workplace. This diversity helps companies succeed and grow.

How are government initiatives and legislation supporting veteran employment?

The government supports veteran employment with initiatives and laws. Programs like the U.S. Department of Labor and Hiring Our Heroes connect veterans with jobs and resources. They work with employers to create jobs for veterans.

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