Unlocking Career Potential: Resources for Military Spouses

Transitioning into a civilian career can be daunting, especially for military spouses facing frequent relocations and unique challenges. Fortunately, a wealth of resources is available to guide them through this journey.The ACS/TAP program, in partnership with expert career counselors, offers tailored support to empower military spouses to achieve their professional goals.

The program recognizes the distinct needs of military spouses and provides comprehensive assistance, including specialized workshops on resume writing and interview skills. These workshops equip individuals with the necessary tools to navigate the job market effectively. “We go through formatting; we walk through a live job announcement,how to structure resumes to cater to specific job announcements and more,” explains a seasoned career counselor,highlighting the practical nature of the program’s offerings.

To accommodate various schedules, three large-scale workshops are scheduled over the next month:

Wednesday, Feb. 26: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.(location to be determined)
Saturday, March 8: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (location to be determined)
* Friday,March 21: 8:30 a.m. to noon at Graham Hall, classroom #1 (70 Pershing Dr.)

Beyond these workshops, professionals emphasize the importance of leveraging online resources. Websites like RecruitMilitary.com and Military OneSource provide invaluable guidance on career exploration, job searching, and skill advancement. Military spouses can also access a free Udemy account through Military OneSource, opening doors to a world of online learning opportunities.

“A lot of spouses don’t know that they can get a Udemy account for free,” explains a career counselor. “All they have to do is contact Military OneSource, ask for a career counselor and let them know they are a military spouse and are looking to get a free Udemy account.” The counselor also highlights the benefit of a free year of LinkedIn premium for each permanent change of station, another valuable resource offered by Military OneSource.

RecruitMilitary stands out as a notably beneficial resource for military spouses, as it connects employers and job seekers through nationwide career fairs, industry-specific publications, and personalized career coaching. Its services are entirely free for spouses, transitioning service members, and veterans, making it an accessible and invaluable tool for their career journey.Moreover, the ACS/TAP program goes beyond resume writing and online resources. “Some may not have had to have an interview in six or seven years,so I offer help for that by doing mock interviews,” shares a career counselor. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like the Fort Knox Red Cross provide access to professional clothing services, ensuring that military spouses are prepared to make a confident and polished first impression.

Taking advantage of these resources can be a game-changer for military spouses seeking smoother career transitions. By leveraging the expertise and support available through ACS/TAP, RecruitMilitary, military OneSource, and other organizations, military spouses can empower themselves to build successful and fulfilling careers, despite the unique challenges they may face.

Embrace these opportunities, and unlock your full career potential.

Given Lisa’s focus on ACS/TAP resources, military spouse career challenges, and online tools, I suggest this thoughtful question:

Unlocking Career Potential: A Conversation with Military Spouse Career Counselor, Lisa Kendrick

Lisa Kendrick, a seasoned career counselor dedicated to supporting military spouses, shares her expertise and insights into the resources available to help military spouses navigate civilian careers.In this interview, she discusses the ACS/TAP program, practical workshop details, online resources, and the importance of leveraging these opportunities for smoother career transitions.

Q: Can you tell us about the ACS/TAP program and how it caters to the unique needs of military spouses?

Lisa: “Absolutely. The Army Community Service (ACS) Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is designed to empower military spouses by addressing their distinct career challenges. We acknowledge the frequent relocations and varied job market exposure military spouses face, so we provide tailored support that focuses on adaptability and resilience.”

Q: What kind of workshops does the ACS/TAP program offer, and what can attendees expect?

Lisa: “We organize practical, hands-on workshops that cover essential topics such as resume writing and interview skills. We break down complex tasks into manageable steps and ensure all participants leave with a clear understanding of how to structure resumes for specific job announcements, format documents, and confidently navigate job interviews.Our upcoming workshops are on February 26, March 8, and March 21 at various locations, including Graham Hall.

Q: In addition to workshops, what online resources would you recommend for military spouses?

Lisa: “Ther are numerous online resources that complement our workshops and provide ongoing support. Websites like RecruitMilitary.com and Military OneSource offer invaluable guidance on career exploration, job searching, and skill advancement. Military spouses can also access a free Udemy account through Military OneSource, which opens up a world of online learning opportunities. Plus, don’t forget about the free year of LinkedIn premium offered by Military OneSource for each permanent change of station.

Q: How can military spouses benefit from using RecruitMilitary.com?

Lisa: “RecruitMilitary.com is an incredibly valuable resource as it connects employers and job seekers through nationwide career fairs, industry-specific publications, and personalized career coaching. Their services are entirely free for spouses,transitioning service members,and veterans,making it an accessible and invaluable tool for their career journey.

Q: Apart from resume writing and online resources, what other support does the ACS/TAP program offer?

Lisa: “We go beyond resume writing and online resources by providing mock interviews to help military spouses prepare for real-life interview scenarios. Additionally, our partnership with organizations like the Fort Knox Red Cross ensures that military spouses have access to professional clothing services, enabling them to make a confident and polished first impression.

thought-prooking question:

As a military spouse, what career challenge have you found the most unique or surprising, and how have you addressed it so far?

Share your experiences and tips with our community in the comments below, and let’s continue empowering each other to unlock our full career potential!