MilitaryStars Blog

Stars Clients Create Veteran Scholarships

MilitaryStars client DeVry University, who will be joining us at our upcoming LA and Phoenix events, has partnered with AMVETS to create new scholarships for veterans, their spouses, and children.  The training offered through DeVry is a perfect match for many military skillsets and is always in demand!  Another AMVETS partner and Stars client, University of Phoenix, looks like they are planning something similar - stay tuned, and look for them at (of course) our Phoenix show!  If you're not sure whether you want to transition into a civilian employer or into furthering your education, that's all the more reason to come to an event to acquire firsthand knowledge!    

Family & Community Military Support

Here are two great examples of ways absolutely anyone can truly support the transitioning military in their community.  This community program in the Chicago area and this family support class in the Baltimore area both ask for nothing more than a little of your time.  If you don't have a family member currently in the military, why not sit in on the class and find out a little about what the experience is like?

West Coast Military Job Tour Kicks Off Today!

Best of luck to everyone headed to San Diego today as our West Coast Tour kicks off!  I've received a lot of great "research questions" from a lot of sharp people who want to be as prepared as possible - we appreciate that and our employers do too!  A "research question", to me, is one requiring a longer answer - I have a background in __ and want to know what employers I should be speaking with, etc.  If you ever have any general questions that can be answered more quickly (what to wear/bring/etc), I guarantee you can find the answer in our Job Seeker FAQ here.  I spend time every day online looking for answers; it took me awhile to get the least bit good at it, but it's an increasingly valuable skill!  We're here for you and we believe in you - prepare yourself to the best of your abilities and success will find you!   

State Att. General Offers Free Veterans Guide

While checking out some one-year-later follow-up on the state of Minnesota's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program, I was pointed toward a great resource... not sure how many of us are aware of it.  Minnesota's state Attorney General's office has a Veterans Assistance Unit, and their website provides a free publication here (if you have Adobe on your PC) or here (scroll to "Veterans and Service Members" and they will mail it to you).  The guide covers employment rights, education rights, benefits, and much more.  Hopefully some other states provide this service; I will look around and see what I can find!  Thanks to the St. Cloud Times for the tip and have a great week!          

Know Your Military-Friendly Employers

Like with many transition issues, it's a shame it even has to come to this, but the good news is that legislation is being introduced in Congress that would allow Guard and Reserve members to use state courts to fight to keep their jobs.  Yet another reason to always be aware of  which companies are military-friendly... it's a requirement for attending our events, and there are great organizations out there like Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to point you in the right direction too (check out their state-by-state map). 

Careers in Emergency Management

Great look here at a field that there will always be a need for, emergency management.  We hear about it for tragic reasons all the time - what I like about this profile, of a retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel, is the way it demonstrates how military experience applies to the job and helps save lives.  As several veterans in the article note, it is a way to continue serving the public... and, I would add, a way for the public to continue to be grateful. 

State Support Services: National Guard

Returning National Guard members in Illinois have a variety of excellent programs in place to help them back into civilian life.  As a veterans services officer in the article notes, overall the state really has been ahead of the curve with veterans programs, so it was nice to see another article from Vermont focusing on their efforts.  It's a profile of one counselor... that's all it takes to start helping.  Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who secured the funding used in the Vermont program, is looking for more to expand it nationwide.  Here's to that and have a great week! 

Veterans Needed in Manufacturing!

The Air Force Times says that 80% of American manufacturers know they'll be hurting to find skilled production workers next year. Already struggling to compete globally, they want to hire veterans for these careers -  Stacey Wagner of the National Association of Manufacturers’ Center for Workforce Success says:

“They often have just the perfect skills,” Wagner said. “Technical skills, mechanical skills, engineering skills, an understanding of leadership hierarchy and a work ethic, the ability to think autonomously, as well as in teams.”

Furthermore, the industry knows that many entry-level jobs require more than a diploma, but also know that your military training more than makes up for any education requirements.  Check out the "Getting Hired" and "Advice" sections of the article too, and know that every one of our events is attended by employers looking for the skills Wagner mentions above.  Yet another industry where a coming need for quality people lines up perfectly with the skills many of you bring to the table!

9/14: Follow-up - The president of a manufacturing firm cited in the article wrote a great editorial here explaining many reasons why she hires veterans, along with offering resume tips.

Patriot Day

MilitaryStars Account Exec Curtis Hagens, US Army, ran our show in New York City last week - I asked him to share his thoughts today and he graciously accepted.

I just returned from the MilitaryStars NE Regional event in New York City and wanted to thank everyone that made it out to the event.  From the feedback I received from some of the hiring companies, it looks like a good number of the 300-plus veteran job seekers are going to get some good offers. Thanks again to all of our veterans for your service to our country.

While I was in New York City I had an opportunity to visit Ground Zero and the World Trade Center Gallery. Man, that was an emotional trip. If you have never been to the WTC site or to the Tribute WTC Visitor Center it is something you should do at some point. I have included some pictures for all to see. One this day I would like to remember all those who lost their lives this day six years ago and all our brave men and women serving overseas.

          

                    

                      

                  

MLB's Zito & USAA Step Up For Veterans

It is NFL season now, my blognamesake is on a roll, so this is pretty much my last chance to say anything about baseball - I promise this is worth it.  Giants pitcher Barry Zito, as many may know, has been running a non-profit called Strikeouts for Troops for over 2 years to raise money for war wounded veterans and their families.  His dedication has brought an awesome array of fellow MLBers on board (check out the list on their homepage), as well as USAA, a company with whom our office does business both professionally and personally.  USAA will donate $400 to Strikeouts for Troops for every strikeout thrown in every Major League game tomorrow - after our New York City team returned home from a powerful trip, this is even greater news to hear.  Not every athlete is a pompous headcase - huge thanks to Zito, MLB, & USAA for their efforts, and have a great week!