MilitaryStars Blog

Tech Careers: The Time is Now, the Place is a MilitaryStars Event

Time for a positive economic reality: careers in technology are on fire.  According to this great piece from BusinessWeek, one out of every nineteen jobs created in the US in the next eight years will be in tech.  If you have this training, it gets even better - some of the highest job growth areas are MilitaryStars event markets like Seattle (our team just got back), New York City (there in late May), and DC (we'll be there in a month).  Plus, tech career salaries in San Diego (we'll be there next week) tend to be twice those of other private sector careers!  Less students are getting tech degrees than ever right now.  Less jobs are being filled with overseas workers.  If you have technology training and experience in the US military, the time is now to get out to an event and sell your value to tech employers!  Keep it in mind and have a great week.   

Military and Veterans: Get Hired Tomorrow in Seattle!

We will be on top of the world tomorrow in Seattle and look forward to seeing you there!  The Summitt Ballroom of the Holiday Inn SeaTac Airport is on the 12th floor and offers panaroma views of Mt. Rainier, with Elliot Bay nearby.  Careers from Seattle to across the globe await with industries from semiconductors to security, intelligence analysis to logistics, energy to managment and much more!  Wherever you have seen or heard about the event, we appreciate every one of you making the commitment to be there, advancing your career with employers who are there to hire military and veteran talent.  Thanks and best of luck! 

Federal Resume Tips - Don't Get Passed Over

There's no such thing as too much information when it comes to preparing for a federal government career search, and there's no such thing as too small of a contribution.  A local profile of an HR manager in Georgia offering a class on the subject contains vital info for anyone interested in a federal career.  He notes that while many military job seekers feel they're passed over despite being qualified, possibly victims of a "good ol' boys' network", the fact is that their resumes are letting them down.  Detail is the key for a federal position.  He explains how to think of a resume in these terms - include only what's going to reinforce how qualified you are for this specific position, not accomplishments you might see as bigger, which aren't as relevant.   Remember the idea of creating these alternative resumes when meeting federal employers! 

What New Education Benefits Mean For Veterans

The "new GI bill", part of a much larger legislation package, has passed the House and awaits a vote in the Senate this week.  Here are looks at how veterans at Cal-Berkeley and in Arizona are preparing for the big potential jump in their education benefits - I would expect to see plenty of articles like this throughout the week.  What I liked about the Berkeley one was that, whether the bill passes or not, it demonstrates the considerable efforts the campus has already taken for its veterans, especially poignant considering certain stereotypes of Berkeley.  As the school's veteran programs coordinator notes, there are stereotypes of veterans as well, so it's important for the civilian world to understand that:

"Some (veterans) come from a longstanding tradition of serving the country. For others, the military offers a way to advance by getting technical training. Others are using their experience in the military to affect policy changes because of what they learned."

All true, and all noted by the multitides of skills our client employers demand.  The Arizona piece takes a look at several different veterans making their education work, one way or another.  I noted that one of them wants to work for US Customs and Border Protection, and hope he knows that they attend most of our events.  Give these a look if you're interested in pursuing your education or know someone who is, keep an open mind, and have a great week! 

Women Who Served Make More Money

According to a new study, women veterans have some powerful stats in their corner after entering a civilian career - they earn, on average, almost five thousand dollars more per year than women who are not veterans.  The possible explanations offered in the link may not seem to relate at all, but they do.  Suggesting female veterans work more hours speaks to a military work ethic.  Noting that military experience and education positions them better than other women entering the civilian job market is right on.  The reasons are multiple and tie into every reason to hire veterans that we provide to corporate America, so if you are looking for a career, man or woman, look at this study as definitive proof of what sets you apart!    

Veteran Gasoline Aid Proposed

Two U.S. Representatives from Indiana have a tremendous idea: when veterans have to travel to VA facilities for treatment, reimburse them for gas mileage at the same rate as federal employees.  This would almost double the current rate of reimbursement, to 50.5 cents per mile.

We feel the travel crunch here as much as anyone.  By attending one of our events, you will be able to meet face to face with multiple employers in one trip, in one prime location.  It isn't always going to be in your backyard, but by being there, you not only save time, you get to meet with industries across the board, accomplish mulitple goals at once, and gain new avenues to success you might not have thought of before.  We have seen ride sharing ads from job seekers on Craigslist, and many on active duty have attended on buses... however you make it there, we will work our hardest to have opportunity waiting there for you!

   

Boost For Buckeye State Veterans

Before Memorial Day, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland signed a law that will create the new Ohio Department of Veterans Services.  Previously, the state's veterans services ran through the governor's office, more of an unusual arrangement based on what I've seen.  The new department aims to give veterans in the state a more centralized organization to assist them - if you're from there, hopefully this sounds like good news to you.  They further look to fight to bring federal veteran benefits to the state.  This is one of the more comprehensive moves I've seen as states step up their commitments to their veterans; all the best to them, and have a great week!     

Military and Veterans: Get Hired Tomorrow in Jacksonville!

Thanks and success to everyone making the commitment to join us in Jacksonville tomorrow!  It's a Southeast Regional event, and motivated job seekers from all over Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, and beyond will be there.  The Morocco Shrine Auditorium is a large-scale, one-of-a-kind facility near the Naval base and many residential neighborhoods.  Joining us will be employers from defense contractors to Disney, IT to HVAC... we will be recruiting for a position here at MilitaryStars, too!  Represent yourself to the best and you will impress - these employers are here because they want you on their team!   

Where Your Military Training is In Demand

Yesterday I took a look at scientific and technical careers - a good example of one starts off this profile on veteran hiring in Vermont.  An aircraft mechanic in the Marines was hired as a calibration technician because the training he received in the Corps made him a natural fit, and because there is a shortage of technical workers in his part of the state right now - combined, that is a serious advantage.  For those of you worried about relocating, note that this Marine moved to Vermont because his wife was from there.  There are always reasons to relocate, but keeping in mind where workers in your targeted industry are scarce can only increase your chances.  For those in the area, the link also provides solid info on other resources available to Vermont veterans.    

Careers in Science and Tech

From Science Careers comes exactly what you'd expect - advice on said careers - with a well-researched, detailed military veteran perspective that is definitely worth your time if you have any inclination towards the sciences.  Whether you're thinking of an advanced degree or don't have one, science and tech careers in both cases are growing!  Also keep an open mind when it comes to the definition of "science" - the article encompasses everything from new 2-year degrees in homeland security and defense to vocational teaching.  Military experience can count toward credits required for many high-tech positions, and as always, you will see many employers like this at every single MilitaryStars event!  Hope you find it useful - have a great week.