Photo By Spc. Charles Thompson | Pfc. Nykete White, 377th Theater Sustainment Command, fills out a fact sheet during a...... read more read more
NEW ORLEANS - It is estimated that by 2017 the size of the U.S. Army will be reduced by nearly 80,000 soldiers. This means that over the next five years the civilian job market will be flooded with former service members. Soldiers of the 377th Theater Sustainment Command learned how to tune-up their resumes and make themselves more visible when job-hunting during their battle assembly weekend, Saturday, Aug. 10.
Soldiers attended seminars that focused on building civilian resumes, federal resumes and personal financial management. Troops also had the opportunity to learn about a new program called VA for Vets.
Pfc. Nykete White of the 377th TSC attended both sessions on Saturday and enjoyed learning knew things that would help her with personal finances and her job search.
“It gave me confidence about what I can do what type of help is out there and that financial empowerment is real,” said White. “I am going to set small realistic goals for myself financially to reduce my debt and scrub up my resume.”
She is currently enrolled in a local college pursuing a pharmaceutical certificate to become a pharmacist.
Judith Adams, a work and family life specialist for the U.S. Navy has been helping service members and their families find jobs for nearly 21 years. She said that it is important to standout in today’s job market because so many people meet or exceed the minimum qualification with their education alone.
“To make an impact in today’s job market an applicant needs to research the organization and promote themselves in a manner that suggest to the employer, I fit your organization.”
Spc. Derrick Branch, 377th TSC, attended the seminars. He said he had already taken some classes on resume writing and personal finances at the University of New Orleans where he is currently working on his bachelors degree in business administration.
“With this new information I plan to tweak my resume to better showcase my talents and attribute,” said Branch. “I also learned that I should follow up with those employers before and after the interview.”
Michelle Hayes, a veterans employment coordinator for region 13, spoke to the soldiers about her own challenges when she began her job search after her Army career and how different a federal resume is from a civilian resume.
“Being an Army veteran myself, I know the challenges that vets face when transitioning to civilian life,” said Hayes. “I got out when the economy was good, and I still had a hard time finding the right career path for myself. So, I feel this is my way of using my own experiences to give back and help others who may be facing a much tougher job market.”
Hayes said that the process of applying for a federal job can be overwhelming to veterans and that they may not be marketing themselves in the best possible way, even though they are more than capable of doing the job.
Hayes also works with a program called VA for Vets (www.vaforvets.va.gov). This program offers career search tools, career development services, coaching and reintegration support for veterans.
“Veterans have already proven they are dedicated and loyal employees who are able to accomplish great things in difficult circumstances,” says Hayes. “Employers (government and civilian) appreciate the veteran work ethic and the propensity to serve their country and fellow co-workers.”
| Date Taken: | 08.11.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 08.13.2012 15:46 |
| Story ID: | 93136 |
| Location: | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 113 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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