If there's one thing military life has taught is true, it's the power of having a great social network. Time and time again, friends from duty stations past or even friends-of-friends have helped me when I needed it most, connected me to just the right resource or were exactly the key I needed for something with my job.
People often say "it's all about who you know," and, frankly, it really, really is.
That's why I think the work that In Gear Career and Hiring our Heroes does is so very important. Not only does the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation hook military spouses up to great job opportunities through their spouse-specific hiring fairs at bases around the U.S., but In Gear Career provides an invaluable free, local networking group for military spouses through chapters nationwide. I'm even starting a chapter for them here near my home in Anchorage, Alaska.
In Gear Career and Hiring Our Heroes have two great spouse specific events coming up -- and they are extra friendly to spouses who live on the west coast or in the Pacific Northwest.
On Feb. 15 and 16 Hiring Our Heroes will be hosting a spouse-specific reception and job fair at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. A networking reception the evening of the 15th will provide a chance for everyone to make sure their resumes are job fair ready while engaging with recruiters and hiring managers. And the job fair on the 16th will give spouses a chance to connect with employers who are looking to hire.
But even more exciting is In Gear Career's AMPLIFY event, which will be held at Starbucks Headquarters in Seattle on March 1 and 2. This two-day intensive is free to attend (although travel and lodging are not provided), but you have to apply to get in. Why? Because this intimate course is catered to address the needs of every person who attends. The Hiring Our Heroes experts will provide resume review and lab time to make changes on the spot, a LinkedIn profile review, professional head shots, individual match-ups with a mastermind mentor in each persons' industry, and customized programming for military spouse professionals.
That's a customized career-help boot camp you're not going to get anywhere else. I'm going to personally be there for this one, and I can't wait to see the impact it makes on spouses' professional lives.
Applications for AMPLIFY are only open until January 10, so hurry and get yours in today. You can find the application here.
