Careers & Continuing Education Spring 2019

Fall 2015 Spring 2019

LEGISLATION EASES TRANSITIONS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES page 4

HAMPTON ROADS RESOURCES FOR VETERANS page 5

10 ATTRIBUTES FOR A SUCCESSFUL JOB SEARCH page 14

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MILITARY NEWSPAPERS OF VIRGINIA MILITARYNEWS.COM

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VETERANS ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM In the military, you served our nation and acquired knowledge and skills. Risk management. Performance under pressure.

Perseverance. Leadership. We want to help you take those same skills to the civilian world and create a successful business. The Veterans Entrepreneurship Program at the UTC Gary W. Rollins College of Business provides hands-on learning, personalized interaction, and exposure to inspiring role models. Program is provided FREE to all participants.

Apply now for 2019!

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Governor Northam Signs Legislation Easing Transitions for Military Families Special benefits For Virginia, Hampton Roads residents What Service Members Need to Know About Employment SECO and MSEP 101: made for military spouse employment

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Saint Leo University Named as Top 10 Military Friendly® School

Are You a Job-Seeking Veteran? What to Know Report Shows MyCAA Is Linked With Higher Earnings Among MilSpouses State Licensing and Career Credentials Initiative

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CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SPRING 2019

GOVERNOR NORTHAM SIGNS LEGISLATION EASING TRANSITIONS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES Press Release

VIRGINIA

Governor Ralph Northam every few years,” said Delehas signed legislation to ease gate Robert “Bob” Thomas.

IS HOME TO THE transitions for military families “This legislation builds on relocating to the CommonVirginia’s military friendly wealth. status as it cuts the red tape House Bill 2169, sponsored and allows certified physician

by Delegate Robert “Bob” assistants who hold a license Thomas, authorizes the Board in other states to practice of Medicine to expedite physishortly after their arrival in cian assistant (PA) licenses for Virginia.” spouses of active duty service “Our military families are ACTIVE DUTY & RESERVE POPULATION members who hold a current required to pick up and move certification and have license in frequently,” said Delegate good standing in another state.

Mark Cole. “This can disHouse Bill 1623 and Senate “... it is critical rupt the education and activBill 1249, sponsored by Deleities of their children. House gate Mark Cole and Senator that we proBill 1623 is our effort to make Bryce Reeves, allow relocating vide our serthe moving a little easier by students with service member streamlining the enrollment parents to register for courses vice members of military children in school and academic programs prior and their famand associated programs.” to moving to their permanent “Some of the bravest solresidence in the school divi- ilies with the diers in the country are the sion. littlest ones, the children of support they “Virginia is home to the our military families,” said third-largest active duty and deserve.”

Senator Bryce Reeves. “Milreserve population, and it is itary life is hard enough on – Sponsored critical that we provide our these children, transitioning service members and their

by Delegate to a new school shouldn’t families with the support be. This bill makes it easier Robert “Bob” they deserve,” said Governor for military families to regNortham. “These bills ease Thomas ister and enroll before the school and career transitions family relocates to their new for our military families, so post in the Commonwealth. they can more easily relocate to the ComThis legislation looks past occupational monwealth and thrive once here. I am circumstances and, simply, does what is proud to sign them into law.” right by those who are committed to pro“Spouses of active duty service memtecting Virginia.” bers struggle to maintain professional careers as they transition between locations

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HOUSE BILLS

EASE TRANSITIONS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES TO THE COMMONWEALTH

2169 1623 Authorizes the Board of Medicine to expedite physician assistant (PA) licenses for spouses of active duty service members who hold a current certification and have license in good standing in another state.

Sponsored by Delegate Robert “Bob” Thomas

SENATE BILL 1249 Allows relocating students with service member parents to register for courses and academic programs prior to moving to their permanent residence in the school division.

Delegate Mark Cole and Senator Bryce Reeves

LARGEST

Center for Military & Veterans Education TCC.Edu/Military

MILITARY NEWSPAPERS OF VIRGINIA MILITARYNEWS.COM

SPECIAL BENEFITS FOR VIRGINIA, HAMPTON ROADS RESIDENTS Whether you’re interested in going back to school or finding a job, you’re in the right place. Virginia and the Hampton Roads area offer extra benefits and assistance beyond what is available nationwide.

Extra help may be available to active-duty, retired and discharged military members and their families, and in at least one instance, to civilians who work for the military, as well. Make sure to check information listed for veterans on websites and mention your veteran or family member status when talking to representatives.

Resources are listed throughout this Careers and Continuing Education special section and additional governmental information at these links listed at right.

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NATIONAL RESOURCES www.fedshirevets.gov www.va.gov fafsa.ed.gov www.ed.gov www.bls.gov/ooh dol.gov/VETS VIRGINIA RESOURCES www.dvs.virginia.gov www.vec.virginia.gov www.vawc.virginia.gov www.schev.edu

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CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SPRING 2019

Maybe you’re closing the chapter on your military life and opening a new one, or you’re in the process of making long-term plans. This means transitioning from being a service member to a civilian employee in a company, nonprofit organization or maybe the government. As a service member, you have many resources available to help you with this significant change.

Here’s an overview of what you need to know as you seek employment.

WHAT SERVICE MEMBERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EMPLOYMENT From Military OneSource

CREDENTIAL YOUR MILITARY EXPERIENCE Your military experience has given you training that converts to skills in the civilian world. The COOL program helps you translate your training into civilian credentials and speak better to what employers are looking for. Here are links to individual service branch programs:

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EXPLORE YOUR CAREER PATH There’s a difference between a job and a career. One pays the bills — the other gives you a sense of meaning and accomplishment.

Finding a career that matches your skills and interests is the key to job satisfaction.

Invest some time in a little soul-searching before you begin your search to make sure you’re going down the right path. CareerOneStop offers tools for job searching, training, and information about careers and industries.

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Feb 27, 2019 May 30, 2019 Oct 16, 2019 Meet dozens of military-friendly employers face-to-face at one of the most professional career events in Virginia. Sponsored by Corporate Gray, which has a reputation for getting great employers and candidates together for an efficient and effective experience, this event is especially for transitioning, former, and retired Military of all ranks (Enlisted/NCO/ Officer); all services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard); and all occupational specialties. Free admission for ALL candidates Military Members, Spouses, and Civilians.

Military-Friendly Job Fair Virginia Beach Convention Center 9 am until 12 noon

Pre-register to receive an employer directory before the job fair, and upload your resume so that employers can have early access to it.

www.CorporateGray.com

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MILITARY NEWSPAPERS OF VIRGINIA MILITARYNEWS.COM

• Army Cool.Army.Mil/index.htm • Marines Cool.Navy.Mil/USMC/Overview/index.htm • Navy Cool.Navy.Mil/USN/index.htm • Air Force Afvec.us.Af.Mil/AFVEC/Public/COOL/How DoIApply.aspx BUILD YOUR RESUME How do you condense your entire military history, skills and knowledge onto one piece of paper? These tips will help you build a resume that will stand out.

• Collect your assets. Get a copy of your Verification of Military Experience and Trainingthrough the Department of Defense.

• Include essential components like contact information, job objective, summary of qualifications, employment history, education and training, and special skills.

• Tailor your resume for the job. Translate every-

thing into civilian terms and include volunteer experience.

• Write a cover letter. Get the name of the person in charge of hiring, keep it to one page and always follow up.

• Tap into resume-building tools. Check out Veterans.gov and VA.gov.

FIND THE RIGHT CIVILIAN JOB Your military experience is valuable to many employers, but it’s up to you to get out there and sell it.

Start with these tips: • Network. Get in touch with friends and fellow veterans. Organize your contacts and connections.

• Tap into the services of your transition assistance offices. Get referrals for employment agencies and recruiters, job leads and career counseling.

• Hit job fairs. Look for upcoming events to meet potential employers.

• Look for veteran-friendly companies. Many organizations are committed to helping veterans find a good job. Look for programs such as the U.S. Chamber

of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative. Check out organizations like Soldier for Life, Marine for Life, the Military Officers Association of America, Non-Commissioned Officers Association or Enlisted Association, and United Service Organizations.

IDENTIFY RESOURCES AND BENEFITS Check out these employment benefits and assistance programs available before and after you leave the military. Review some of the top services and programs offered by the military and the government, focused on jobs for veterans and helping you find your new career.

Match your military skills to civilian jobs, find transition resources, and start your military-to-civilian job search with the resources and information provided above. Check out all the resources for employment on Military OneSource.

Benefits for service members: https://bit.ly/2U1vESL Top services and programs: https://bit.ly/2UcwP0K

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CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SPRING 2019

SECO AND MSEP 101: MADE FOR MILITARY SPOUSE EMPLOYMENT From Military OneSource

If you’re a military spouse looking for employment, meet the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program and the Military Spouse Employment Partnership. Made exclusively for the military spouse, these initiatives can help get you career-ready and find a great job.

The Department of Defense Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program, or SECO, was created specifically for military spouses—to connect you with tools and resources, including education and training help, career coaching and exploration, career connections and much more.

If you’re looking for a job, check out the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, or MSEP. It’s a part of the SECO program, and connects employers with educated, trained and qualified military spouses like you. Access job listings and featured hot jobs, MSEP partners and more.

THE SECO PROGRAM: What’s in it for you?

Make connections. Stay informed. Get hired. That’s what the SECO program is all about. On the MySECO website, you’ll find resources and tools related to: • Exploring careers and your own skills • Education, training and licensing options • Getting yourself workplace ready • Networking and finding jobs • Scholarship opportunities • Entrepreneurship Guideance WHAT’S WAITING FOR YOU ON MYSECO? Highlights include: • Comprehensive career coaching services: SECO career coaches offer specialty consultations six days a week at no cost to military spouses. You can also take

advantage of the many career coaching packages to help you meet your unique needs. To schedule an appointment with a SECO career coach, call 800-342-9647.

• Online career coach discussions: Career coaches will answer your employment questions on Facebook during Career Coach Live events. Network with other military spouses and learn tips from the experts to help you succeed. Topics cover everything from scholarships and finding the right school to professional etiquette and turning perceived obstacles into strengths.

• Your own MySECO Profile: Manage your job search process. Build an individual career plan, with the help of the MyICP Wizard, based on your goals, occupational interests, challenges and growth opportunities.

• Explore the labor market: Check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook to learn about job descriptions, work environments, educational and licensing requirements and salaries.

• Resume toolkit: What do employers want to see? MySECO gives you samples and an easy-to-use template from the information in your profile. Be sure to use the Resume Builder for a simple method of developing the perfect resume based on information in your MySECO Account Profile.

• Military Spouse eMentor program: Link up with an online community and receive personalized career guidance, advice, support from more experienced military spouses, career mentors and mili-

MILITARY NEWSPAPERS OF VIRGINIA MILITARYNEWS.COM tary spouse-friendly employers.

• SECO Scholarship Finder: Find scholarships on a site you can trust. You can also use the database to search for opportunities for your college-bound kids.

• Self-assessments: Access your values and skills with powerful tools that will help you explore the career or education path that best suits your personal journey.

• LinkedIn Premium upgrade: Military spouses can upgrade to LinkedIn Premium at no cost during a PCS or separation from the military. This year-long offer allows spouses to begin their job hunt and build networks as soon as they receive orders.

Some features on MySECO are available only to authenticated users. So take time to register today and begin your journey to learn, advance and succeed.

THE MILITARY SPOUSE EMPLOYMENT PARTNERSHIP The Military Spouse Employment Partnership has more than 390 partner compa nies and organizations that have hired over 125,000 military spouses. The MSEP Job Search, found on the MySECO website,

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homepage.

• MSEP Candidate Search: Allow MSEP partners looking for employees to directly search for you by opting into the MSEP Candidate Search from your account settings.

has hundreds of thousands of active jobs listed around the world. Highlights include: • Active jobs: The Job Search feature connects you with open jobs by job title, location, industry, partner and more. You can even search for telework jobs and work-from-home opportunities.

• Hot jobs: View jobs that immediately need to be filled and read a quick summary of the position on the

Here for you: SECO career coaches As a military spouse, you’re serving our country too. It’s important that you have access to the resources you need for successful job-hunting. We hope you’ll take advantage of them, especially connecting with our career coaches.

Spouses of active-duty service members in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and members of the Reserve Component, regardless of activation status, are eligible for career coaching services.

A coach can help you at any stage of your career— from looking for the right school to connecting with potential employers. Contact a SECO career coach at 800-342-9647 or you can use the Live Chat feature in the header of the MySECO website for additional guidance.

NUCOR STEEL IS HIRING ENTRY LEVELPRODUCTION Nucor Steel Hertford County, NC, Inc., a division of the nation’s largest steel and steel products manufacturer, and largest recycler is seeking to assemble a hiring pool of qualified applicants to fill multiple Production Team Member positions.

We are looking for good candidates who are willing to work both day and night rotating 12 hour shifts.

What you can expect with a career at Nucor: • New team members can earn up to $55k with an average division salary of approximately $85k • Benefits Including 401k, Profit Sharing, Health and Life Insurance and Much More • Stability with a company that has been around since 1969 with no layoffs • Growth and Promotional Opportunities Individuals who would like to learn more about opportunities at Nucor Steel Hertford County located in Cofield, NC should visit www.nucor.com/careers/.

Nucor is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action -M/F/Vets/Disabled and a drug-free workplace.

Southeastern Cooperative Education Programs (SECEP) is a public school consortium that is looking for teacher assistants and teachers to work with students throughout the eight cities in Hampton Roads.

www.secep.net You kept us safe and secure while serving your country, and your family has made many sacrifices. Continue your dedication to service and community with SECEP. We are looking for innovative teachers and teacher assistants to work with children that have multiple needs.

SECEP is proud to be a V-3 employer that welcomes service personnel and their spouses.

SECEP will provide a competitive wage and retirement through The Virginia Retirement System (VRS).

SECEP will train you how to improve the lives of children with special needs.

SECEP will train you to be a professional educator through our Teacher Development Program (TDP).

APPLY TODAY-CHANGE A LIFE LEARN, WORK, PLAY

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CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SPRING 2019

SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY NAMED AS TOP 10 MILITARY FRIENDLY® SCHOOL From Saint Leo

Commitment to Student-Veterans, Active Duty Military, Families Recognized

The 2019-2020 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine. The list can also be found at www. militaryfriendly.com.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey completed by the university.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings for the rankings were determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. The rankings were determined by looking at the institution’s performance in the areas of student retention; graduation; job placement; loan repayment; persistence (degree advancement or transfer); and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student-veterans.

For more information, contact Militaryservices@ saintleo.edu.

ern Catholic teaching university that is firmly grounded in the liberal arts tradition and the timeless Benedictine wisdom that seeks balanced growth of mind, body, and spirit.

The Saint Leo University of today is a private, nonprofit institution that creates hospitable learning communities wherever students want to be or need to be, whether that is a campus classroom, a webbased environment, an employer’s worksite, a military base, or an office park. Saint Leo welcomes people of all faiths and of no religious affiliation, and encourages learners of all generations.

The university remains the faithful steward of the beautiful lakeside University Campus in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, where its founding monks created the first Catholic college in the state in 1889. Serving nearly 12,000 students, Saint Leo has expanded to downtown Tampa, to other sites in Florida and beyond, and maintains a physical presence in seven states. The university provides highly respected online learning programs to students nationally and internationally. More than 93,000 alumni reside in all 50 states, in Washington, DC, in three U.S. territories, and in 76 countries.

SAINT LEO

TOP

Saint Leo University recently was named a Top 10 Gold-level Military Friendly® School Award recipient for 2019-2020 in the category of private institutions offering doctoral degrees. Saint Leo is ranked seventh in the nation as a Military Friendly® School.

Now in its 10th year, the Military Friendly® Schools list has come to set the standard for higher education institutions to provide the best opportunities for veterans and their spouses, according to VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational, and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs®, Military Spouse, and Military Friendly® brands.

“Saint Leo is honored to be named one of the best private, higher education institutions serving our military and veterans, said Dr. Jen Shaw, vice president of Student Affairs. “It is important to help those who served their country to transition into civilian life as well as helping those who currently serve continue their education no matter where they are located. Saint Leo advocates for its military students, military family members, and student-veterans throughout the university— not only at University Campus, but also at its teaching locations in seven states and those who study online.”

In addition to its main location in in St. Leo, FL, north of Tampa, Saint Leo educates students at more than 30 education centers, including many located on military bases. Saint Leo teaches at one of the largest naval bases in the world, Naval Station Norfolk, as well as at other bases in Virginia, Florida, California, Texas, South Carolina, and Mississippi.

Saint Leo now has three Military Resource Centers—areas where student-veterans, military-affiliated students, and ROTC members may gather to get assistance, study, and enjoy social activities. In addition to the main campus, an MRC is located at Saint Leo’s Newport News, Virginia, location and at its new Savannah Education Center in Savannah, Georgia.

GOLD-LEVEL

MILITARY FRIENDLY

SCHOOL

ABOUT SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY Saint Leo University (www.saintleo.edu) is a mod-

MILITARY NEWSPAPERS OF VIRGINIA MILITARYNEWS.COM

ARE YOU A JOB-SEEKING VETERAN? WHAT TO KNOW State Point With the veteran unemployment rate at a record low, many who have served in the military are now in the driver’s seat when it comes to civilian job hunting. This is in part because employers understand that veterans bring a wealth of translatable skills and experience to the workforce, including leadership, teamwork and attention to detail.

“For veterans, the right employer is one who values the leadership, discipline and service record of military members and veterans,” says Jerry Quinn, Wells Fargo Military Affairs Program manager. “They seek an employer that goes above and beyond to empower them to succeed in and out of the workplace.”

Wells Fargo, which established its Military Affairs Program in 2012, is an example of an employer committed to hiring and retaining veteran team members. A variety of job options, confidential resources, educational information and career guidance tools are available to those who served. In fact, eligible team members called to active duty receive military leave benefits and other

programming designed to mitigate the burden on their families.

Are you a job-seeking veteran? Before accepting an offer, find out whether your potential employer values veterans’ contributions to the workplace.

“Start by asking the hiring manager or human resources contact what benefits and programming are offered,” suggests Quinn. “You’ll quickly get a feel for the company culture.”

To help get the conversation started, Quinn suggests the following topics of discussion: • Growth opportunities. Is this position one on track for promotions and raises? Does this company offer resources and support to employees looking to grow? Discover what your future at this company could look like.

• Development programs. From apprenticeships and internships to transition services and leadership programming, ask about opportunities that will offer a chance to make new contacts, find a mentor, develop

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professional skills and learn how to translate existing skills to a new position.

• Employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs can provide resources, opportunities and camaraderie to employees. Find out if the company has a similar group for veterans.

• Diversity. Is this a company that values diversity, particularly when it comes to veteran status and disabilities? Will the employer accept your veteran status and value it as an asset?

• Benefits. Beyond military leave, are benefits available that provide supplemental pay and continued healthcare when individuals are called to active duty? Research whether the company offers additional fringe benefits to ease the burden of being away on active duty. For example, some employers provide lawn mowing and snow removal to those away from home on military orders.

More information about career transition services and the type of workplace benefits offered to veterans are available at wellsfargojobs.com/military.

Remember, military skills and experience is an asset to employers. Hold out for a position that will value what you bring to the table through tangible workplace benefits and programming.

Stop Searching,

KEEP SERVING

When you’re devoted to something, you don’t stop. Which is why, as a veteran transitioning to civilian employment, you’re still seeking service-centered careers. The transition to MSC is seamless - you and other veterans use the skills you’ve developed in the military to complete MSC’s missions. At the same time, you gain job security, take pride in the job you do and continue to serve our country by supporting the U.S. Navy as civil service mariners.

Communications Officers and Electronics Technicians can bring Radio Communications, Information Technology, Data Systems, Intel and LAN Administration skills to multiple positions at MSC today with sign-on bonuses offered!

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info@sealiftcommand.com 888-891-4577 www.sealiftcommand.com

MSC is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.

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CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SPRING 2019

REPORT SHOWS MYCAA IS LINKED WITH HIGHER EARNINGS AMONG MILSPOUSES From Military OneSource

Past research has shown that compared to spouses of U.S. civilians, spouses of U.S. military personnel tend to earn less and are more likely to be unemployed or underemployed, even when they have more years of education or more work experience. To mitigate the impact of the demands of military life, in 2007, the Department of Defense established a portfolio of initiatives that provide career development and employment assistance for military spouses. One such initiative is the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship, which targets spouses whose service member is early in his or her career. The scholarship provides up to $4,000

in financial assistance for spouses pursuing associate degrees, occupational certificates or licenses in portable career fields.

This report examines characteristics associated with MyCAA Scholarship application and use, scholarship plan completion, spouse employment and earnings and service continuation of personnel married to MyCAA-eligible spouses. The RAND Corporation examined the 2007–2013 employment and earnings data of spouses who were eligible for MyCAA when the current version of the scholarship began, between October 2010 and December 2011. The results show that the

MyCAA Scholarship is reaching the intended population; that MyCAA is associated with employment and higher earnings, although the relationship is not necessarily causal; and that service members of MyCAA Scholarship users are more likely than similar married service members to be on active duty three years after the spouse is awarded the scholarship.

My Career Advancement Account: MyCaa.MilitaryOneSource.mil/mycaa

KEY FINDINGS

RECOMMENDATIONS LIST

• Eligible spouses who applied for a MyCAA Scholarship differed in several ways from those who did not apply. For example, spouses more likely to apply had experienced a military move or a deployment, had two or more children, were married to enlisted noncommissioned officers, or lived in states with higher unemployment rates.

• All eligible applicants whose study plans met the MyCAA criteria were approved for scholarships, although 19 percent did not end up using any funds.

• Data on completion may under-represent actual completion as spouses and schools may no longer report completion to the Department of Defense after scholarship eligibility has ended.

• Differences in users’ schools, plans or other academic factors appear to be quite important when comparing known completion to noncompletion.

• Spouses who do not complete their plan may still gain valuable skills or knowledge from the classes they take.

• On average, MyCAA-eligible military spouses worked less over time from 2007 to 2013. By 2013, however, MyCAA users were more likely than nonusers to be employed.

• Although the average annual earnings of working spouses who used the scholarship had stagnated for several years or even declined prior to October 2010, earnings for this group grew after December 2011.

• Of personnel who had three years of service in 2011, 52 percent of those personnel whose spouses used MyCAA were still on active duty in 2011 compared to 43 percent whose spouses did not use MyCAA. • More generally, service members whose spouses were MyCAA users were more likely to still be on active duty in 2014 than service members whose spouses were MyCAA-eligible nonusers.

• Ensure that spouses across the services are aware of the MyCAA Scholarship.

• Because known completion rates are lower among spouses of new enlistees, consider targeted outreach or a minimum service requirement for spouses of new military personnel.

• Where feasible, help students look for alternatives to industry-only accredited schools and to schools that offer only online instruction.

• Develop a process for withdrawing approval for schools with high course failure and plan noncompletion rates. Ensure, however, that schools are not penalized for attracting disadvantaged or higher-risk students—only for providing a poor-quality education.

• Develop benchmarks for midpoint plan reviews to help identify spouses that may need additional support or guidance from a career counselor.

• Make career counselors aware of courses of study with high course failure or plan noncompletion rates so they can take care to ensure that spouses understand what is involved.

• Actively encourage MyCAA users who are dropping classes to do so officially, so the Department of Defense receives a refund and the school does not record the classes as “failed.”

• Initiate contact with students who failed a course, to understand context, such as, poor school-student fit, competing obligations, and particularly challenging courses, and to offer them help to figure out how to address what happened.

• Recognize that MyCAA completion metrics likely underestimate completion, as some spouses likely complete their course of study after they are no longer eligible for MyCAA funds, and thus that completion would not typically be reported to MyCAA.

MILITARY NEWSPAPERS OF VIRGINIA MILITARYNEWS.COM

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STATE LICENSING AND CAREER CREDENTIALS INITIATIVE From Military OneSource The state licensing and career credentials initiative is designed to help make it easier to transition your credentials to a new state. Whether you're already a licensed or certified professional, or are planning to become one, the process will now be easier for service members and their spouses when relocating. Don’t let a move and change of license stand in the way of your next job.

NEW OPTIONS FOR LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS To date, all states except New York and the District of Columbia have made progress toward licensing portability.

Once the initiative is in effect, you'll

have three options for getting credentialed when you move: • Licensure through endorsement.

This option will let you prove your expertise and skill set by completing continuing education units, or through recent work or volunteer experience, (at least two years of experience within the five years before you submit your application).

• Temporary licensure. Many states will give you a temporary license when you show proof of a current license or certification. You can work while completing the requirements for your new state credentials, or while waiting for an endorsement.

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• Faster processes for issuing licenses.

Some states will approve a license if the application is correct and verified by affidavit or sworn statement. Other states will allow the supervising agency director to approve applications on behalf of the licensing boards. These options won't change the quality standards in licensed or certified professions, so you'll still have to meet the required qualifications.

LICENSED OCCUPATIONS Visit the CareerOneStop Licensed Occupations page to find out which occupations and states require a license or certification. The page describes the

profession, provides the name and address of the licensing agency, and lists the types of licenses required. Some of the many occupations requiring licensing or certification include healthcare, education, real estate, childcare and food services.

For more information on how to continue your career after a move, speak with a Spouse Education and Career Opportunities career coach at 800-342-9647.

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14

CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SPRING 2019

FLEXIBILITY ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS

CREATIVITY MULTITASKING ABILITIES

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

TECHNICAL LITERACY STRONG WORK ETHIC

10 ATTRIBUTES FOR A SUCCESSFUL JOB SEARCH From Military OneSource

As a service member, you’ve already got a strong skill set to make you an asset in the workplace. Many of those same skills can be applied in finding the right job in the first place. Here are ten skills to master when searching and interviewing for a position.

1. Flexibility — In today’s market, it’s important to show that you are willing to adjust your schedule or expectations to the demands of a job and compromise to get a task done. During your interview, you’ll want to highlight times when you’ve gone above and beyond in previous roles.

2. Technical literacy — These days, most jobs require some basic computer and tech knowledge. Knowing how to put together a spreadsheet or quick presentation will do wonders for your resume. If you feel like you need to bring your skills up to speed, explore learning opportunities around you - for

example, courses at your community college, online training from MySECO and resources at the MWR Digital Library. Be sure to communicate any experience you have with software programs.

3. Communication skills — It’s essential that you speak and write effectively in the workplace. Therefore, your communication during an interview is extremely important. Be prepared for questions, and most importantly, listen attentively to your interviewer.

4. Multitasking abilities — Employers use keywords like “fast-paced” and “deadline-driven” because they are looking for employees who can multitask with ease. You’ll want to demonstrate to an employer that you can manage a variety of tasks at the same time, with limited supervision.

5. Creativity — Even if the job you’re after is not in a creative field, remember that an employer wants to hire someone who offers a fresh perspective. The creative solution that you bring to a job could potentially expedite an employer’s process, improve a service offered, and make you a more appealing potential hire. Provide examples of your creative solutions.

6. Problem-solving skills — Every company has problems that need to be solved, and that’s where an employee like you comes in. Perhaps you can improve their customer service, efficiency, sales or public relations. You’ll need to be able to analyze a problem and then use critical thinking to solve it. A fantastic way to highlight your skills during a job interview is to provide examples of problems you’ve effectively solved.

7. Interpersonal abilities — Almost every job out there requires you to work with people so employers want to be sure that you can play nicely with others. During an interview, highlight your excellent teamwork skills, perhaps by relaying a time when you helped to

alleviate a team conflict.

8. Strong work ethic — Employers love employees who show up on time or even early. They appreciate those who are willing to go the extra mile.

If you do excellent work and consider yourself productive, highlight that fact, especially if you have examples of times when you went above and beyond what was expected of you.

9. Organizational skills — There’s simply no better time to demonstrate these skills than during a job interview.

Come with extra copies of your resume, cover letter, job application, portfolio of past work and business cards. Be sure to proofread all your documents. Show up early and prepared with answers to common interview questions. Do a little research and come up with a few questions for your potential employer.

You’ll usually get the chance to ask questions at the end of an interview, so demonstrate your interest and professional mindset by having a few pointed questions on hand.

10. Self-confidence — When it comes down to it, a job interview is an opportunity to sell yourself. Do whatever you need to do to boost your confidence and present yourself professionally: dress nicely and appropriately, be prompt, make eye contact, and be personable. The best way to make an employer believe in you is to believe in yourself.

As you search for a job, it’s crucial for you to identify your transferable skills, incorporate them into your resume, and highlight them in your job interview. As a service member, you have all the skills on this list already, and more; you just have to demonstrate those assets to a future employer.

MILITARY NEWSPAPERS OF VIRGINIA MILITARYNEWS.COM

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CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION SPRING 2019

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