Fall 2015 Winter 2018
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10 ATTRIBUTES FOR A SUCESSFUL JOB SEARCH page 10
CREATIVE ARTS HELP VETERANS RECLAIM THEIR VOICE page 14
HAMPTON ROADS
RESOURCES FOR VETERANS page 7
YOUR GUIDE
To Employment Opportunities & Higher Education
CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION
In This Issue
Published by:
MILITARY NEWSPAPERS OF VIRGINIA 150 W. Brambleton Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510 757.222.3900 Fax 757.853.1634
MNV MILITARY SALES MANAGER Pam Bullock
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EDITORIAL 757.322.2865
CCE | 2018 | PG 3
MILITARY
NEWSPAPERS OF VI RG INI A
The contents of this special section are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. government, the DOD, the DoT or the U.S. Coast Guard. Opinions of contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Military Newspapers of Virginia or The Flagship®. The availability of these newspapers and the appearance of advertising in these publications, including any inserts or supplements, do not constitute endorsement by the federal government, the DOD, the DoT, the U.S. Coast Guard or Military Newspapers of Virginia of products or services advertised. Military Newspapers of Virginia is a private firm in no way connected to the Department of Defense or United States Coast Guard.
Become an
Educator
Military Career Transition Program Proud to Serve Again by Teaching America’s Students... Transition into a teaching career with Old Dominion University’s Military Career Transition Program (MCTP). Become a licensed teacher by using your knowledge, skills and experience to serve students in public schools. MCTP guides you through the approved teacher education program to earn a Master of Science in Education with Initial Licensure. MCTP is designed to prepare military personnel and related members who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and want to become licensed teachers. Continue your commitment to service by becoming a licensed teacher in one of the following endorsement areas: • M.S.Ed. Elementary Education PreK-6 6-8 grades: English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies (choose 2 subjects) • M.S.Ed. Secondary Education 6-12 grades: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, English, History/Social Sciences, Mathematics, Physics
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06 | 07 | 08 | 10 |
5 Tips for adults returning to college Get involved with the HIRE Vets Medallion Program Hampton Roads resources for military members and families Navy College Program Afloat receives major upgrades 10 attributes for a succsessful job search
12 | 14 |
Virtual Education Center takes over CONUS Navy College service delivery; Norfolk-area on-base schools remain Creative arts help veterans reclaim their voice
16 |
Guide to veterans’ preference for federal employment
18 |
What the GRE really means to veterans
Military Career Transition Program Darden College of Education Career and Advising Resource Center 1107 Education Building To learn more about MCTP visit us at: http://education.odu.edu/mctp Contact 757-683-4789 to schedule an appointment
PG 4 | CCE | 2018
CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION
5
tips for working adults returning to college Most working professionals want to advance their skills, land that promotion and get a raise. However, some 36 million adults face a significant barrier to achieving their goals and aspirations: They still need to complete a significant amount of coursework in order to earn a college degree. While many of these adults have completed at least some higher education classes, the demands of family life and maintaining a career, along with a lack of financial resources, can both be forces that derail these plans. Fortunately, the pathways to earning a college degree are evolving, which means a working professional now has more affordable and efficient means to finish the coursework. With a smart strategy, a busy working professional can make that dream of earning a diploma into a reality. 1. DEFINE YOUR GOALS Some people know exactly what they want from life and how a college degree will help them fulfill their goals. Others may have more general ambitions related to finishing the degree, but they may need to take time to create a more detailed plan. In either case, before choosing a higher education program, it’s important to take time to inventory skills and career experiences. The insights from this exercise can be helpful in charting your course to earning that diploma.
2. CONSIDER YOUR TIME AND EXPLORE YOUR FINANCIAL OPTIONS For a working adult, using traditional means to earn a degree isn’t always best-suited to the realities of life - not to mention finances. With the demands of family and work encroaching on study and class time, fitting it all in can seem overwhelming. It’s important to take time to research your options, because there may be more flexible and affordable paths to choose from. One great example is a new program from Kaplan University called ExcelTrack. Students begin with an assessment, which measures what they already know and advises a course of study. Even better, the coursework allows them to focus on what they need to master, not what they already know. They then work through the courses online - which entails participating in seminars, doing practice activities, completing projects that demonstrate what they know and can do - all while taking as much or as little time as they need. For people who are able to move at a faster pace, the option can be more affordable than the traditional route because they can pay a flat fee for 6
CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION
weeks (graduate level) or 10 weeks (undergraduate level), enabling them to take and complete as many courses as they can handle. This makes earning a degree from an accredited university much more affordable and flexible.
CCE | 2018| PG 5
3. GET ORGANIZED
help from family and friends. Talk to your partner, parents or siblings about taking on childcare duties a few days or evenings a week so you can work without interruption. This is an opportune time to give older kids additional responsibilities, such as folding their laundry, starting dinner and packing their own lunches.
Working toward a degree can be an intense experience for anyone, which is why it’s important to create the right environment to focus and study. Start by setting up a study station. Ideally, this is a desk or table that’s clean, well-lit and organized with plenty of supplies on hand and a comfortable chair.
Beyond that, consider informing your employer about your college courses and your goals. If your degree is relevant to other work at the company, you might discover they are willing to help. After all, they already have an employee who knows the business, and they will more than likely appreciate your ambition.
Begin by holding study sessions at different times of the day, while paying attention to energy and productivity levels. Many do their best when they rise an hour or two before their families do, while others come alive in the evening hours. Studying online offers this kind of flexibility so whatever time of day works for you, be sure and stick to your study routine. Before long, your mind will anticipate and expect a study session at certain times of day, which makes it easier to get focused.
5. KEEP IT IN BALANCE
4. GET SUPPORT With the demands of school and work, now is an appropriate time to seek
When life gets this hectic, especially when it’s consumed with family, work and school, it’s easy to burn the candle at both ends, leaving you feeling overextended and burned out. This is why it’s important to schedule some downtime. Having a break to look forward to can be a powerful motivational tool. Maybe it’s a weekly bike ride or relaxing with a favorite movie. Whatever it is, don’t feel guilty about taking this time for yourself. For more information about earning a degree online from Kaplan University with its new ExcelTrack program, visit kaplanuniversity.edu.
WHILE YOU PROTECT OUR COUNTRY, LET US PROTECT YOUR FAMILY. Insuring Those Who Serve We believe that the men and women who have helped keep our nation secure deserve a financial ally to help them keep their financial horizons secure. And that’s why our life insurance and annuity products are always competitively priced and never contain military restrictions or fine print.
To learn how we can help protect you and your family visit NavyMutual.org
Photo Courtesy of the Department of Defense
PG 6 | CCE | 2018
Meet Your Future Employer
CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION
February 14 or
May 31 Meet dozens of great military-friendly employers - Fortune 500 firms, small businesses, nonprofits, government agencies - including Lockheed Mar n, Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, Caterpillar dealers, Edward Jones, the U.S. Postal Service, and many more. Please visit our website to see who else has pre-registered! Open to all ranks (Enlisted/NCO/Officer); all services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard); Ac ve Duty, Na onal Guard, and Reserve; military spouses; civilians. Free admission to ALL job seekers.
Military-Friendly Job Fair Virginia Beach Conven on Center 9 am un l 12:30 pm
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
SAME PASSION, DIFFERENT UNIFORM. Join the Volunteer Rescue Squads of Virginia Beach where volunteer opportunities often lead to career opportunities. Military Corpsmen can challenge the VA EMT-BLS Course and with permission of the VA Office OF EMS, take the written test. • EMT Lectures Offered Online • Free EMT & Paramedic Training • Virginia Beach Residency not Required
Join
TEER VOLUN
RESCUE
SQUADS
OF VIRGINIA BEACH
livesneedsaving.org 757.385.2911
Get involved with the HIRE Vets Medallion Program In November 2017, The U.S. Department of Labor announced the Final Rule implementing the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing (HIRE) American Military Veterans Act (HIRE Vets Act), signed by President Trump in May. The rule establishes a new HIRE Vets Medallion Program, which will recognize qualifying companies with a HIRE Vets Medallion Award, for their commitment to recruit, employ, and retain America’s military service veterans. In 2018, the Department will conduct a limited HIRE Vets Medallion Program Demonstration — more details are available at www.hirevets.gov for updates. The HIRE Vets Medallion Program is an opportunity for companies, of any size, to signal their commitment to employing veterans. Throughout the coming year, the ongoing investments companies make in our veterans will count when they apply for the HIRE Vets Medallion Award in 2019. Here’s how you can get involved and prepare to apply: 1. Sign up to get the latest news about the program and the demonstration, 2. Bookmark hirevets.gov and check back frequently for updates on how and when to apply, 3. Help spread the word by forwarding this email within your networks or sharing our tools on social media to demonstrate your support for the HIRE Vets Medallion Program.
Hampton Roads area resources for military members and families EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING FOR VETERANS (From www.careeronestop.org) Opportunity, Inc. One Stop Workforce Center 861 Glenrock Road Circle East, Building Ste. 100 Norfolk, VA 23502 | 757-461-7537 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Peninsula Worklink 600 Butler Farm Road, Suite C, Hampton, VA 23666-1513 757-766-4900 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.; 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wed. Virginia Employment Commission - Norfolk-Virginia Beach 5145 East Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502 757-455-3960, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed. Virginia Employment Commission – Portsmouth 4824 George Washington Highway, Portsmouth, VA 23702 757-558-4455 | 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed. VETERANS BENEFITS (FROM VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICES)
Different Uniform. Renewed Mission. After 20 years in the Marine Corps, Phillip Wyman ’16 wanted to finish college and follow his passion for martial arts: “As a husband, father and entrepreneur, I continually change hats. Regent University helped me juggle it all.” We’ll equip you to follow new aspirations too. You’ll enjoy a flexible class schedule, academic excellence, and a focus on leadership and purpose. With generous military discounts and credit transferability, Regent is a valuable investment. You can do this.
New 8-Week Session Starts Soon! ONLINE & ON CAMPUS Associate | Bachelor’s Master’s | Doctoral
Virginia Beach Benefits Office Pembroke Office Park, 287 Independence Blvd. Pembroke Two, Suite 130, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-552-1884 | 757-552-1885 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday Portsmouth Benefits Office 620 John Paul Circle, Building 3, 7th Floor, Portsmouth, VA 23708 757-953-6205 | 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-noon, Friday Norfolk Benefits Office 6350 Center Drive, Building 5, Suite 100, Norfolk, VA 23502 757-455-0814, 8-11 a.m., Monday-Friday for walk-ins 1-3 p.m., Monday-Friday for appointments Chesapeake Benefits Office Tidewater Community College campus 1428 Cedar Road, Room 158, Chesapeake, VA 23322 757-822-5298 | 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday Hampton Benefits Office 2101 Executive Drive, Suite 420, Tower Box 48 Hampton, VA 23666 | 757-825-7893 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday Virginia Veteran and Family Support Program Region V-Great Hampton Roads, contact Carol Berg 757-224-5208 ext. 2207 | carol.berg@dvs.virginia.gov
APPLY TODAY.
regent.edu/military | 888.638.3573
PG 8 | CCE | 2018
CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION
Navy College Program Afloat receives major upgrades As part of the continued transformation of the Navy’s Voluntary Education Program, the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) Distance Learning (DL) will transition to individual enrollment Oct. 1 as announced in NAVADMIN 243/17. The NCPACE DL courses are self-contained (no internet connectivity is required to complete the course), and are available at any time for eligible Sailors assigned to type two and type four sea duty. Sailors enroll using the new NCPACE DL application process available in the My Education Application module on the Navy College Program (NCP) website. A major change to the program is that all NCPACE DL courses will now be funded using the same rate authorized for Tuition Assistance courses; $250 per Semester Hour (SH) or equivalent. Sailors may only receive funding for up to 16 SH or equivalent, per fiscal year through TA, NCPACE DL, or any combination of the two. NCPACE DL courses now also require the same grade attainment standards as TA courses at all levels to avoid tuition reimbursement to the government.
each level of educational or academic pursuit (certificate, associate, bachelor’s or master’s), Sailors must: – Receive academic counseling from the Navy College Virtual Education Center (NCVEC) or an overseas Navy College Office counselor. Counseling must occur before submitting the official education plan. – Submit, at a minimum, an unofficial education plan to the Sailor’s My Education record before enrolling in any classes. – Following counseling by an NCVEC or overseas NCO counselor, submit an official education plan or service member Opportunity College agreement to the Sailor’s My Education record within the first nine Semester Hours of instruction. – NCPACE IL command coordinators will ensure IL participants meet these requirements. Sailors who have completed the training and met eligibility can now receive automated approval of TA and NCPACE DL requests for Academic Institutions (AI) who have uploaded their catalog of applicable courses into the AI module of the Navy College Management Information System. The NCP website has details and complete information.
“This is a significant upgrade to the NCPACE DL program that greatly increases the number of schools available to deployable Sailors,” Deputy director of the Navy’s Voluntary Education Program Lt. Cmdr. Nick Turner said. “We’re anticipating an increase in the number of schools involved, and an increase in classes available at every level for our Sailors on sea duty.”
Additional details on Voluntary Education Program updates, including NCPACE DL and IL, can be found in NAVADMIN 243/17.
Instructor-led (IL) NCPACE classes will continue to operate under contract support and NCPACE command coordinators will use the NCPACE section of the NCP website to select courses, pre-register Sailors and order courses. IL courses do not fall under the funding cap restrictions of TA and DL courses for Sailors.
Visit the NCP website: www.navycollege.navy.mil to start the ashore or afloat education process, complete required training, submit a Help Request at the Assistance Center, initiate a Live Chat session, or review knowledge management articles. The NCVEC can be reached toll free 877-838-1659, Monday–Friday 7 a.m.–7 p.m. EST.
First-time TA or NCPACE users must complete the prerequisite training listed on the NCP website prior to obtaining funding approval for courses. For
Get the latest information by following Navy Voluntary Education on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NavyVoluntaryEducation/.
PG 10 | CCE | 2018
CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION
10
ATTRIBUTES FOR A SUCCESSFUL JOB SEARCH
Hunting for a new job does not have to be stressful. If you think about it, you already have skills that translate to just about any job that you could apply for. All you have to do is identify those skills, highlight them on your resume and communicate them during an interview. TRANSFERABLE SKILLS Here is a list of 10 transferable skills that you can showcase: • Flexibility: No employer wants to hear the words, “That’s not in my job description.” In today’s market, it’s important to show that you will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Generally, if you aren’t willing to do it, someone else will be. During your interview, you’ll want to highlight times when you’ve gone above and beyond in previous jobs. • Technical literacy: These days, most jobs require some knowledge of Microsoft Office. You don’t have to be a tech whiz, but knowing how to put together a spreadsheet or a quick presentation will do wonders for your resume. If you feel like you need to bring your office skills up to speed, you may be able to take basic courses at your community college or local library, and you can take advantage of free online training from MySECO.Militaryonesource.mil. Be sure to communicate any experience you have with other software programs just in case the job you’re applying for uses something similar. • Communication skills: When you are trying to land a new job, it is essential that you speak and write effective-
CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION
ly. You wouldn’t email a potential employer the way you would text a friend. Instead, you would go out of your way to avoid spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Likewise, your communication during an interview is equally important. Have a trusted friend or colleague proofread all of your documents, dress appropriately, show up early, be prepared for questions, and most importantly, listen attentively to your interviewer. • Multitasking abilities: Employers use keywords such as “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. • 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 potentially could expedite an employer’s process, improve a service offered, and in general make you a more appealing potential employee. As always, provide
examples of your past creative solutions. • 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 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 have solved creatively. • Interpersonal abilities: Almost every job requires you to work with people in some way or another. 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
CCE | 2018 | PG 11
have examples of times when you went above and beyond what was expected of you. • Organizational skills: You’ll want to convey your organizational skills in your resume and cover letter, but the best time to demonstrate these skills is during a job interview. Come with extra copies of your resume, cover letter, job application, portfolio of past work and business cards. Show up early and come prepared with answers to common interview questions. But don’t stop there; 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. • Self-confidence: When it comes down to it, a job interview is an opportunity to sell yourself. Dress well, show up early, make eye contact, and in general, be professional but personable. The best way to make an employer believe in you is to believe in yourself first.
INSTANT DECISION DAY
11 a.m. April 11 at the Herb Bateman Army Education Center
» Join us for ...
–Information Session –Meet & Greet with Hampton Roads Staff –Light Refreshments –Easily Apply & Enroll* Just bring a copy of your unofficial transcript
My favorite things about Florida Tech are the instructors, the staff, the convenient location and the ease of putting my GI bill to work toward the payment.” —Brandon E., M.S. Management–Acquisition & Contract Management
Register Now!
fit.edu/esd-idd-hampton-roads
FIT Hampton Roads 757-887-2488
hrflatech@fit.edu
*admittance is contingent upon receipt of official academic records
Florida Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-6794500 for questions about the accreditation of Florida Institute of Technology. Florida Institute of Technology does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected minority in the admission of students, administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, employment policies, and athletic or other university sponsored programs or activities. Contact the Title IX Coordinator at (321) 674-8700. Florida Institute of Technology is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Florida Institute ofTechnology is approved by the Maryland State Higher Education Commission and may be additionally approved by Maryland State Approval Authority for payment of veterans education benefits.
OC-034-118
PM-25582168R
PG 12 | CCE | 2018
CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION
Virtual Education Center takes over CONUS Navy College service delivery; Norfolk-area on-base schools remain On October 1, 2017 the Navy College Virtual Education Center (NCVEC) took over Voluntary Education (VOLED) service responsibility for the continental United States. With the closure of the last CONUS Navy College Offices (NCOs), all educational program servicing for Sailors will shift to the NCVEC and Navy College Program (NCP) website. For Sailors overseas, 11 Navy College Offices still remain open. “Even though the local stateside NCOs have gone away, on-base education programs are still available to Sailors through our partner schools,” said Ernest D’Antonio, Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center VOLED program director. “Navy College Program Region Advisors and base commanding officers work together to select academic institutions to provide on-base education programs.” On Naval Station Norfolk, academic institutions with partnership agreements will continue to provide services as they have in the past. Currently, NAVSTA is served by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Saint Leo University, Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, ECPI University, University of Maryland University College and Tidewater Community College. “Our VOLED support structure includes a comprehensive array of self-service, contact, and virtual services,” said D’Antonio. “The restructured service delivery model provides Sailors the educational tools and information when and where they need it.” The NCVEC call center hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST Monday–Friday and may be reached by calling 877-838-1659.
Some of the most popular features of the NCVEC and NCP website include: 1) Text and web-chat features available during call center hours. 2) A searchable knowledge database with Frequently Asked Questions. 3) A help request/ticket system where a Sailor can complete an online request to ask a question or have an issue resolved and tracked. 4) A self-scheduling tool for education counseling with the NCVEC staff — which saves Sailors time and allows them to obtain the best time for counseling that meets their schedule. 5) The “Wizard” tutorial which takes Sailors stepby-step through the Tuition Assistance (TA) process with links to WebTA training tools and videos. 6) WebTA automation. The new process automatically checks/validates the Academic Institution’s (AI) course/tuition information, validates a Sailor’s status, including degree plan, counseling, grades, EAOS status, and TA annual usage. If everything is in order, forwards the request to the command approver for action and authorization through the My Education Module system. 7) Links to the NCP mobile App. The app offers access to the NCP planning tools, including required training and the counseling scheduler. Sailors can download the app from the Apple or Google Play store at no cost. Search ‘NCP App’ in the stores.
New products and features are being added to the NCVEC arsenal as they become available. Three new Interactive Multi-Media Instruction (IMI) courses will be available in the My Education Module of the NCP website: – The Navy Tuition Assistance training IMI replaces the current WebTA Policies and Procedures course, and emphasizes the tenets of Navy TA Policy and the WebTA application, approval, and authorization process. – The Navy Virtual Counseling 101 training IMI will provide Sailors with information and guidance on establishing education and career goals, selecting and applying to an academic institution, and an understanding of the higher education life cycle. Completion of these two IMI courses will be automatically recorded in the Navy College Management Information System (NCMIS), eliminating the need for Sailors to upload or email a completion certificate to the NCVEC. – The Education Services Officer-Command Career Counselor VOLED Essentials IMI will provide the ESO and CCC with an overview of Navy and DOD policies related to VOLED. The ESO-CCC VOLED Essentials IMI will provide information and guidance on Navy College/VOLED programs and the many benefits, products, and services available to Sailors to help them pursue and complete their educational goals. “We are committed to providing the best possible education support services to our Sailors by constantly upgrading and improving our real-time, virtual, and online products.” added D’Antonio. “We greatly appreciate our service members’ input, cooperation, and understanding as we work to perfect our new service delivery model.” The URL for the Navy College Program website is www.navycollege.navy.mil. Sailors can also get the latest information by following Navy Voluntary Education on Facebook www.facebook.com/NavyVoluntaryEducation/ . Additional information about the Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center can be found via www.netc.navy.mil/netc/netpdc/ Default.htm .
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Visit ecpi.edu/military or call 1 . 888. 756. 9492
BEST COLLEGES 7 YEARS IN A ROW BY MI LIT AR Y TIM ES
PG 14 | CCE | 2018
CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION
Creative arts help veterans reclaim their voice
From Brandpoint For Angela Walker, music was her first love, her passion and her whole identity. “Once a singer, always a singer,” she often says. That was true even after she joined the U.S. Navy in 1985. But what happened next forever changed Walker’s perspective on what it means to have a voice. When she was 26, Walker knew she had a calling to serve and protect her country and its ideals. She served as a naval airman and sang cadence in boot camp while training to work on helicopters. During boot camp, she developed a throat condition and lost her voice. When Walker was medically discharged, she was devastated. On top of that, Walker’s illness worsened, and she was later admitted to a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital, where she would meet a therapist who helped change her life. “One day I met Jessie,” Walker recalled. “She played the piano and would
CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION
encourage patients to sing along with her. She kept at me until I gave in and sang ‘Summertime’ by Ella Fitzgerald. In that moment, I found my voice again.” Once Walker began singing again, it was clear she still had talent. So much so that years later, she would become a five-time finalist at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF), which is open to veterans who participate in their local VA hospital’s creative arts therapy programs. Veterans can submit their work in the categories of performing arts, creative writing and visual arts through their therapists for a chance to be selected for the NVCAF. Once selected, veterans from around the country join together for the weeklong event with creative workshops, an art exhibit, meet-and-greet and a live stage show to display their talents. Today, Walker volunteers at her local VA hospital to help others find their voice, in addition to traveling on tour and singing commercial jingles. Her story is not that different from many other veterans involved in art therapy programs, which help veterans recover from and cope with physical and emotional disabilities. Creative arts gives them an outlet to express themselves through various forms of art. Often, this form of therapy is the life-saving tool veterans need for rehabilitation.
CCE | 2018 | PG 15
The NVCAF is co-presented by the VA and the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization and one of the nation’s most prominent advocates for veterans’ needs. For 17 years, the ALA has partnered with the VA to co-present the festival to celebrate veterans and their talents. Thanks to volunteers from across the country, the ALA assists veterans with art projects and their travel to the NVCAF, assemble displays, and supports publicity, production and materials development during the weeklong event. Many of the volunteers from ALA units make it a yearly commitment to donate their time to support this program. Sharon Neville helped host the NVCAF in her home state of North Carolina in 2014 and has volunteered at the event multiple times since then. “This experience is unlike any other,” said Neville, who began volunteering in 2013. “This festival is life-changing for all who attend, not just the participants. It’s a way for the public to understand a veteran’s journey, appreciate it and celebrate it. It’s a story that many of us will never know, but we should start listening.”
Flexible program formats Live Online Live/Online Your choice!
CareerConnection presents...
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NewYear NewCareer
2018 CAREER FAIR & EDUCATION EXPO This career fair will enable you to meet face to face with recruiters and hiring managers from real companies with real opportunities as well as educational institutions with the training to prepare you for a new career!
Wednesday, January 31st 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Ted Constant Convocation Center, 4320 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, VA
This event is FREE TO JOB SEEKERS! Dress professionally and bring plenty of résumés.
Unsure How to Navigate a Career Fair?
Join us at 11:00 am for a free session with local expert, Scott Kee as he discusses
this very topic!
Need General Advice on Finding a New Job?
Join us at 1:00 pm for a Q&A Session with Francina Harrison, our local “Ask the Career
Engineer” expert!
PARTICIPATING COMPANIES
PG 16 | CCE | 2018
CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION
Guide to veterans’ preference for federal employment By fedshirevets.gov Veterans’ Preference gives eligible veterans preference in appointment over many other applicants for employment with the U.S. federal government. Veterans’ preference applies to virtually all new appointments in both the competitive and excepted service. Veterans’ preference does not guarantee veterans a job, and it does not apply to internal agency actions such as promotions, transfers, reassignments and reinstatements. Veterans’ preference can be confusing. Veterans’ preference eligibility is based on dates of active duty service, receipt of a campaign badge, Purple Heart, or a service-connected disability. Not all active-duty service may qualify for veterans’ preference.
DAILY IN THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT AND AT HAMPTONROADS.COM
RECRUITERS: Call 757-446-2900 or Email pamela.bullock@pilotonline.com to reserve your booth space today. Deadline for participation is January 24th
Only veterans discharged or released from active duty in the armed forces under honorable conditions are eligible for veterans’ preference. This means you must
have been discharged under an honorable or general discharge. If you are a retired member of the armed forces, you are included in the definition of preference-eligible only if you are a disabled veteran or you retired below the rank of major or its equivalent. The three basic types of preference-eligibles are disabled (10 point preference eligible), non-disabled (5 point preference eligible) and sole survivorship preference (0 point preference eligible). If you are not sure of your preference eligibility, visit the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Preference Advisor at http://webapps.dol. gov/elaws/vets/vetpref/mservice. htm. For more information, visit https:// www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/ index.aspx
CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION
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.
CCE | 2018 | PG 17
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
JOBS
BUILD YOUR CAREER At Sentara, we view each day as another opportunity to be better. To provide patient care that is unmatched, every time. And, to improve the level of satisfaction our careers deliver. Our goal is to make you feel more excited to be here every day. Sentara is 28,000 strong with a unified objective: Creating an environment of health and healing for our patients with our high standards of care and patient safety.
EXCELLENT PAY • GREAT BENEFITS
NOW HIRING IN THESE HIGH-DEMAND, HIGH-PAYING JOBS:
• Welder • Electrician • HVAC • Cable Installers • Painters • Shipfitters • Pipefitters
• Engineers • Quality Control • Project Managers • Security • IT/CAD/Logistics • Safety • Human Resources
The ship repair industry has more career choices than any other industry with expanding apprenticeship programs and multiple options for career diversification. Workers in the ship repair industry average $4,000 over per capita income in Hampton Roads AND they have great benefits!
Apply today at
PM-25595030R
www.shiprepairjobs.com
PG 18 | CCE | 2018
CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION
What the GRE Really Means for Veterans By Hudson Saffell FedsHireVets.gov / GIJobs.com A lot of mystery seeps into conversations about the infamous Graduate Record ecord Examination (GRE) — conversations that mostly funnel into further mystery and individual wonderment. Thankfully, lly, in reality, all the GRE requires of a test-taker is preparation — something veterans are rather keen on, conveniently so. That said, no amount of preparation — the week, day or night prior to taking king the GRE exam — will suffice. It is simply not possible. Unless you are equipped with a photographic memory, the GRE requires lengthy preparation, like training for a deployment. In order to complete training you must first orientate yourself lf to the task at hand. Here you will find out what the GRE really means for you as an undergrad. Twice now I’ve taken the GRE exam; I realized after the first go-around that hat I hadn’t come close to prepping the way I should have. But the nice thing about the GRE is that you can take it again, again, and over again. The negative side is that it costs money. VA reimbursement forr the test is shaky at best. Currently, for every exam you elect the Post-9/11 GI Bill to pay for, you’ll lose an entire month of benefits, while the good ol’ Montgomery GI Bill only deducts the cost of the exam (perhaps the only upshot of the MGIB nowadays). The GRE runs upwards of $200, or, in other words, highway robbery (not including travel, study guides, etc.). For further her advice on skirting the GRE fee with VA benefits, visit this VA site. But if you’ve chosen en the Post9/11 (which is the wiser choice for higher academic education), it’ll actually lly save you money by footing the bill out of your own pocket. The GRE is often an unwaiverable requirement for graduate schooling (al-though for many schools it’s just a check in the box). Of course, you don’t want to do poorly on the exam — the importance of your scores vary depending on your field of study and how competitive the school is — butt generally speaking, graduate applications are not about how well you did on the GRE; instead, they are weighed in letters of recommendation (ensure you give anyone writing you a letter of recommendation a heads-up long in advance), your writing sample, and your statement of purpose/intent. Take extra care with these requirements. Write them well.. Treat them as your golden tickets. Now to the nuts and bolts of prepping: Since most of us spend a considerable amount of downtime on the net, make the most of it. There are several free GRE practice apps that you can download to your iPhone. Thee Arcadia Prep GRE app is multifunctional, covering all the bases, while other her applications centralize on quantitative reasoning, i.e. math, or vocabulary,, like the MIT-crafted IntelliVocab. A popular, all-encompassing prepping method hod is through Magoosh, which, for $80, offers 200 video lessons, 1,000 practice questions, three practice tests and a score predictor. All things considered, if you’re looking to further your higher educationall goals, such as the Adonis of pedagogy: the Ph.D., then creating a rigid schedule of studying for the GRE — training the brain to master each wicket of its respective study — is essential.
Be Part of the Team That Welcomes Them Home
We Are HIRING!
Join the NGIS Team of Hospitality Professionals
Navy Gateway Inns & Suites offers: Flexible hours • Year-round employment • Opportunity for benefits • Professional growth potential Diverse working environment • PLUS the reward of supporting the Military that protects us all! Year-round positions open with Navy Gateway Inns & Suites, the Navy’s official lodging program. Positions include supervisors, management, laundry, front desk, housekeeping and maintenance. Postings are updated weekly on www.navymwr.org/jobs.
www.navymwr.org/jobs or www.usajobs.gov