Career-minded military spouses, take note! In Gear Career has changed names, to the Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Professional Network. This name change provides clarity about the organization's structure and mission, but doesn't change the value of this great resource.
We all know that the vast majority of jobs are found via networking, but it can be hard to build up a new network every time you move. This is where the Military Spouse Professional Network helps. Volunteer-led chapters connect military spouses with other career-oriented military spouses, mentors, and employers. There are currently 40 chapters at locations around the United States and overseas, with five more chapters being organized right now, and there's a virtual chapter for folks who don't live near a real chapter. Most chapters have monthly in-person events, plus a Facebook group for ongoing conversation and support.
Supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Military Spouse Professional Network is a program under the Hiring Our Heroes Umbrella. This program also includes CareerSpark, an online tool to craft skills-based resumes using your volunteer and paid employment, and two-day Transition Summits where service members and spouses can meet with employers and learn about issues relating to the transition from military to civilian life.
Military families consistently identify spouse employment as a key concern. Programs like the Military Spouse Professional Network help military spouses overcome some of the challenges of maintaining a career while also moving around with your military service member. If you're job-seeking, or just trying to remain connected during a time when you're not working, joining your local area Military Spouse Professional Network chapter can provide resources and the camaraderie of people in the same situation.
You can learn more at the Military Spouse Professional Network webpage and Facebook page, and the Hiring Our Heroes webpage and Facebook page. These are the tools that propel your career to the next level - take advantage of them!
