Finding Internships or Volunteer Work

Your Employment Questions Answered: How to Find Internships or Volunteer Work

Sometimes the best way to learn something new is by seeking advice from those who have been there. Asking questions is how we learn about new resources or can give us perspectives that we might never have thought about before. When you ask a question, you can gain the knowledge you are looking for that will help you figure out what you need to know to move forward, whatever the subject might be.

When you don’t have a ton of experience in the field you want to go into, you can struggle to find the right job. While finding a job does take time, there are things you can do while waiting for the right one. Finding a good internship or volunteer work is a great way to gain more experience and to keep working while trying to find the right job.

Question: Can you tell me how to find internships or possibly volunteer opportunities?

I have been searching for a job since I graduated from college a couple of years ago. I haven’t been able to find an in-person job. I was thinking about contacting a company about doing an unpaid internship or volunteer position to help me gain some experience and to help with my non-recent work history. Is this a good idea? How do I go about looking for jobs like that?

Answer:

Looking for internships or volunteer work to gain experience can be a really great idea. There are different wants you can do this, and also figure out the best way to look for the right job. Here are some suggestions:

1. MWR Job Fairs

Check and see what MWR Job Fairs are going on at your duty station. They happen all over the US and could be a starting point for getting a job locally. They have in-person and virtual job fairs.

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2. Your University Alumni Career Services Center

This can be a good place to explore local internships and jobs, research jobs, and get help with things such as your resume, cover letter, or job searching techniques.

3. Career Recon

At Career Recon, we can help you in many different ways. We offer job fair listings, both in-person and virtual. We also have a big selection of Recruiting and Staffing Profiles to look at. Here you might be able to find some resources to help you find what you are looking for. Here are three of them that help military spouses.

  • VirtForce – they work with military spouses, veterans, and transitioning service members. They offer a wide range of services and opportunities to help spouses get hired.
  • Veterati – they work with service members, veterans, and military spouses. At Veterati you can choose your own mentor who will help you with the process of looking for a job. They will help you stand out as an applicant.
  • Military Spouse Jobs – they offer job recruiting services to military spouses, family members, and caregivers. They can help you find a job, and offer career exploration, and employment training.

4. Flexjobs

Through SECO which is through Military OneSource, you can get a free year-long membership. At Flexjobs you can find flexible, hybrid, and remote jobs.

5. Hiring Our Heroes

Hiring Our Heroes is a great place to go when looking for a job. They offer so many great programs. They also have a volunteer section and are always looking for people to volunteer in a variety of different fields.

6. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

This organization is also always looking for volunteers. Check out their volunteer page for more information.

7. Temp Agencies

Temp agencies are a great way to find seasonal and temporary work that might be what you are looking for. They can provide you with work day-by-day or more long-term jobs. They work with a variety of companies and can be a great solution when you are looking for jobs to help you with your work experience.

As you can see there are many options of places that can help you find an internship, volunteer work, or help you find the type of work you are looking for.

 

 

How to Change Your Career as a Veteran Spouse?

Your Employment Questions Answered: How to Change Your Career as a Veteran Spouse?

Sometimes the best way to learn something new is by seeking advice from those who have been there. Asking questions is how we learn about new resources or can give us perspectives that we might never have considered. When you ask a question, you can gain the knowledge you are looking for that will help you figure out what you need to know to move forward, whatever the subject might be.

As a military spouse, once your service member retires, you may be looking for a change in job or career. But how do you find the right one? While searching for a new job can be a bit complicated, there are programs out there to help military and veteran spouses. These programs can give you the right tools and point you in the right direction to find a better-suited job.

Question: How to Find the Best Job Opportunity?

My husband retired from the military two years ago, and we live at Camp Lejeune. I am seeking a new career with a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in Healthcare Administration.

I am having a hard time finding the right job. I look at Indeed and USAJobs daily, and nothing is happening. I have always worked at Naval Hospitals as a contractor but want to move on to something else. Can you help?

Answer:

Looking for a new career or change can be such a smart move. It can be tricky, though. The good news is that there are organizations to help military spouses and veteran spouses do so. They can work with you to find the right job or to change careers. Here are a few of them.

Onward to Opportunity Program 

This program is a free career training program that provides professional certification and employee support services to transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses. They combine industry-validated curriculum, partnerships with leading veteran service organizations and private companies as well as comprehensive career coaching services to help you prepare and match you with a career.

You can work on certification in the Information Technology, Business Management, and Customer service industries. They offer over 30 classes in many different locations, including Camp Lejeune. The Onward to Opportunity Program is through IVMF/Syracuse.

Hire Heroes USA

Hire Heroes USA is a nonprofit that helps service members, veterans, and their spouses seek meaningful employment. They can give you one-on-one coaching, review your resume, give you LinkedIn help, mentor you, and much more.

Hiring Our Heroes

Hiring Our Heroes offers events, programs, and career counseling. They offer 65+ hiring events each year and offer a virtual education and training center with on-demand workshops.

CareerRecon

Also, make sure to check out the Recruiting & Staffing Profiles on Career Recon to find more companies and organizations that can help you with your job search.  or you can use our free tool that will help connect you with recruiting and staffing agencies that find jobs specifically for military, veterans, and their spouses.

 

You will also find this article, “Jobs for People With a Healthcare Administration Degree,” from Nurse.org, helpful for information on what you can expect by making this change.

If you do want to make a career change and find a job that would work better for you, there are many resources out there to help. Anything from tweaking your resume a bit to having access to job offers can get you on the right path for finding that ideal job. Good luck!

 

RELATED: Portable Career Fields for Military Spouses in Nursing

 

 

Career Forward: Job Ready Skills for New Careers

Career Forward is a new program from Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) that can help veterans learn new skills to launch an exciting career in under six months.

Certified Training with Google

With the Career Forward program, participants gain industry-recognized Google Career Certificates. Students can specialize in:

  • Data Analytics
  • IT Support
  • Project Management
  • User Experience (UX) Design

Veterans in the program will enroll in the Google Career Certificate program of their choice. These self-paced job-training programs can be completed within three to six months, giving students marketable skills to land amazing careers.

Google Career Certificates

With no experience requirement, participants will receive professional training from Google in any one of the following areas. Also, each link will take you to an information page about each certificate and job field.

Data Analytics

A data analyst collects and organizes data that allows companies to make informed decisions.

IT Support

IT specialists troubleshoot problems on computers and networks. Their work keeps the business up and running.

Project Management

A project manager ensures that projects are completed on-time and on-budget. This ensures that companies receive the maximum value for their projects.

User Experience (UX) Design

UX designers make products, both digital and physical, easier to use for the consumer or business.

These programs are amazing because they come straight from Google, the most powerful presence on the web. Veterans do NOT need to have any experience in order to participate in these career certificates either.

Students in the program will have opportunities to engage with other students, recent graduates, and other professionals in the chosen career field. Individual support from HOH staff is also available.

Career Support

The best part is, finishing one of these Google certificates helps a Veteran gain a competitive edge that could lead to a rewarding new career.

Not only that, but after completion of a Google Career Certificate program, graduates will have access to job search support like interview preparation and career workshops, and networking through Hiring Our Heroes and Big Interview.

Additionally, students will connect directly with employers that are ready to hire them through Hiring Our Heroes hiring events. These companies can include:

  • Booz Allen Hamilton
  • Deloitte
  • Freedom Learning Group
  • Verizon
  • Google

Participants will also be able to apply for the Hiring Our Heroes Fellows Program. This collection of workforce development programs can connect transitioning service members, military spouses, and veterans with employers seeking to hire them.

How to Apply

The Learner Application is pretty straight forward. It has two steps that collect basic information about you, and optional info like your LinkedIn profile URL.

(Hint: If you don’t have one, get a LinkedIn profile before you sign up. A portion of your learning program will cover tips and best practices for using LinkedIn.)

Also, when you’re signing up, there’s a drop down menu indicating “Service Type”. This is where you indicate your current connection to the military. Based on this menu, the program is available to the following people:

  • Service Members
  • Military Spouses
  • Veterans
  • Caregivers

So, not only do veterans and military members have access to this training, but spouses and caregivers as well.

If you’re looking for a new career, do not miss the opportunity to launch your new career with Google Career Certificates. Apply today!

 

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Military Veteran Employment Guide: Finding Mentors

Step by Step Guide to Employment for General Military –  Finding Mentors

As you embark on your after military journey, finding a mentor to help you is a smart decision. A mentor can be there to help you get to where you want to go, be someone you can go to for advice, and help your job search go a lot more smoothly.

Mentoring will allow you to gain the knowledge you need from someone who has been through it. They can help you to learn new skills and help expand the ones you already know. You will receive guidance through a mentor as well as support.

Working with a mentor will give you confidence, help you grow your network, and offer you a sounding board for ideas as well as how to get through any challenges that come up during the process. Mentors can also give you constructive feedback.

When it comes to making the transition from the military to the civilian world, being able to have a good mentor, who has been thought transition themself, is going to be the biggest way to help yourself find the job that you want and get you on the right path.

How do you find a mentor? You may have someone you know already that would be willing to mentor you. That is always an option. However, not everyone knows the right person who can take them on as a mentor. Luckily, there are companies and organizations that can help you find one. Here are a few of them that work specifically with veterans and members of the military.

American Corporate Partners (ACP)

ACP is focused on helping returning veterans and active duty spouses find their next careers through one-on-one mentoring. They also offer networking and online career advice. They will assist veterans and spouses on their path toward fulfilling long-term careers.

VETS – Beyond the Uniform 

VETS – Behind the Uniform is a coaching, mentoring, and training program that was developed by military veterans. Their mission is to provide veterans with the additional skills that are needed to go from the military to the civilian workforce.

7 Eagle Group

7 Eagle Group works to serve military veterans and active duty service members. Through their programs, they offer career webinars, networking opportunities, mentors, and opportunities to mentor others.

Veterati 

Veterati offers free one-hour mentorship phone calls with successful professionals. You can choose your mentors and can even have more than one. Their mentors will offer personal advice, coaching, insider job search tips, and introductions.

Hiring Our Heroes

Hiring Our Heroes has a mentoring program that helps veterans who are struggling with translating their skills to a civilian role. Their mentors help veterans understand what direction they can go in after military life.

Commit Foundation

Commit Foundation works to build powerful tools, pipelines, and cultures that empower military members in their transition out of uniform. They offer one-on-one transition assistance.

Valor Bridge

Valor Bridge works to honor veterans through education, community, and mentorship. They have dedicated mentors to help veterans make the transition back into civilian life and the business community.

Military Talent Partners

Military Talent Partners empowers veterans and military spouses throughout their career journeys. They provide mentorship, coaching, and career discovery to help military talent realize their potential as well as their professional goals.

eMentor 

eMentor is an online mentoring program for military members, veterans, as well as military spouses. They connect people with mentors to help them move forward in their personal and professional lives. Mentors will provide insights into civilian careers and corporate hiring practices.

As you can see, there are many options for finding a good mentor who knows how to make the transition from the military to the civilian world. Finding a good mentor is an important part of the process and can help lead you in the right direction.

 

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Altierus Career College

Altierus Career College Profile

Altierus Career College is a postsecondary non-profit healthcare and trade school that is owned by ECMC Education (Educational Credit Management Corporation). Altierus Career Colleges used to be a part of Corinthian Colleges. In 2015, ECMC took over Altierus Career Colleges under the name Zenith Education. They then rebranded the schools as Altierus Career Colleges. More than 20 Zenith campuses closed in 2017. 

Altierus Career Colleges has three locations, Tampa, Houston, and Atlanta as well as online options. They have programs in healthcare and trades and many of their programs are a blend of online and on-campus learning. 

They offer 1-on-1 career advising, professional development, and employer partnerships to help students get started on the right track. Students learn from experimental learning in labs, externships, and clinical rotations. They also help students prepare and test for credentials or certifications. Students do also receive a laptop and ebooks to help with their studies and allow for a more flexible learning environment. 

Accredited By: Nationally 

GI Bill: Yes 

Programs: 

  • Dental Assistant
  • Massage Therapy (Tampa Only)
  • Medical Assistant 
  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Pharmacy Technician 
  • Surgical Technology (Atlanta and Houston)
  • HVAC
  • Electrical (Houston and Tampa)

Certificates and Degrees: 

  • Certificates 
  • Associate Degrees 

Job Placement Rates: The job placement rate is 77% 

Online: Yes

Campus Location: 

  • Tampa, FL
  • Houston, TX
  • Atlanta, GA

TA For Active Duty: No

MyCAA For Military Spouses: No 

Admission Contact PersonAltierus Career College on College Recon 

Number of GI Bill Students: 95

 

 

 

 

 

Southern Careers Institute – San Antonio North

Southern Careers Institute – San Antonio North Profile

Southern Careers Institute—San Antonio North is a private, for-profit postsecondary career and technical education institution with eight locations in Texas and 10 programs in various subjects. 

Southern Careers Institute was started in 1960 and has had medical and business programs since 1992. Overall, Southern Careers Institute has 20 career-focused programs and 40 industry-preferred certifications within its eight campuses and online. 

In addition to its programs, Southern Careers Institute—San Antonio North offers free tutoring, employer connections, a tailored job search, and job market prep.  It is perfect for career training in and around San Antonio.

Accredited By: Accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education

GI Bill: Yes 

Programs: 

  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Business Accounting Specialist
  • Business Administration
  • Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator
  • Computer Support Specialist
  • Electrical Technician
  • HVAC
  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Welding

Certificates and Degrees: 

  • Certificates and certifications 

Job Placement Rates: The job placement rate is around 80% 

Online: Yes

Campus Location: 

  • San Antonio 

TA For Active Duty: No

MyCAA For Military Spouses: Yes

Admission Contact Person: Southern Careers Institute – San Antonio North on College Recon 

Number of GI Bill Students: 50 

 

 

San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC)

Explore Education Options that Lead Straight to a Career at SJVC

San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) is a private for-profit college with 17 locations across California and online.

In addition to their degrees and certificates, they also offer career services, resume building, interview preparation, extern-to-hire opportunities, career fairs and special events, and employer partners. 

Accredited By: Regional 

GI Bill: Yes 

Programs: 

  • Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General
  • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services, Other
  • Business Administration and Management, General
  • Construction Management
  • Corrections and Criminal Justice, Other
  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician
  • General Studies
  • Health/Health Care Administration/Management
  • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/
  • Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General
  • Information Technology
  • Medical Insurance Specialist/Medical Biller
  • Medical Office Management/Administration
  • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other
  • Pre-Pharmacy Studies
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
  • Surgical Technology/Technologist
  • Veterinary Sciences/Veterinary Clinical Sciences, General

Certificates and Degrees: 

  • Certificates
  • Associate Degrees 

Job Placement Rates: The job placement rate is 70% in 2020. 

Online: Yes

Campus Locations: 

  • Modesto (Salida)
  • Rancho Cordova
  • Atascadero
  • Bakersfield
  • Delano
  • Fresno
  • Fresno – Trades Education Center
  • Hanford
  • Madera
  • Porterville
  • Santa Maria
  • Visalia
  • Antelope Valley (Lancaster)
  • Ontario
  • Rancho Mirage
  • Temecula
  • Victor Valley (Hesperia)

TA For Active Duty: No

MyCAA For Military Spouses: Yes

Admission Contact Person: San Joaquin Valley College on College Recon 

Number of GI Bill Students: 50

 


About San Joaquin Valley College

San Joaquin Valley College is a private for-profit college with 17 locations across California and online. They have 20+ programs and offers mostly certificates and associate degrees with some bachelor degree options. 

San Joaquin Valley College’s mission is “San Joaquin Valley College prepares graduates for professional success by offering Baccalaureate and Associate of Science Degrees and Certificates of Completion in business, medical and technical career fields. The College serves a diverse student population with a common interest in professional development through career-focused higher education. The College is committed to student development through the achievement of measurable learning outcomes, emphasizing a balance of hands-on training and academic instruction. The College identifies and responds to the educational and employment needs of the communities it serves. The College is committed to the success of every student.”

Each location can be a bit different and the one that may work best for you will be based on what you plan to study and where you want to live. Here is a little bit more information about three locations, one in Northern California, one in Southern California, and one in Central California. 

Modesto is in Northern California, located in the Central Valley. The city is known for having a large agricultural industry. Modesto is located 65 miles from Sacramento, CA, 90 miles from Fresno, CA, and 92 miles from San Francisco, CA. The cost of living is slightly higher than the national average and the average rent for a two-bedroom is $1,410. 

Temecula is in Southern California, located in southwestern Riverside county and a tourist and resort destination. Temecula is 54 miles from San Diego, CA, 74 miles from Los Angeles, CA, and 43 miles from San Bernardino, CA. The cost of living is higher than the national average and the average rent for a two-bedroom is $2,390. 

Santa Maria is in Central California, just 10 minutes from the ocean and an award winning wine growing region. Santa Maria is 139 miles from Los Angeles, CA, 162 miles from Anaheim, CA, and 184 miles from San Jose, CA. The cost of living is higher than the national average and the average rent for a two-bedroom is $2360.  


Top 3 Programs for Military-Connected Students at SJVC

Associate of Science in Medical Office Administration

This program is 15 months and students will prepare to work in front-office positions for a medical practice, healthcare facility, or insurance company.

Associate in Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology

This program is 22 months and will prepare students with the skills and technical knowledge they would need to perform maintenance on aircraft, airframe, and powerplant. 

Vet Assistant Certificate

This program is 9 months and students will learn how to provide support to veterinarians and  provide preventative, routine, emergency, and postoperative care to pets. 


Career Information for Top 3 Programs at San Joaquin Valley College

Careers with an Associate of Science in Medical Office Administration

Job Title | Estimated Average Salary

Medical Secretary | $42,704

Medical Receptionist | $38,398

Physician Office Manager| $50,835

Most Common Employment Benefits

Most common employment benefits for an Associate of Science in Medical Office Administration

    • Social Security
    • 401K
    • Time off
    • Pension
    • Disability
    • Healthcare

Salary and job information from Salary.com  

Careers with an Associate of Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology

Job Title | Estimated Average Salary

Helicopter Mechanic | $54,931

Aircraft Mechanic | $54,522

Aircraft Maintenance Technician | $57,910

Most Common Employment Benefits

Most common employment benefits for a job with an associate in Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology

    • Social Security
    • 401K
    • Time off
    • Pension
    • Disability
    • Healthcare

Salary and job information from Salary.com

Careers with a Vet Assistant Certificate

Job Title | Estimated Average Salary

Vet Assistant | $32,572

Animal Care Assistant | $32,602

Most Common Employment Benefits

Most common employment benefits for a job with a Vet Assistant Certificate

    • Social Security
    • 401K
    • Time off
    • Pension
    • Disability
    • Healthcare

Salary and job information from Salary.com


Why should I go to a trade or vocational school?

If you decide to go to a trade or vocational school, they often have programs that can be completed within 2 years and will help their students land jobs in their area of study. This allows you to get the education you need and get job placement assistant to start your career off strong. Most trade and vocational schools have partnerships with companies in the local area and around the country to ensure their graduates move on to fulfilling careers after graduation. 

Active-Duty Military Members

If you are an active-duty military member transitioning, this route allows you time to use your Tuition Assistance benefits to ensure you have career options after leaving the military community. You can begin the education process 2 years before your projected transition date. Right before your transition or soon after you will be able to get career placement assistance from the trade or vocational school you attended to help land your next career.

Veterans

Using your benefits earned through service is a big decision. Be strategic in where and how you use those benefits. Trade and vocational schools allow you to find a career that is focused and sustainable. Trade and vocational schools are more affordable allowing you to limit or have zero out-of-pocket costs. Not to mention direct connections into the industry of your choice. 

Military Spouses

If you are a military spouse looking to find a career that can ensure job security at each assignment, consider exploring education programs at a trade or vocational school. Often education programs at these schools can lead to career paths that can be found on or near military installations around the world. 


Ways to Save on Your Education at San Joaquin Valley College

  • Approved For the GI Bill
  • Approved For Tuition Assistance
  • Scholarships & Grants
  • SJVC Student Scholarships

Learn more about San Joaquin Valley College, see what programs are offered online, and contact the school directly.

 

Concorde Career College

Concorde Career College Profile

Concorde Career College is a private, for-profit college with 17 campuses across eight states, Mississippi, Tennessee, Colorado, California, Missouri, Texas, Florida, and Oregon. They offer programs for health care and dental professionals. They have a hybrid/blended education model, which combines online classes with in-person lab classes and clinical experiences.

The college can be called either Concorde Career College, or Concorde Career Institute. You can find more than 20 educational, both degree and diploma programs and many are for careers that have been ranked among the fastest-growing occupations in the United States.

Accredited By

National Accreditation

GI Bill-Approved Programs

Yes

Programs

  • Nursing
  • Dental
  • Diagnostic
  • Patient Care
  • Allied Health
  • Continuing Education

Certificates and Degrees

  • Health Information Management
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Medical Assistant
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Medical Office Administration
  • Medical Office Professional
  • Phlebotomy
  • Dental Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Cardiovascular Sonography
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography
  • Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Neurodiagnostic Technology
  • Polysomnographic Technology
  • Radiologic Technology
  • Nursing
  • Practical/Vocational Nursing
  • RN to BSN
  • Massage Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Surgical Technology

Job Placement Rates

The job placement rate varies based on the program, but it is between about 75%-100%.

Online

Yes

Campus Locations

  • Garden Grove, CA
  • North Hollywood, CA
  • San Bernardino, CA
  • San Diego, CA
  • Southaven, MS
  • Memphis, TN
  • Kansas City, MO
  • Grand Prairie, TX
  • Dallas, TX
  • San Antonio, TX
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • Orlando, FL
  • Miramar, FL
  • Tampa, FL
  • Portland, OR
  • Online

Military Tuition Assistance for Active Duty

Yes.  More info on military tuition assistance

MyCAA for Military Spouses

Yes.  More info on MyCAA

Admission Contact Person:

Concorde Career College on College Recon

Number of GI Bill Students

487

 

 

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