It’s always amazing to me how many military spouses are so dedicated to their professions, careers, and jobs. Why? Because being a professional, career-driven military spouse can be tough. SO what are the best jobs for military spouses?
Moving alone can make it difficult for jobs for military spouses: putting career plans on hold, changing plans… and then changing them again, getting different certifications, getting re-certified, taking extra classes, freezing your business for a PCS Move…the list goes on and on.
Add the emotional toll that deployments and separations can take and it’s amazing that we get out of bed in the morning. (I’m joking… but seriously…)
There are a multitude of organizations available with jobs for military spouses who are interested in pursuing a career during their military life. Many of these organizations were formed by career-driven military spouses who saw a need that wasn’t being met. While this list doesn’t encompass all of the organizations that are out there, it’s a solid start.
1. The Military Spouse JD Network
The Military Spouse JD Network is specifically target jobs for military spouses who are legal professionals. The group advocates for professional military spouses, hosts meet ups, and plans and executes Homefront Rising. They also offer resources and networking opportunities.
2. In Gear Career
Stay connected to your professional life with In Gear Career. A non-profit dedicated to helping military spouses continue their career journeys, In Gear Career hosts in-person chapter meetings and has an online presence for resources and conversation.
3. Milspo Project
The Milspo Project has one goal: “To empower and educate milspouse entrepreneurs through live leadership events, online educational resources, and local chapter meet-ups.” Notably, they hold an annual conference, Embark, which is held in Fayetteville, NC. You can connect with them on social media, including a mastermind Facebook group.
4. National Military Spouse Network
The National Military Spouse Network (NMSN) offers support for professional military spouses through an online portal as well as in-person events including their annual Military Spouse Career Summit. Membership is $97 and is yearly.
5. Blue Star Entrepreneurs
A Facebook group spin-off of Blue Star Families, Blue Star Entrepreneurs gives military-connected entrepreneurs a place to talk, ask questions, and share resources.
6. Inc’s Military Entrepreneurs Program
While this isn’t a professional organization, it is worth a mention, especially if you’re an entrepreneur. Inc. offers the opportunity for selected military-connected entrepreneurs to attend their annual Mentor Fair and Special delegation during their 500/5000 Conference. You’ll pay for transportation, lodging, and food, but you’ll be part of a very select group of individuals and privy to resources and information.
7. Military Spouse eMentor
Think you’d benefit from a mentor but not sure how to find one? The eMentor program, run by Hiring Our Heroes, matches mentors with military spouse mentees. The program encourages real-time communication between the pair and supplements with resources and other information to help find jobs for military spouses.
8. V-WISE
If you’re a female veteran, spouse of an active duty service member, or active duty military member yourself looking to hone your entrepreneurial skills, V-WISE, run in partnership with Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families, is an organization you want to check out. The three-phase program will take place online and in-person and is designed to give you the foundational skills and resources needed to start a sustainable business. There is a $75 application fee for the program.
And then there are your profession’s organizations. Just because they’re not military-focused doesn’t mean that you can’t be a member and participate in them. Even if you’re currently unable to work in your field, keep yourself abreast of what’s happening in your field by keeping up your membership to those industry-specific groups. Keep pushing, keep learning, and keep dreaming… even when the third PCS Move in two years rears its ugly head.
photo: tameramowery.com