MilitaryStars Blog

Veteran Talent A Must For Business Trends

A must-read for both employers and job seekers appeared yesterday on Massachusetts' Business West.  Written by a worker's comp professional, it is a plea to employers to position themselves to attract the best talent.  What constitutes the best talent?  How about his second bullet: "Up to 75% of those 18 to 24 years old are not eligible for the military due to obesity, illiteracy, or substance abuse."  His implication is that you, the military job seeker, are not going to be heading out into the civilian workforce in the numbers you once did and are therefore that much more valuable!   You are needed in industries across the board - his example is auto technicians, which will never be outsourced and require technical knowledge, but his point extends across the civilian marketplace.  As an employer, if you want to bring the best talent to your organization, join our growing list of clients making it a priority to use our hiring solutions!

Soldiers' Drive to Succeed

I remember when the Segway came out, people were, at the least, a little underwhelmed after hearing it could change the world.  It's therefore refreshing to see how the machine truly has changed the lives of wounded service members through the Segs4Vets program.  Another creative, specific initiative proving that ideas for improving the lives of veterans can come from anywhere, and can lead those veterans anywhere as well.  The soldier profiled in the story helps others who are competing for the US Paralympic Hockey Team, while he's looking forward to a civilian career in IT.  I know an awesome place he could start!  Have a great week.   

Veteran, ESPY Nominee, King of the Mountain

How many times have you heard people advise you to "never let anyone tell you that you can't do something" or similar words?  From what I hear every day, in a military career or a military-friendly civilian career, you're actually being shown that you can do more than you ever thought possible every day.  You're being shown, rather than told, because it's more powerful (ask anyone selling a book of writing advice), and because it's beating back another powerful force at the same time: self-doubt letting your own head tell you that you can't do something.  If you're feeling that at any time, add this piece to your Favorites and go back to it.  Remember where your training has brought you, and what you can accomplish with it!   

Volunteers Changing Other Veterans' Lives

I've spoken with some amazing individuals who devote their lives to helping homeless veterans, including San Diego's Alpha Project.  A story from West Virginia's Herald-Dispatch.com on the state's Volunteers of America (VOA) demonstrates what a huge difference veterans can make on their fellow servicemembers' lives.  No one veteran's services organization can do it all alone.  More people thankfully are willing to help every day, and we always must realize that each of these groups plays a crucial, specific role.  Groups like VOA and Alpha Project give homeless veterans the means to take back their lives, including one day walking through the door at a hiring event and setting themselves up for success. If you don't believe it can happen, check out The Pursuit of Happyness - it's not just a movie.  VOA needs volunteers, and hopefully will inspire the rest of the nation to find more as well!

San Diego Career Expo Recap and Thanks

Normally I try to say good luck here to everyone headed to one of our events - last week, I got to do so in person!  I helped run the San Diego event, and everyone here appreciates each and every one of you who attended.  We had a full crowd from the Employer Panel to the end of the day - you made a seriously great impression on all of our client employers, and from speaking with some of you, it sounds like you made some tremendous connections as well.  San Diego is a beautiful place - seeing so many of you speaking with so many diverse, exciting employers made the trip for us.  As I told many who attended, we'll be back in California in October - stay tuned!  Thank you, best of luck, and have a great week.

Blue Collar, Big Dollar Careers

Forbes.com recently checked out America's highest-paying blue collar jobs.  If you're more interested in this career track, definitely give them a look... I would if you haven't thought of it before, too!  Nothing worse than assuming a certain type of work isn't for you without even comprehending the rewards.  Field technicians make this list and are consistently in demand at our events! 

Biz Columnist: Veterans Excel at Running Franchises

Columnist Jerry Chautin, from our hometown Herald-Tribune, spoke with MilitaryStars Corporate Communications Officer Ethan Grefe for this look at veteran success in franchising.  "Jerry is a widely recognized and read business columnist and counselor," Ethan said of the experience.  "His efforts in highlighting veteran talent, as well as in showcasing business opportunities for veterans, are noteworthy and continue to prove to the business community that military veterans make standout employees." 

In the link, Mr. Chautin quotes SBA research noting that "military experience for becoming an entrepreneur is more relevant than higher education" - well worth keeping in mind, and plenty of franchisors nationwide at our events will attest to it.  If you've ever wanted to run your own business, you have another supporter explaining why you're the best person for the job!  Have a great week. 

Independence Day

For all of you serving across the world this holiday weekend, from my co-worker Robert Barclay, US Navy and veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm: "Just a short note to thank you all for what you do.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you."  For everyone who has served, all of us thank you for defending our freedom!  Wherever you are, be safe.

Mortgage Assistance for Mass. Veterans

The State of Massachusetts and Fannie Mae have created the "Home for the Brave" program (great name), providing affordable housing and mortgage assistance to veterans in the state.  We all hear a lot about veterans struggling with housing, and about national mortgage problems, so a state stepping up for its veterans like this is commendable.  The program's mortgage insurance will cover six months of payments should a veteran become unemployed.  In these situations, it's crucial as always to remember that other organizations, from volunteers in their homes on up, can and should play a huge role in helping find new employment as well.  No one organization can do it alone, but the more that emerge, the more we can all accomplish together.      

Generals and Jump Shots: Meet the New NBA Ref Boss

"As I leave the military and return to civilian life, I can't imagine a more interesting and challenging position."  Who said that today and what were they talking about?  It's quite a story: General Ronald L. Johnson, retiring as deputy commanding general of the USACE, is the new Senior Vice President for Referee Operations of the NBA.  This position just came into existence - when a referee bets on games he officiated, these are the kinds of things that can happen!  Credit to NBA Commissioner David Stern for not simply picking a military man to grab headlines of legitimacy and leaving it at that.  Stern explained how General Johnson's engineering background in the military made him a perfect fit for this position, and if that makes at least one person say, "I never would have thought of that", it's granting further exposure to just how far military experience can take you!