SAN FRANCISCO -- Military and civilian leaders met to discuss civilian employment opportunities for transitioning service members during the Veterans Employment Summit, Oct. 6, 2015, at the Marines’ Memorial Club and Hotel as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015.
Military.com and Vets in Tech sponsored the summit to showcase the many opportunities available to military members after they leave or retire from the military.
After welcoming remarks, the group of military members and civilians answered questions; ranging from opportunities available to military members after they transition into the civilian work force to how civilian leaders are looking for more military veterans to hire.
“This event allows us to show what we can do to help military members after they leave the service,” said Jeff Park, a field associate with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
While military and civilian leaders were discussing veterans’ transitions to civilian life, one floor below, Marines were in class learning how to write a resume and what it takes to be an entrepreneur.
“It shows us that the Marine Corps still wants to support us in furthering our career, whether we want to stay in or get out,” said Lance Cpl. Nathan Robinson, a Marine with Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. “I feel like you don’t really know what it is you want to do until you find the right person to talk to about it.”
Once the summit and classes concluded, the Marines were given the opportunity to talk to representatives of businesses about job opportunities available to them after they leave the military.
“There are tons of organizations out there that are willing to support veterans and they can do more that just purchase a sticker that says they support veterans,” said Park. “No veteran should every feel like they are going through their transition by themselves.”
Leaders from different companies, websites and schools, including Hewlett Packard, Survey Monkey and Arizona State University, advertised their companies during the event. Many companies were offering job applications for Marines who were near their end of active service date.
“Although the numbers of military members who are finding jobs after leaving the military has increased, this does not mean we have won the fight,” said Brig. Gen Edward D. Banta, the commanding general for Marine Corps Installations West at Marine Corp Base Camp Pendleton, California.
Like many events during Fleet Week, the summit demonstrated military and civilian members’ dedication to the well being of one other.
“We have taken great steps in preparing our Marines for the transition to the civilian world and insuring they have all the tools they will need to succeed,” said Banta.