The unemployment rate for veterans—especially post-9/11 veterans—and military spouses is above that of their civilian counterparts. Thankfully, many organizations have developed programs, resources, and events focused on hiring and career training for veterans and military spouses, and the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) is no exception. The 2013 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exhibition provided an exceptional networking opportunity for veterans, soon-to-be veterans, and military spouses—all under one roof.
This year’s AUSA meeting included a “Warriors to the Workforce” hiring event for veterans. The event provided workshops on several topics including personal social media branding and tips on how to think outside the box when conducting a job search. In addition, hundreds of government contractors who employ veterans and military family members showcased employment opportunities.
Networking opportunities also extended to many of the military family-focused nonprofits attending this year’s conference. Organizations representing military families had the opportunity to raise concerns with high-ranking Department of Defense (DoD) officials. This positive exchange opened up the lines of communication between nonprofits supporting the military community and the DoD officials who influence military family programs.
Future military- and veteran-focused conferences and events should take note of AUSA’s success, and provide education and networking programs that connect our community with employment resources and job opportunities. A continued and expanded employment initiative is key to reducing unemployment among veterans and military family members.
