JBLM Job Fair Showcases State Employment Opportunities

LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. - Staff Sergeant Danika Nolan's military exit date is a couple of weeks away, and she's getting ready for the transition at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

As part of a group of about 30 job seekers, she participated in an employing fair Jan. 30 that showcased Washington State career opportunities at JBLM's Hawk Career Center.

"I just attempt to benefit from all the resources and services that the (Transition Assistance Program) Center needs to offer, simply to ensure I'm as prepared as possible," she stated.

The focus of the task fair on state employment, instead of employment in numerous industries, made it different than others on the installation. Sponsored by the Veterans Employee Resource Group, WorkSource and employment the TAP, it started with a panel of veterans from state companies, who shared their experiences and responded to concerns. Following the panel, recruiters from state agencies were offered to address employing concerns, stated Frank Handoe, deputy shift services supervisor for the TAP.

Informational tables represented organizations including VERG, WorkSource and Washington State's Department of Veterans Affairs and VA Apprenticeship Program; Department of Children, Youth and Families; Department of Social and Health Services, Community Services Division; and Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

A quarterly occasion, the task fair is "a low-stress, low-pressure opportunity to learn what sort of chances exist here outdoors your back entrance," said Christopher Gentz, shift services manager for the Directorate of Human Resources.

Additional task fairs like the Jan. 30 event will be held May 8, July 10 and Sept. 11.

To prepare for them, "gown for success," bring your resume and practice your elevator pitch, Gentz stated.

An elevator pitch is a "quick intro of yourself, who you are and what you're aiming to do," Handoe said, pointing out that the skill is taught as part of the TAP.

Among the job fair's objectives was to assist people learn more about career opportunities and how their abilities line up with them, Gentz said.

Education is an essential benefit of participating in a task fair, as about 40% of those who begin with the TAP discover they're "not all set to make that dive yet," or they have seen the readily available chances and decide to continue serving, Gentz stated.

"We see that generally every year," he stated. "We want them to make an informed decision about their career."

Part of the education piece is finding out about financial resources, consisting of credit reports, spending plans and "building a savings so you have something to deal with when it's time to get out," Handoe said.

"Everybody's going to get out of the Army someday," he stated, "but while you're in, are you doing everything you can to prepare to get out?"

Job fairs also exist to assist people with networking, seeing what people in the outdoors world are searching for - consisting of certifications, accreditations and education - and employment learning more about their employing practices, Handoe stated.

"You need to be doing prep work now for what it is you wish to do in the future down the road," he stated.

That preparation work includes getting ready for job fairs.

"You require to go into an employing fair with a plan of what you're going to do and not simply meander around," Handoe stated.

He described that attendees need to identify the business they wish to speak with and research study them ahead of time, to enable for educated discussions with recruiters.

Nolan enjoyed the Jan. 30 job fair and talked to some employers. A senior information innovation professional with the 16th Combat Aviation Unit, she has actually found she desires to serve those who serve in her approaching civilian function.