Careers and Continuing Education Summer 2018

Fall 2015 Summer 2018

|

EXPLORING A NEW CAREER page 4

MANAGING YOUR CAREER AS A MILITARY SPOUSE page 6

HAMPTON ROADS

RESOURCES FOR VETERANS page 18

YOUR GUIDE

To Employment Opportunities & Higher Education

NOW HIRING

Sign-on recruitment bonus available.

Ships Communication Officer Information Assurance Manager $16,993 Chief Radio Electronics Technician Information Assurance Technician $13,505 First Radio Electronics Technician Information Assurance Technician $12,394 Bonus paid as a single lump sum in first payroll and requires a two-year service commitment.

Bring your Radio Communications, Information Technology, Data Systems, Intel and LAN Administration skills to positions at MSC. You must have Top Secret Clearance eligibility within 24 months to be hired for the above Communications positions.

Federal Employment Benefits Include: Travel, Time Off, Room & Board, Competitive Pay, Career Advancement, Uncommon Job Security, Federal Retirement Plans, Federal Health & Life Insurance At MSC gain job security, take pride in the job you do and continue to serve your country by supporting the U.S. Navy as civil service mariners.

Stop searching, keep serving.

Contact MSC Today to Learn More: info@sealiftcommand.com 866-252-1458 | sealiftcommand.com/comms-jobs

MSC is an equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workplace.

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CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION • SUMMER 2018

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MILITARY

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The contents of this special section are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. government, the DOD, the DoT or the U.S. Coast Guard. Opinions of contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Military Newspapers of Virginia or The Flagship®.

The availability of these newspapers and the appearance of advertising in these publications, including any inserts or supplements, do not constitute endorsement by the federal government, the DOD, the DoT, the U.S. Coast Guard or Military Newspapers of Virginia of products or services advertised. Military Newspapers of Virginia is a private firm in no way connected to the Department of Defense or United States Coast Guard.

04 06 08 10 12

Exploring a new career: start here Managing your career as a military spouse How to use the Military Tuition Assistance Program ODU to discount tuition 28 percent for active-duty military members

14 16 17 18

Bank of America Launches $20 Million Lending Program for U.S. Military Veteran Entrepreneurs New money for program to help veterans become teachers Special benefits for Virginia, Hampton Roads residents 3 Lessons the right internship can teach college students

Going Back to school as a mlitary spouse

Advanced Technology Institute IN-DEMAND

WELDING PROGRAMS

GET THE HANDS-ON TRAINING AND EDUCATION FOR THE CAREER YOU WANT TODAY! FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT AUTO.EDU/TRADES OR CALL 855.712.6888 *Certified to Operate by SHEV. For important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attend this program, go to auto.edu/fastfacts

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CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION • SUMMER 2018

From Military OneSource

It’s time to explore a new career, but what do you do first? Matching your interests, skills and goals while pursuing an occupation compatible with your mobile military life is easier than you think. Here are a few steps that will help you research and define your career path.

Do Your Homework First, do your homework. The Department of Defense and the military service branches offer a full range of programs that can be accessed online, by phone or in person.

The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, or SECO, Program SECO offers military spouses comprehensive education and career support, including career coaches who can help with: • Career exploration — identifying your skills, interests and aptitudes, and selecting an interesting and rewarding career.

• Education, training and licensure — acquiring the right education, technical training, license or credential for your career goals.

• Employment readiness — resources that can help you brush up on current trends, write a resume, network and hone your interviewing skills.

• Career connections — opening the door to opportunities and connections through Military Spouse Employment Partnership, USAJOBS.gov, CareerOneStop and more.

You can contact a SECO career coach online or by telephone: 800-342-9647. You can also locate your Employment Assistance Program office through your installation’s Military and Family Support Center.

Spouse Ambassador Network The Spouse Ambassador Network helps military spouses reach their career goals by providing: • Mentorship • Entrepreneurial support • Advocacy Identify Fastest-growing Careers If you are about to enter or re-enter the workforce, you may want to look for a career that will be adding new jobs over the next several years. You can find information about the fastest-growing careers — like those in health care and social assistance (personal care aides, physical therapists and registered nurses) and business services, like convention and event planning — the median pay, and education and training requirements from the following sources: • Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook • CareerOneStop Consider Federal Service Employment As a military spouse, federal civil service employment may be more accessible than you think. Understand-

CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION • SUMMER 2018

5

ing the benefits and rules of the complex federal civil service hiring system can help you decide if federal employment is right for you and which jobs to pursue.

Try Volunteering Sometimes volunteering at an organization is a perfect step into the working world. With a little foresight and thought, you can plan your volunteer activities in a way that can help you find a paying job when the time’s right. Volunteering allows you to learn new skills and build on existing ones, get valuable experience in different fields, network with potential employers or references, get access to formal training and attend conferences.

Begin this exciting new chapter of your life with the right information. The job opportunities are out there if you explore your options and use your resources.

Articles from Military OneSource Copyright Status and Citation Information generated by Military OneSource is in the public domain and may be reproduced, published, or otherwise used without the Department’s permission unless otherwise noted. Citing Military OneSource as the source of the information is appreciated as appropriate. With respect to materials generated by entities outside of Military OneSource, permission to copy these materials, if necessary, must be obtained from the original source. For information on materials generated by external entities with Department of Defense funding, please refer to individual component policies. This copyright notice only pertains to content on the public side of the Military OneSource website (before the login). Content behind the login is subject to copyright protection.

NUCOR STEEL IS HIRING ENTRY LEVEL PRODUCTION

FEATURED JOB ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER -EXTERNAL

Nucor Steel Hertford County, NC, Inc., a division of the nation’s largest steel and steel products manufacturer, and largest recycler is seeking to assemble a hiring pool of qualified applicants to fill multiple Production Team Member positions.

BASIC FUNCTIONS: The environmental engineer will have responsibilities including compliance, engineering, auditing, training, reporting, monitoring, project management, data collection and review, permitting, assisting with the environmental management system, and other duties as required.

We are looking for good candidates who are willing to work both day and night rotating 12 hour shifts.

What you can expect with a career at Nucor: • New team members can earn up to $55k with an average division salary of approximately $85k • Benefits Including 401k, Profit Sharing, Health and Life Insurance and Much More • Stability with a company that has been around since 1969 with no layoffs • Growth and Promotional Opportunities Individuals who would like to learn more about opportunities at Nucor Steel Hertford County located in Cofield, NC should visit www.nucor.com/careers/.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: • 4 year engineering or environmental related degree • Industrial experience • Solid understanding of air pollution control equipment • Solid understanding of water and wastewater systems • Demonstrated understanding of environmental laws and regulations • Proficient with Microsoft Office PREFERENCES: • Knowledge of radiation detection equipment and/or radiation safety officer • EMS, ISO, 14001 and auditing experience • Industrial, consulting or regulatory experience in environmental engineering, environmental compliance, or environmental management or some combination thereof.

APPLY AT WWW.NUCOR.COM/CAREERS/

Nucor is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action -M/F/Vets/Disabled and a drug-free workplace.

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CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION • SUMMER 2018

From Military OneSource

As a military spouse, a successful transition may include finding meaningful work at your new duty station. By tapping into your network of support and accessing a variety of programs and resources, you can continue to advance your career while building a new nest.

CO Resume Builder helps you create a resume customized for the position you are seeking. You’ll also want to prepare a list of references who can speak to your accomplishments and skills.

Here are seven strategies to help manage your career during a PCS.

3. Take advantage of the Military Spouse Preference Program As a military spouse who is relocating, you get preference when you apply for a Department of Defense civilian job thanks to the Military Spouse Preference program. You can apply for spouse preference for Appropriated Fund and Non-Appropriated Fund federal jobs as early as 30 days before your spouse’s reporting date. Appropriated Fund vacancies are filled on military installations. Spouse preference is available for these positions at pay grades up to GS-15. Regulations are different for spouse preference outside the United States.

1. Maximize your resources to help land military spouse employment Take advantage of all the tools and services available to you to advance your career through location-based, telework or other flexible arrangements. They will empower you with the information and connections you need to continue your career wherever you land.

• The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, or SECO, program provides education and career guidance to military spouses worldwide, offering comprehensive resources and tools related to career development, education guidance and employment opportunities. The MySECO website can help you whether you are new to the workforce, advancing your education or established and looking to grow in your career. Check out the My Individual Career Plan, the SECO Scholarship Finder, specialized career coaching packages and self-assessments to help you discover your education or professional strengths.

•The Military Spouse Employment Partnership, or MSEP, connects military spouses with hundreds of partner employers who have committed to recruit, hire, promote and retain military spouses in portable careers.

Use the MSEP Job Search to find thousands of job postings in your current or new location, including Hot Jobs, positions that need to be filled immediately.

• Installation spouse employment readiness specialists, accessed through the Military and Family Support Center on your installation or through your service branch, offer hands-on assistance with everything from resume writing and preparing for interviews to resources for portable careers. Most employment installation readiness programs offer workshops, host hiring fairs and partner with local community-based agencies to help spouses and family members find employment.

2. Update your resume and prepare a list of references Designed specifically for military spouses, the MySE-

4. Connect with a SECO career coach Consider connecting with a SECO career coach as you prepare for a move or after you’ve landed at your new location. Career coaches assist military spouses by providing useful resources for managing a career during a PCS, including help with finding education opportunities that fit mobile life, maximizing job search efforts,

CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION • SUMMER 2018

building your network and exploring portable career options.

5. Transfer licenses and credentials If you’re in a job that requires a license or credential, either by state or a national accreditation, you’ll need to transfer your license or credential. Go to the Military OneSource Spouse Licensure Map to find out which states require which types of licenses or credentials and what office you need to contact to transfer them. The state licensing and career credentials initiative is designed to make it easier to transition your credentials to a new state.

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transferable skills that make any job portable.

Temporary work can be great for earning some extra savings, gaining experience in your field and exploring different career opportunities. MSEP partner staffing agencies hire military spouses for a variety of jobs, from entry-level to positions requiring a license or advanced degree.

Military spouses are adaptable, resilient and flexible. Employers want to hire you no matter where you land. Use these resources to seize the adventure of your PCS while advancing your career.

6. Build your network to find opportunities and support your peers Networking for managing a career during a PCS. Here are a few places to begin: • Join the MSEP Spouse Group on LinkedIn to connect with hiring managers and human resources professionals from the organizations in the partnership, as well as other military spouses.

• Check out the Spouse Ambassador Network, a group of MSEP organizations that promotes military spouses in communities where they live.

• Connect with a mentor through mentoring organizations, like the Military Spouse eMentor Program, to find an experienced professional who can offer you guidance and help establish connections.

7. Explore portable career and temporary work Portable careers can be ideal for the military spouse life. Explore different portable career paths, learn about opportunities to take your job with you, read tips on telecommuting, and use the MSEP Job Search to find telework positions. Develop

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CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION • SUMMER 2018

From Military

OneSource

If you’ve thought about going to college, but didn’t know if you could afford it, then the Military Tuition Assistance program may be just the benefit you need. The program is available to active duty, National Guard and Reserve Component service members. While the decision to pursue a degree may be a difficult one personally, TA can lessen your financial concerns considerably, since it now pays up to 100 percent of tuition expenses for semester hours costing $250 or less.

Courses and degree programs may be academic or technical and can be taken from two- or four-year institutions on-installation, off-installation or by distance learning. An accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education must accredit the institution. Your service branch pays your tuition directly to the school.

Service members need to first check with an education counselor for the specifics involving TA by visiting their local installation education office or by going online to a virtual education center.

Tuition assistance may be used for the following programs: • Vocational/technical programs • Undergraduate programs • Graduate programs • Independent study • Distance-learning programs Eligibility All four service branches and the U.S. Coast Guard offer financial assistance for voluntary, off-duty education programs in support of service members’ personal and professional goals. The program is open to officers, warrant officers and enlisted active duty service personnel. In addition, members of the National Guard and Reserve Components may be eligible for TA based on their service eligibility. To be eligible for TA, an enlisted service member must have enough time remaining in service

to complete the course for which he or she has applied. After the completion of a course, an officer using TA must fulfill a service obligation that runs parallel with not in addition to—any existing service obligation.

Coverage amounts and monetary limits The Tuition Assistance Program will fund up to 100 percent of your college tuition and certain fees with the following limits: • Not to exceed $250 per semester credit hour, or $166 per quarter credit hour • Not to exceed $4,500 per fiscal year, October 1 through September 30 Tuition assistance versus the Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits While the TA program is offered by the services, the Department of Veterans Affairs administers a variety of education benefit programs. Some of the VA programs, such as the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008, also known as the Post9/11 GI Bill®, can work well with the TA program, as it can supplement fees not covered by TA. In addition, the Post-9/11 GI Bill® funds are available to you for up to 15 years after you leave the military.

Tuition assistance benefits and restrictions Tuition assistance will cover the following expenses: • Tuition • Course-specific fees such as laboratory fee or online course fee NOTE: All fees must directly relate to the specific course enrollment of the service member.

Tuition assistance will not cover the following expenses: • Books and course materials • Flight training fees • Taking the same course twice

CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION • SUMMER 2018

• Continuing education units, or CEUs Keep in mind that TA will not fund your college courses, and you will have to reimburse any funds already paid if any of the following situations occur: • Leaving the service before the course ends • Quitting the course for reasons other than personal illness, military transfer or mission requirements • Failing the course Application process Each military branch has its own TA application form and procedures. To find out how to get started, visit your local installation education center, go online to a virtual education center or click on the following links for each service branch: • Army • Marine Corps • Navy • Air Force Prior to your course enrollment, you may be required to develop an education plan or complete TA orientation. Be sure to keep the following important information in mind when you apply: • Military tuition assistance may only be used to pursue degree programs at colleges and universities in the United States that are regionally or nationally accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A quick way to check the accreditation of a school is by visiting the Department of Education.

• Your service’s education center must approve your military tuition assistance before you enroll in a course.

9

Top-up program The Top-up program allows funds from the Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty or the Post-9/11 GI Bill - to be used for tuition and fees for high-cost courses that are not fully covered by TA funds.

• Eligibility. To use Top-up, your service branch must approve you for TA. You also must be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® or the Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty.

• Application. First, apply for TA in accordance with procedures of your service branch. After you have applied for TA, you will need to complete VA Form 22-1990 to apply for Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits. The form is available online from the VA. Make sure you specify “Top-up” on the application and mail it one of the education processing offices listed on the form.

Other supplemental funding possibilities Aside from using the MGIB-AD or Post-9/11 GI Bill for items such as tuition and fees not covered by TA, there are other funding opportunities available to service members including the following: • Federal and state financial aid. The federal government provides $150 billion per year in grants, work-study programs and federal loans to college students. The aid comes in several forms, including need-based programs such as Pell grants, subsidized Stafford Loans, Supplemental Educational Opportunity grants and federal work/ study programs. You can also get low-interest loans through the federal government.

Visit Federal Student Aid to find out more or complete an online application for FAFSA at no cost to you.

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CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION • SUMMER 2018

Old Dominion University is slashing its undergraduate tuition for active-duty military members starting this fall. The special rate – a 28 percent discount – makes each credit hour $250.

That’s about $100 below the regular rate.

By Robin Sidersky The Virgnian-Pilot

About a quarter of ODU’s student body is military.

“It provides a great opportunity for the active duty member to pursue an education or complete an education they may have started,” said Jane Dané, associate vice president for enrollment management.

The tuition discount applies to online and in-person courses. That allows students to continue their education even if they move. There’s no time restriction, so they can take courses at their convenience.

“It allows the opportunity for a person who is deployed or relocated to continue their education in a seamless manner,” Dané said.

ODU wants to work with the military because these students bring expertise to the classroom, and because having military students fits in with the school’s diverse learning environment, Dané said.

CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION • SUMMER 2018

Hampton Roads resources for military members and families EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING FOR VETERANS (From www.careeronestop.org) Opportunity, Inc. One Stop Workforce Center 861 Glenrock Road Circle East, Building Ste. 100 Norfolk, VA 23502 | 757-461-7537 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Peninsula Worklink 600 Butler Farm Road, Suite C, Hampton, VA 23666-1513 757-766-4900 | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.; 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Wed. Virginia Employment Commission—Norfolk—Virginia Beach 5145 East Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502 757-455-3960, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.; 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Wed. Virginia Employment Commission – Portsmouth 4824 George Washington Highway, Portsmouth, VA 23702 757-558-4455 | 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.; 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Wed.

VETERANS BENEFITS (FROM VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICES) Virginia Beach Benefits Office Pembroke Office Park, 287 Independence Blvd.

Pembroke Two, Suite 130, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-552-1884 | 757-552-1885 | 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday–Friday Portsmouth Benefits Office 620 John Paul Circle, Building 3, 7th Floor, Portsmouth, VA 23708 757-953-6205 | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.–noon, Friday Norfolk Benefits Office 6350 Center Drive, Building 5, Suite 100, Norfolk, VA 23502 757-455-0814, 8–11 a.m., Monday–Friday for walk-ins 1–3 p.m., Monday-Friday for appointments Chesapeake Benefits Office Tidewater Community College campus 1428 Cedar Road, Room 158, Chesapeake, VA 23322 757-822-5298 | 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday Hampton Benefits Office 2101 Executive Drive, Suite 420, Tower Box 48 Hampton, VA 23666 | 757-825-7893 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday-Friday Virginia Veteran and Family Support Program Region V - Greater Hampton Roads, contact Carol Berg 757-224-5208 ext. 2207 | carol.berg@heliumtest.org

Meet Your Future Employer on October 17

At Sentara, we view each day as another opportunity to be better.

To provide patient care that is unmatched, every time. And, to improve the level of satisfaction our careers deliver. Our goal is to make you feel more excited to be here every day.

Sentara is 28,000 strong with a unified objective: Creating an environment of health and healing for our patients with our high standards of care and patient safety.

Meet dozens of great military-friendly employers - Fortune 500 firms, small businesses, nonprofits, government agencies - including Lockheed Mar n, Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, Caterpillar dealers, Edward Jones, the U.S. Postal Service, and many more. Please visit our website to see who else has pre-registered! Open to all ranks (Enlisted/NCO/Officer); all services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard); Ac ve Duty, Na onal Guard, and Reserve; military spouses; civilians. Free admission to ALL job seekers.

Military-Friendly Job Fair Virginia Beach Conven on Center 9 am un l 12 noon

Pre-register to receive an employer directory before the job fair, and upload your resume so that employers can have early access to it.

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www.CorporateGray.com

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CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION • SUMMER 2018

From Military OneSource

You’ve made the rewarding choice to go back to school. By pursuing your education goals, you can expand your job opportunities and boost your earning power. But where should you start? And what mil-

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

LENGTH

OVERVIEW

Certificate programs

Weeks, months or years

Typically focus on specific skills and are offered by community colleges or technical schools

Associate degree

2 years

Offered by community colleges, an associate degree focuses on entry-level specialization within a field

Bachelor’s degree

4 years

Four-year colleges or universities award a bachelor’s degree in the arts or sciences

Advanced degree

2-4 years

Degrees beyond the bachelor’s degree can include master’s, specialist, professional and doctoral degrees

itary spouse scholarships are out there to help?

Start with Spouse Education and Career Opportunities — SECO The SECO program can provide you with the resources you need to get back in the education game.

• The MySECO website, built exclusively for military spouses, ensures you have 24/7 online access to information for a successful return to school.

• Visit the MySECO Education, Training and Licensing section to identify your education path, plan for your education and compare colleges.

• You can also connect with a Career Coach who can help you decide on an education path and how to pay for it.

Choosing the right education and training Got a career in mind? The career you choose will determine the type of program you’ll need. Take a look at the differences between each program and decide what’s best for you.

CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION • SUMMER 2018

Options for a mobile military life Don’t let a move stop you from going back to school. Consider online education or satellite campuses. You can discover and compare schools based on location, learning format, the ability to transfer credits and more with the College Scorecard on MySECO. Scholarships for military spouses Wondering how much is this going to cost you? Fortunately, there’s help out there.

• Check mySECO for financial assistance resources and career development opportunities offered specifically to military spouses and family members.

• The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship program provides up to $4,000 of assistance to eligible military spouses pursuing a license, certification or associate degree in a portable career field and occupation.

• Military spouses can sometimes take advantage of their spouse’s GI Bill® benefits. See our VETERANS BENEFITS section for more.

• In order to be considered for financial aid by the U.S. Department of Education, you’ll need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Register today on MySECO and begin your journey to learn, advance and succeed.

Take Command of Your Future Above and beyond. It’s how you’ve served our nation as a defender of freedom.

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CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION • SUMMER 2018

Bank of America Launches $20 Million Lending Program for U.S. Military Veteran Entrepreneurs Program will increase access to affordable loans for veteran-owned businesses From Bank Of America Bank of America recently announced a $20 million Veteran Entrepreneur Lending Program to connect U.S. military veteran business owners with affordable capital to help kick-start and grow their businesses.

“Helping our veterans translate their skills and become entrepreneurs driving the U.S. economy is one of the ways Bank of America is thanking them for their service,” said Chief Executive Officer Brian Moynihan.

Loans will be administered through participating community development financial institutions (CDFIs), nonprofit institutions with expertise in lending to small businesses and an understanding of local circumstances, including economic development and job creation

opportunities. In addition to deploying capital, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation is providing $1.3 million in grants over two years to help CDFIs manage operating costs.

Each year, more than 200,000 U.S. service members return to civilian life, including 10 percent with a desire to own a business, creating a pipeline of potential borrowers. Additionally, there are more than 2.5 million businesses in the U.S. that are majority-owned by veterans. Of those, more than 440,000 veteran-owned businesses have employees1, which helps drive economic growth and job creation in local communities. The lending program will kick off in seven U.S. states with the following CDFIs administering the loans and offering an interest rate reduction on loans for qualifying borrowers:

Carolina Small Business Development Fund North and South Carolina.

Colorado Enterprise Fund Colorado.

Excelsior Growth Fund (an affiliate of New York Business Development Corporation) – New York.

Main Street Launch California.

PeopleFund Texas and Oklahoma.

CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION • SUMMER 2018

Prior to receiving a loan, borrowers will participate in a two-month training program led by learning partners – IVMF at Syracuse University, Veterans Entrepreneurship Program at Oklahoma State University, and VETToCEO by Veterans for Veterans – offering technical assistance and other resources to help borrowers stay on a path of success and grow their businesses.

Entrepreneur Marc Smith, an Army veteran and owner of Patriotic Pig BBQ in Texas, illustrates the impact of this program.

Smith and his wife Gina own and operate a BBQ catering company located in Dallas, with a mission to source local food and give back to the veteran community. The Smiths used working capital to buy a large military-themed smoker, which enables them to serve four times as many customers – about 1,000 customers each weekend.

With the help of 10 employees, the Smiths’ catering business accommodates up to five barn- and rustic-style weddings per day, with plans to grow in the future.

WELCOME

WEBSITE dedicated to military families!

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“We started the business in 2016 and to see it continually grow since then has been incredibly rewarding,” said Smith. “Being able to get a loan was a game-changer and an important factor in our ability to grow our business. We’re thankful and plan to pay it forward by using the smoker on Veterans Day and feeding local veterans.”

Bank of America will host a thought leadership event, “Empowering Small Businesses to Drive Economic Growth,” on Capitol Hill, including a discussion about the role of small business in the U.S. economy and the opportunities and challenges small business owners and veteran entrepreneurs face in a time of rapid change. Featured speakers include Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan, SBA Associate Administrator Bill Manger, and Bank of America Head of Small Business Sharon Miller.

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There’s an abundance of information at your fingertips!

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Looking for fun, military friendly events for the whole family? Check out our events and calendar pages for all the military happenings.

★ MILITARY NEWS & BLOGS Find information for military families by military families. Our slate of bloggers are all connected to the military and want to help you make the most of your time in Hampton Roads.

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CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION • SUMMER 2018

By Mike Doyle The College of William & Mary received a $2 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Defense earlier this year, designed to help veterans become teachers.

The grant will go to the “Troops to Teachers Virginia Center” at William & Mary, in Williamsburg, which was established in 2017 as a pilot program.

Veterans can receive counseling and transition planning as they pursue a career as a teacher. Veterans also benefit from connections to human resource offices in school districts across the state to help facilitate employment.

For more information on the Troops To Teachers program, visit www.proudtoserveagain.com

CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION • SUMMER 2018

Special benefits For Virginia, Hampton Roads residents

Whether you’re interested in going back to school or finding a job, you’re in the right place. Virginia and the Hampton Roads area offer extra benefits and assistance beyond what is available nationwide.

Extra help may be available to active-duty, retired and discharged military members and their families, and in at least one instance, to civilians who work for the military, as well. Make sure to check information listed for veterans on websites and mention your veteran or family member status when talking to representatives.

Resources are listed throughout this Careers and Continuing Education special section and additional governmental information at these links listed at right.

NATIONAL RESOURCES www.fedshirevets.gov www.va.gov fafsa.ed.gov www.ed.gov www.bls.gov/ooh dol.gov/VETS VIRGINIA RESOURCES www.dvs.virginia.gov www.vec.virginia.gov www.vawc.virginia.gov www.schev.edu

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18

CAREERS & CONTINUING EDUCATION • SUMMER 2018

From College Works Sometimes what you learn outside the classroom in college can be more important than what you learn inside the classroom.

In the summer of 2004, Ryan Coon decided to intern at College Works Painting, a company that hires high-achieving university students and trains them on the basics of managing a business from start to finish. Each selected intern oversees the marketing, sales, production management and customer relations of a house-painting business. Coon took on the internship as a freshman at University of Illinois.

The experience changed his life.

“I managed a territory in the suburbs of Chicago for College Works Painting,” Coon says. “I learned a lot that summer and it helped me in some ways I didn’t even realize until years later.”

Coon says he learned three important lessons.

• Focus is important. “There are a lot of distractions,” he says, “so when you own a business you need to ignore the distractions, remove the stress and get it done.”

• Persistence pays off. “It takes a lot of nights to be an overnight success,” Coon says. “Everybody said Uber was an overnight success but it didn’t make it big until it was in business for 10 years.”

• Select a good team. “You have to be able to trust your team,” Coon says.

“Having a great team is very important.”

Today, Coon is co-founder and CEO of a company called Avail, an online property management platform for small, independent landlords. In February 2011, he left a career in investment banking to pursue his entrepreneural dream. Coon says his experience at College Works helped prepare him to take that leap of faith.

More than 50,000 students apply to intern at College Works Painting annually just like Coon did, yet only 2,000 interns are hired.

Matt Stewart, entrepreneur and co-CEO of College Works, says over 90 percent of their alumni find college-graduate-level jobs within three months of obtaining their degree.

“It’s an incredibly difficult challenge, managing your own business – and that’s what our interns are doing,” Stewart says. “Participating students emerge from the experience with a robust skills set and a competitive edge that sets them apart in a widening field of job applicants after graduation.

We’re building a stronger workforce, better prepared to create a stronger economy.’’

Young people won’t gain these necessary skills from an easy internship, he says. These days, the company name on your resume holds little to no weight. It’s not who you interned for, but what you did during your internship that matters, Stewart says.

Coon says the skills learned in the right internship are critical to success later in life.

“It gave me a good foundation in business principles that I am still using today.”

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