MOAA Events Help Military Spouses Keep a Career on the Move

MOAA Events Help Military Spouses Keep a Career on the Move
Amazon rep Gen Harrison-Doss speaks with military spouse Angela Hoffman and her daughter, 10-month-old Cora, during a recent Military Spouse Symposium. (Photo by Amanda Bainton/MOAA)

In partnership with Hiring Our Heroes and with sponsorship from USAA, MOAA’s spouse programs team hit the road this spring to bring overseas military spouses professional development tools through our signature “Keeping a Career on the Move” Military Spouse Symposium.

The goal of this event is to equip military spouses with the resources and tools needed to find and keep a career on the move. The curriculum is tailored to unique issues faced by military spouses, such as gaps in a résumé, networking at a new duty location, and harnessing the power of LinkedIn.

The symposia were especially useful for overseas military spouses who have to deal with the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which makes it difficult to work while stationed outside the continental United States (OCONUS).

“The Military Spouse Symposium that took place in Vicenza was truly a great opportunity for our spouses to hear firsthand testimonials from other military spouses, learn about resources and career options, and receive expert advice,” said Sarah Polanco, Army Community Service employment readiness program manager at U.S. Army Garrison Italy. “We had a great turnout and received positive feedback from the community.”After the symposia, military spouses were able to put to practice what they learned while attending a Hiring Our Heroes’ Networking Reception and Career Fair, where employers such as Amazon, Microsoft, Indeed, and Booz Allen Hamilton were eager to meet new prospects.

Want to attend MOAA’s “Keeping a Career on the Move” Symposium? Check out our upcoming stateside dates and locations:

  • Sept. 24: Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.
  • Oct. 2: Camp Lejeune, N.C.
  • Oct. 31: Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

These symposia are funded by the MOAA Foundation and depend on donations from MOAA members. To support this important program, donate at www.MOAA.org/Foundation.

Not in any of these locations, but still want employment resources? Never fear, MOAA’s Spouse Employment Guide is here! Thanks to continued support from USAA, MOAA has launched a newly updated military spouse employment guide with all the latest tools, federal resources, and worksheets to jumpstart your career.

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About the Author

Eryn Wagnon
Eryn Wagnon

Eryn Wagnon is MOAA's former Director of Government Relations for Military Family Policy and Spouse Programs