Chris Holman welcomes back Carrie Carrie Rosingana, CEO, CAMW! Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties.
Watch Carrie and Chris inspired by Veterans Day, Carrie discusses the benefits of hiring veterans and resources employers utilize to connect with veterans... all in the YouTube video shared below:
In their conversation Chris looked to find out several things from Carrie:
Question: Historically, veterans have struggled to find employment due to a variety of factors, what are some of those barriers?
Answer: Upon returning from their service to our country, veterans face the challenge of navigating a new chapter in life, encompassing reintegration into civilian society and establishing meaningful employment. According to Nevada Governor's Office of Workforce Innovation, some barriers include:
● Lack of support.
○ Personal challenges to employment may involve disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorders, lack of interest in returning to work and medical or other appointments.
● Unfamiliar work culture.
○ An unfamiliar work culture may lead to feelings of uncertainty, making some veteran’s hesitant about engaging in the employment process.
● Role of employers.
○ Veterans often face a stigma when transitioning to, and remaining in, the civilian workforce. Business owners must be informed on the challenges that veterans face during this transition.
Question: I understand that CAMW! offers employment opportunities for veterans, can you please explain some of the services provided?
Answer: Located within our Michigan Works! American Job Centers, we have Veterans Career Advisors (VCA) that provide intensive and individualized employment services to eligible veterans and their spouses with significant barriers to employment.
● The VCA provides intensive one-on-one services including:
○ Resume development.
○ Interviewing skills.
○ Housing assistance.
○ Transportation assistance.
○ Additional education.
○ Training opportunities.
○ Networking.
○ Direct referral to other service providers.
● More information on Veteran Employment Services can be found at https://www.camw.org/career-seekers/veteran-employment-services.
● Carrie, please add any additional information.
Question: As an employer, what are some of the benefits of hiring veterans? Answer: There are lots of benefits. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “Military personnel are often cross-trained in multiple skills and have experience in varied tasks and responsibilities. Many Veterans have learned what it means to put in a hard day's work.”
● Veterans bring several unique skills and strengths to the workplace. This includes:
○ Working well in a team. Teamwork is considered an essential part of daily life and is the foundation on which safe military operations are built.
○ Having a sense of duty. Responsibility for job performance and accountability for completing missions are something to take pride in.
○ Experiencing self-confidence. Holding a realistic estimation of self and ability based on experiences is expected of each Service Member.
● Carrie, please add any additional information.
Question: Where can Veterans go to learn about employment opportunities in Michigan and more specifically the Lansing area?
Answer: We recommend INVESTVets, a community-based organization that connects employers with veteran and military talent by offering activities that reduce the high expectations and stress that are common with traditional job fairs. ● We encourage Veterans to visit their website for more information: http://investvets.org/
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