JB-MDL hosts job, education fair

Photo By Sgt. Amber Bohlman | Grace L. Reese, campus director for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, shows an interested applicant the different majors the university has to offer. Embry-Riddle has a location on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Amber Bohlman/RELEASED)  

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ, UNITED STATES

10.07.2014

Story by Spc. Amber Bohlman 

123rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - The first combined job and education expo was held at Tommy B’s Community Center here Oct. 7. The expo gave service members nearing the end of their active service in the military a chance to discover what could lie in their path toward a successful civilian career.

“This is a good way for people that are getting out of the service that aren’t sure whether they want to go back to work or back to school,” said Timothy Simmons, Community Readiness consultant for the 87th Force Support Squadron here and event coordinator.

Approximately 42 employers and 23 colleges, universities and trade schools filled the community center, while service members and their dependents sought possible career options after military service.

“A majority of all of these employers and schools are very veteran friendly, they want to hire and educate veterans,” Simmons said. “They know that military people have dedication and discipline.”

Simmons said a large number of service members go and work for civilian companies that have a military twist to them.

There was a selection of employers from various law enforcement agencies in the area; one of the more popular tables at the job fair was hosted by the New York City Police Department.

“I try to find career fairs near military installations so that service members can benefit from the opportunities that the NYPD has to offer,” said Sgt. Lynda Chervoni, NYPD Recruiter and prior service Marine. “Many people don’t know that it could take up to a year and half to get a call back after applicants take the initial exam.

“That’s why I recommend to service members to start the process a year before their Expiration Term of Service date.”

In the center of the room, representatives from the various schools in attendance answered questions about the enrollment process, and how to utilize their military benefits.

Grace L. Reese, the campus director for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, said that one of her most commonly asked questions from service members is about the GI Bill and how to use it.

The next Job Fair and Education Expo is scheduled for May 7, 2015, at the same location. For more information contact the Military and Family Support at [phone] or the Education and Training Center at [phone].

• Date Taken: 10.07.2014
• Date Posted: 10.08.2014 20:53
• Story ID: 144675
• Location: JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NJ, US