Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be both an exciting and challenging endeavor, especially when it comes to finding a new career path. Successfully navigating the job search as a veteran requires careful planning and a strategic approach. Here are some top tips to assist veterans in making a successful transition to civilian careers.

• Leverage Your Unique Skills and Experiences. Military personnel possess valuable qualities such as leadership, discipline, teamwork, and adaptability. It's essential to showcase these attributes on your resume and during interviews. And don’t forget to translate your experience into civilian-friendly language to help employers understand the relevance of your experience in a corporate setting.
• Networking, Networking, Networking. Networking plays a crucial role in the civilian job market. Connect with fellow service members who’ve already transitioned into civilian careers, as they can provide valuable insights and recommendations. Attending job fairs, industry events, and veteran-specific networking groups can help build a professional network and open doors to potential job opportunities. Be sure to explore resources such as Michigan Works!, Veterans' Employment Services, and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
• Stop by Your Local Michigan Works! Service Center. These centers offer personalized career counseling, resume writing support, and access to job listings tailored to veterans. Michigan Works! also provides specialized training programs to enhance employability and the staff at are well-versed in veteran-related benefits. They’ll be able to guide you through the process of accessing programs and provide the support you need for a successful transition to civilian careers.

Find your local Michigan Works! Service Center at MichiganWorks.org or by calling 800-285-WORKS (9675). 

Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) has partnered with a number of construction skilled trades apprenticeship programs to bring you an interactive way to learn about the trades, meet other tradeswomen, and learn more about the WIST Apprenticeship Readiness Program.

When: Saturday, August 5, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Lansing Neighborhood Empowerment Center - 600 W Maple St, Lansing, MI

Learn more at WISTMichigan.org.

July 26, 2023 marked the 33rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This important civil rights law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life – including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.

Michigan Rehabilitation Services is committed to continuing to work with job seekers to ensure their accommodation needs are being met. Learn more about the work they do at Michigan.gov/MRS. 

Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER) Fred Pittman partnered with Veteran Services Specialist Matt Urhammer from Peckham, Inc. in February 2023 to help Peckham fill their job openings with veteran talent.

Shortly afterward, LVER Pittman was receiving regular job updates that he passed along to the rest of the VES staff. So when Veterans' Career Advisor (VCA) Rayetta Wyatt verified that veteran James Shotwell was job ready, she quickly referred him to LVER Pittman. Guided by Pittman, James expressed interest in the Millett Forklift Operator position at Peckham, Inc. and successfully secured the job in Lansing.

Matt's commitment to advocating for veterans was evident throughout the process, and LVER Pittman believed Peckham, Inc. deserved recognition for their support. As a result, LVER Pittman presented a well-deserved Certificate of Appreciation from VES to Matt and Director of Workforce Planning, Alex Modlin, in Lansing. The event was also attended by Lansing-based VCA Deb Bohanon.

VES is proud of this strong partnership is thankful for Peckham, Inc.'s continuous support in hiring and supporting Michigan veterans. The partnership between Peckham and VES promises a brighter future for veterans.

Don't miss your chance to have your PACT Act benefits backdated by one year! Submit your claim or intent to file by Wednesday, August 9 for possible one-year backdated benefits.

The PACT Act expands VA healthcare for veterans exposed to toxic substances. Apply online at va.gov/pact.

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency offers free and confidential assistance. Call 1-800-MICH-VET to get started.

The Military Discount Center highlights the commitment of businesses that support our military through numerous military discounts, deals and freebies for active-duty service members, veterans and their families.

View featured discounts at Military.com/Discounts.

Welcome to the Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) Newsletter. Our mission is to assist you and your family secure meaningful careers in Michigan.

The concept of veterans helping veterans is a trademark of the VES team and one of the keys to its success. Veterans face many challenges when transitioning out of the military – finding meaningful employment should not be one of them.

• Veterans in need of employment assistance should contact the nearest Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Center by calling 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visiting MichiganWorks.org.
• More information about Veterans’ Employment Services is available at Michigan.gov/VES.
• Register today and start your job search at Pure Michigan Talent Connect at MiTalent.org.