*Written by Sidney Hubner, CPRW, Serving Spouses Transition Specialist

Actively searching for a new career opportunity can be an exciting and energizing experience. While working on your resume and networking are critical, growing your professional skills can also ensure you stand out as a top candidate.

Navigating a career transition is both a personal and individual journey. Maybe you have been holding down the homefront while managing the active-duty lifestyle for the last 10 years, or you are ready for a brand new career in a completely different industry.

Whatever your story is, actively pursuing knowledge toward your dream role is an impactful way to show employers you are serious about your career ambitions. Your options for professional development can feel overwhelming and endless.

Here are some questions to consider when searching:

• Is an online course right for your professional development goals?
• What certification program could enhance your transferable skills?
• Would a new degree pathway strengthen your ability to be a stronger candidate for your dream position?

Don’t underestimate professional potential!

Ultimately, you should evaluate the potential career shift and the qualifications required for the roles you are exploring. For example, perhaps you have a background in administrative assistance, a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, and want to pursue a career in Human Resources (HR). Completing an HR certification could have a greater return on investment for you than immediately pursuing a Master’s degree in the field.

What if you’re not looking to change careers and you already have the qualifications required in your field? Continuing to pursue professional development depicts a proactive and willing approach to growth. Maybe you learn a new language, study a software program, or join a professional organization. Being a lifelong learner enhances your ability to be a strong candidate for the roles you choose to pursue.

Pro Tip: You can include current pursuits on your resume!

• List education or certifications you are actively working to obtain, but be honest when including them on a resume. Include programs you are enrolled in or certifications you are completing.
• List them within the education section of your resume. Include verbiage that shows your endeavors are ongoing and provide an anticipated completion date when possible.
• Review one of our previous AWN posts on resume building.

Professional Resources for Milspouses

As a military spouse, you have access to many free resources to expand your knowledge and professional skills. Hire Heroes USA offers free, personalized, one-on-one career services as well as access to training partners who offer discounted services and resources to military spouses. To learn more about these opportunities, sign up for free services at hireheroesusa.org.

Sidney is a Transition Specialist with the Serving Spouses Team at Hire Heroes USA where she has supported more than 800 military spouses and veterans in finding meaningful employment… so far. She is a military spouse herself, married to a USMC veteran, and has personal experience navigating the balance between career, family, and military life. She has a diverse professional background across the social work field including child welfare, domestic violence survivor support, and homeless employment empowerment. Since joining Hire Heroes USA in 2018, Sidney has engaged with clients individually as their personal Transition Specialist and in groups by facilitating 8+ Virtual Workshops. While she has always helped with behind-the-scenes projects, her passion is social advocacy through building unique relationships with clients to ensure they have all the tools and support to achieve their career goals.