MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Seventeen Marines and spouses with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point travelled to Charlotte, N.C., to attend the 96th Annual American Legion National Convention, Employment and Empowerment Summit with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at the Westin Charlotte Hotel and Charlotte Convention Center Aug. 26-28.
The event was sponsored by the American Legion as an opportunity for transitioning Marines to network and meet potential employers, while learning tips to enhance their resume and refine their interview skills.
“This summit has helped me figure out how my management and leadership skills in the Marine Corps can help me in the civilian sector,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel Potts, a platoon sergeant with bulk fuels, H&HS.
During the summit, Marines participated in several workshops and corporate panels, which included corporate and federal employment workshops and Boots to Business classes.
“During my 14 years in the Marine Corps I have seen an increase in employment workshops for service members,” said Potts. “These workshops benefit Marines when transitioning because they offer several support programs and allow us to see what job field would best suit us.”
Resume workshops were held for Marines to learn to write resumes and improve interview skills during one-on-one mentoring. More than 100 hiring managers from various corporations with interest in hiring military veterans attended a hiring event and career fair where the service members had the opportunity to explore post-service career options.
“I came out to the hiring fair to keep my options open, see what’s out there and meet people,” said Lance Cpl. Ana Beyler, an aircraft rescue firefighter with H&HS. “I didn’t realize the wide scope of jobs these companies offer.”
The hiring fair was an opportunity for the Marines to get a real look into the companies that are looking to hire veterans.
“One of the biggest points I’ve gained here so far is to keep my options open and never pass a company before seeing what they have to offer,” said Beyler. “It was very eye-opening to see the depth of the companies that you can’t see from the outside. This has really been a fantastic experience.”