FORT NOVOSEL, Ala. -- Effective networking is a tried-and-true way to improve one’s chances of finding employment, and Fort Novosel military spouses are welcome to plug into the newly created Military Spouse Career Networking Club available through Army Community Service.
Approximately 80% of jobs are found through networking, and for military spouses networking can also provide inspiration and support, according to Sarah Pakizer, ACS specialist who runs the employment readiness program on post and also creator of the club.
“While military spouses face a number of unique challenges in their careers, many times another spouse has already navigated those same obstacles and can help,” she said, adding that the club provides spouses with opportunities to connect in order to enhance their careers.
While the club is open to all, the focus is on military spouses. “The goal is for spouses to build a network that spans their duty stations,” Pakizer said. “What if you had 10 other people locally who were keeping their eyes open for job postings that you would like? Wouldn’t it be great if you knew someone at your next duty station who knew of your professional skills, abilities and interests?”
Inspiration for the group came when Pakizer realized how often she found great job postings for a previous client when she was helping a new client, she said.
She also started to see clients who could really benefit from knowing each other. Perhaps the two engineers could help each other, or the clients who were considering nursing would benefit from talking to a nurse, or perhaps the client who just arrived from Fort Riley (Kansas) could help the client who was moving there.
The networking club allows spouses to work on their career, regardless of their employment status at Fort Novosel. For spouses looking for a job, the club offers an opportunity to meet others, and learn successful job search techniques above and beyond what they get from meeting one-on-one with Pakizer.
People who are employed or who are not looking for a job while at Novosel can also build relationships and obtain knowledge to assist them in the future, the ACS specialist said. In one of the recent club meetings, a spouse spoke about how she used LinkedIn to find a hybrid job at her next duty station. Her story was not only helpful, but also inspirational.
“Networking is a great way to get technical know-how, as well as encouragement to keep working at your career,” Pakizer said.
During club meetings, a speaker presents for 10 minutes on a career-related topic, announcements are shared and the remainder of the time is spent networking with others. In May, the guest speaker will be Danielle Maloy, who will discuss remote opportunities at National University. In June, the speaker will be Wendy Blair, who will be talking about the career opportunities at Southeast Health.
“With a 420-bed hospital and 3,000 employees, we are looking for all types of skillsets, and not just clinical ones. We also have volunteer opportunities for spouses to get involved in,” Blair said, adding that she is grateful for her relationship with Fort Novosel. “Having per diem, part-time and full-time positions, we offer flexibility to military spouses. We also have a daycare onsite for our employees and that helps our military spouses by adding convenience.”
Donna Hallock will visit with the club in August and speak to spouses about how employment at H&R Block works, and how to enroll in their tax training program.
Military spouses attending the club speak highly about the meetings, including Janeczka Rodriguez.
“Listening to other military spouses and their application process, and learning their techniques is a plus – also the chance to meet new people,” she said.
Samantha Tejada enjoyed the networking club because “we got to practice our communication and network skills with other spouses that are going through a similar situation like me. It also helped me put my name out there in case of possible job openings.”
Listening to other military spouses talk about their achievements gives them a sense of hope, Pakizer said. “They can see that there are jobs and opportunities out there, even if it’s taking longer than they expected for it to happen for them.”
Military Spouse Career Networking Club meetings take place the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at 8946 Seventh Ave. on post. The club will not meet in July because of the federal holiday. For more information about the club, or assistance available through employment readiness, call 334-244-2887.
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