FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (Nov. 1, 2012) -- With Fort Meade being the largest employer in the state with more than 56,000 employees on post, about 450 people filled the auditorium of Arundel High School on Oct. 25 to learn what the installation's agencies are looking for in new employees.
The Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation and Howard County Office of Workforce Development sponsored the 90-minute employment town hall to detail employment opportunities on the installation.
Representatives from the National Security Agency, Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center, Civilian Personnel Advisory Center, Chugach Federal Solutions and Clearedjobs.net attended the meeting.
Agencies that were relocated to Fort Meade through the Base Realignment and Closure, including the Defense Information Systems Agency and Defense Media Activity, also sent representatives to the town hall.
"Tonight we're here to talk about BRAC and beyond," said Kirkland Murray, president of AAWDC. "Now that BRAC is over, we want to make sure that we talk about the job opportunities that are coming to Fort Meade itself and the surrounding areas."
Kirkland said that prior to last week's event, more than 13,000 employment opportunities were available in Anne Arundel County alone.
"As this economy gets a little bit better, there are definitely job opportunities out there," he said.
Tim O'Ferrall, general manager of the Fort Meade Alliance, moderated the event. During his opening remarks, O'Ferrall said he hoped the evening would help combat some of the frustrations in finding employment.
"Tonight we're going to spend some time with you and help educate you and help you learn more about what Fort Meade -- the region not just inside the post but outside -- has to offer," he said.
Garrison Commander Col. Edward C. Rothstein served as the guest speaker. In his brief remarks, Rothstein said that while he is not in the position to hire employees, it is his job to provide an "appropriate work environment" for the 95 tenant organizations on post.
"There is absolutely growth in this region, there is growth on Fort Meade," he said. "I hope you take advantage and learn what you can from the partners on the installation and off the installation."
Representatives from the Fort Meade-based agencies spent about 40 minutes discussing the missions of each organization, what they look for in employees and possible employment opportunities. They also discussed topics such as the proper way to submit resumes for federal jobs, where to find job opportunities and the skills that organizations are seeking.
The meeting was opened up for questions about the hiring process and concerns over security clearances.
Eric Dow, who served in the Air Force for two years and now plans on pursuing a degree in computer information sciences, attended the town hall for information about jobs in the area.
The town hall, he said, cleared up many of the questions and struggles that he has encountered in his search.
"It's hard to look online," Dow said. "[But] when somebody tells you what to do and where to go, it's much easier."
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