December 2024

The Arizona Coalition for Military Families (ACMF), through the Be Connected Career Navigation program, has consistently worked to address the unique challenges that service members, veterans, and their spouses face when it comes to employment.

In a pioneering step in supporting veteran employment, the ACMF worked with Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business and other stakeholders to create the Certificate in Veteran Employment and Development. This program, the first of its kind, is designed specifically for Human Resources professionals and hiring managers to equip them with the specialized skills needed to hire, retain, and develop veteran talent and support military spouses. It’s an extension of our work with the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family which is another partner we work with to enhance career navigation and employer engagement efforts across the state of Arizona. Our collaborations with Arizona State University and the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family address real-world challenges that drive impactful solutions for our community’s veteran employment needs. 

Why a Veteran-Focused Certification?Veterans often bring a wealth of experience in teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. However, studies show that barriers in translating military experience to civilian job requirements can lead to underemployment or unemployment among veterans. Human Resources professionals and hiring managers may not fully recognize the depth of skills that veterans possess or may struggle to interpret military resumes and terminology.

To bridge this gap, ACMF took part in crafting ASU’s new certificate program that dives deep into the nuances of veteran employment. The certificate provides Human Resources professionals with a deeper understanding of veterans’ backgrounds, focusing on recruitment tactics that align with veterans’ skills and experience. This level of understanding is crucial, as it can transform how veterans are perceived and valued in civilian workplaces.

Practical Knowledge
This certificate is structured to provide actionable insights and hands-on skills. Topics range from legal compliance in veteran hiring to understanding the complexities of military resumes, which can vary significantly based on branch and role. For instance, participants will explore how to translate specialized military roles into equivalent civilian terms, making it easier to assess veteran candidates’ qualifications accurately. By understanding these nuances, hiring managers are better positioned to evaluate veteran candidates beyond surface-level criteria.

Key Components of the Certificate

The program includes contributions from ACMF, employment law experts at Ogletree Deakins, and support from SHRM organizations across Arizona, ensuring that participants receive guidance grounded in both practice and policy. Some core areas covered include:

• The current state of veteran employment
• Navigating the complex legal framework around veteran employment
• Learning where and how to source veteran candidates
• Deciphering military resumes from all branches
• Military terms, ranks, jobs, team sizes, and other military nomenclature
• Interviewing in ways that allow veterans to fully articulate their skills
• Developing processes that support veterans in onboarding and career growth
• Challenges faced by military spouses.

The Value Veterans Bring to the Workforce
Veterans offer more than job skills- they bring resilience, adaptability, and leadership honed through real-life challenges. Their experiences have prepared them to excel under pressure, work effectively in diverse teams, and adapt to changing circumstances. Their experiences often involve managing high-stakes situations, overcoming complex challenges, and developing a strong work ethic. The certification program provides hiring managers with tools to recognize these traits, highlighting why veterans make remarkable employees. Key advantages that veterans bring to the workforce include:

• Adaptability and Resilience: Veterans thrive in dynamic environments and have a proven record of overcoming adversity.
• Leadership Skills: With experience in team management and high-stakes decision-making, veterans are natural leaders.
• Technical Expertise: Many veterans bring specialized technical skills relevant to industries like technology, logistics, and security.

Veterans and military spouses also bring unique perspectives, networks, and strengths that add value to the workplace. Military spouses, often adept at navigating diverse experiences, contributing to a level of flexibility and resilience that strengthens workplace culture.

A Catalyst for Change
ACMF is committed to identifying and addressing employment challenges that veterans encounter. We’re proud to partner to bring forward a curriculum that reflects the lived experiences of veterans in Arizona. We’re hopeful that participating professionals and employers will help us on our mission to enhance veteran employment in Arizona and establish best practices that other organizations and states might follow.

The certificate program is part of a broader strategy to support veterans beyond their initial transition into civilian life, encouraging long-term employment pathways and sustainable career development. By equipping Human Resources professionals and hiring managers with a concrete understanding of veteran needs and potential, this certificate can help promote veteran employment.

As veteran employment remains a significant focus, ACMF’s collaboration with W.P. Carey is a timely step in continuously cultivating a community that values and fully integrates the skills of Arizona’s veterans.

Join Us in Creating Change
We’re taking meaningful steps to bridge military and civilian careers, ensuring veterans are given every opportunity to thrive in the workforce. We invite Human Resources professionals, hiring managers, and leaders committed to making a positive impact on veteran employment to consider this certification. Together, we can break down employment barriers for veterans and military spouses with employers positioned to capture the value and skills that veterans bring to Arizona’s workforce.

To learn more about how you can join this initiative, visit ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business or email wpcareyexeced@asu.edu.