Wounded Warrior Project Continues to Place Veterans in Jobs During Pandemic
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite rising unemployment since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has helped place over 500 wounded veterans and family members in new careers, with combined first-year salaries totaling nearly $30 million. With National Hire a Veteran Day on July 25, WWP highlights programs for post-9/11 warriors and family members to successfully land employment year-round, but especially during the pandemic.
Warriors to Work®, the career counseling program at WWP, transitioned to virtual offerings during the pandemic and concentrated its efforts on industries that are still hiring. These virtual offerings include:
- informational sessions,
- job fairs,
- networking events,
- IT training, and
- employment workshops.
WWP has teamed up with several companies for these events, including:
- Deloitte,
- Randstad RiseSmart,
- Facebook,
- Amazon,
- Microsoft,
- SelectQuote Insurance, and
- DirectEmployers Association, among others.
WWP specialists continue to work one on one with warriors and family members to translate military experience into a civilian resume, develop career skills, prepare for job interviews, and facilitate relationships with employers. The services are not limited to those seeking civilian employment for the first time. Those warriors facing unemployment can also take advantage of services.
Army veteran Kristin Wilburn leveraged these services after she lost her job at the start of the pandemic. Working with WWP, she attended virtual workshops, including one led by Deloitte that changed her life. Through that workshop, Kristin developed her elevator pitch, resume, interview skills, and more. She subsequently landed an IT role at Microsoft that she started in June.
"I finally feel accomplished again, and I haven't felt that way in a long time," Kristin said. "I'm forever grateful to Wounded Warrior Project and know I wouldn't be working for Microsoft if it weren't for them."
After also working with WWP, Army veteran Brady Busby landed his first job since retiring from the military in 2012. He is soon starting a sales position with SelectQuote Insurance.
"This job is giving me purpose again," Brady said. "Especially during this time when so many people are hurting for work and worried about the future, I'm secure in what I'm doing, and that's a great blessing."
Learn more about how WWP helps veterans, family members, and companies with the veteran employment process.
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.
SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project
