Leadership

As you review In Gear Career’s resources and think about how to pursue and advance your own professional career, we encourage you to take the time to think about how you can provide leadership, support and advice to other Military Spouses. The Military community support structure is built around Units, Commands and Rank. The majority of Family Readiness Groups and Spouse Clubs cater to Spouses with young families, and there is often little support or advice available for those Spouses seeking employment, particularly those pursuing professional level employment.

One of the strengths of In Gear Career is that it enables information sharing and networking amongst all of its members, regardless of the Service Member’s affiliation, rank or location. Consider how you can provide leadership to the career professionals new to the Military lifestyle, or to the Military Spouses who are just completing their graduate or post graduate education and looking to enter the professional workforce for the first time. Think about your professional network and your knowledge of the employment market in your current area and consider how useful your advice may be to a Military Spouse moving to your location. Your experiences at different locations, with different companies, and in different types of positions can be an inspiration and an encouragement to others. You do not need to be a Local Chapter or Community of Practice leader to make an impact within the In Gear Career community. Contribute to a forum, share your advice, take the time to answer someone’s question, become a mentor, encourage others or provide an understanding ear. These are all very valid ways to provide leadership to other career minded Military Spouses.

If you are interested in taking a more formal leadership role in support of professional Military Spouse employment, consider the following options:

In Gear Career Local Chapter Leader

Create an active Local Chapter in your location, where career minded Military Spouses can meet once every 2-3 months to professionally and socially network in a relaxed environment, or to discuss and learn about employment topics and resources of interest.

In Gear Career Community of Practice Facilitator

Facilitate and moderate discussion within the Forum for your occupational field to encourage global networking and the sharing of information and resources relevant to your field.

eMentor Program

Become a Mentor for one of the Military Spouses seeking support and advice with their career.

Joining Forces

Become a Mentor for a female Military Spouse, or a female Veteran entering the civilian workforce.

MOAA Spouse Advisory Council