CHARLOTTE, N.C. — National organizations are seeking solutions for veterans searching for jobs in the civilian world.
On Thursday, RecruitMilitary and Disabled American Veterans hosted a job fair at the Bojangles Coliseum exclusively for veterans and their families. Over 50 companies there were at the event.
The goal is to help veterans translate their skills from serving in the military into corporate work. Job fair attendees Liseyra Muñoz and Emory Zigler told WCNC Charlotte that transition can be hard.
"You gotta untrain yourself to retrain yourself in the civilian world," Muñoz shared.
"Civilian world is different, totally different," Zigler added.
Muñoz served eight years in the Army and moved to Charlotte to study criminal justice. Zigler was a combat medic and served two tours in Iraq. He said some of the hardest things about the transition are translating military speak and discipline to everyday life.
Both job seekers felt more at ease in a space that welcomed veterans.
"It's great being respected for your experiences," Zigler said.
"It feels a little more homey because everyone’s been in the same shoes," Muñoz said.
The unemployment rate for veterans in 2023 was 2.8%, lower than the national average of 3.8%. Allen Von Plinsky with RecruitMilitary said the success is thanks to the type of workers veterans are.
"They learn how to show up on time, they learn to work the whole time to the clock," Von Plinsky explained.
He said resources for veterans, like these job fairs, also help. "We’re kind of a comfort, a safe space for them where they learn about themselves, how to protect themselves, learn how to connect the dots."
Zigler said the job market has been tough recently but he feels optimistic after networking at the event.
RecruitMilitary and Disabled American Veterans host these job fairs across the country. They have a virtual job fair in May and will be back in Charlotte on Sept. 5.
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