I worked for the Disabled American Veterans as the Supervisor of Voluntary Services, where I managed a team of six amazing individuals and oversaw day-to-day operations of our service and volunteer initiatives. I noticed a difference in this job…I had “a fire in my belly” for the work that I was doing. It was a wonderful opportunity working at DAV, but my husband got a great job opportunity once he got out of the military and graduated school. So, we moved to the DC metropolitan area. At that time, I found out I was pregnant, was very ill
during the entire pregnancy, and was not able to go back to work full-time.
I continued seeking career opportunities to help others and decided to provide pro bono consulting services to a few military/Veteran charities. After staying at home with my daughter and providing high-level volunteer services, I decided it was time to work outside the home again. An amazing opportunity with the BBB Wise Giving Alliance as a Research Analyst became available, and I took it. Now, I am a part of an organization that assists donors in making sound giving decisions and helps charities improve their organization’s practices by encouraging them to have ethical governance and oversight, promote fair and honest solicitation practices, measure their organizations’ effectiveness, and to provide transparency of financial operations. I am grateful that I am passionate about the work I am doing, and I hope the same for you.
5. What advice do you have for military spouses starting on their professional journeys? Find a career that gives you “a fire in your belly” or sparks your passion. It truly makes a difference in how you feel about your job. Seek opportunities to expose yourself to careers that interest you and use the valuable educational, service benefits, and career resources that are available to you.
However, please, please be smart and do your research. Unfortunately, there are many organizations that may have good intentions to help our community, but do not fully live up to their commitments on the services they provide.
Find a coach or mentor who has experience in the field or career in which you
have an interest. Be open and listen to their guidance and advice because they may provide a different perspective or have tacit knowledge that goes beyond a book or knowledge obtained from a classroom setting that may benefit you.
"The same strength, resilience, determination and support that we bring continues during the transition back to civilian life, helping them during their road to recovery, or living life with a 'new' normal."