Career Coaching Helps Military Spouses Move Ahead

The Department of Defense Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program provides career coaching services free of charge to all eligible military spouses. Spouses of active-duty service members in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and members of the Reserve Component (regardless of activation status) are eligible for career coaching.

A coach can help you at any stage of your career — from looking for the right school to connecting with potential employers or growing or starting your own business. Call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 to speak with a career coach.

Free career coaching program

Each career coach has a national certification and a master’s degree in education, adult education, vocational counseling or human services. Because coaches are knowledgeable and experienced, they’re effective at helping military spouses use their education, training and skills to find a career.

Coaches offer resources, support and ideas to help you take the next step toward finding meaningful employment. They can help you with the following:

• Career exploration — Identify your career interests and abilities, understand skills assessments and get information on today’s job market, portable careers, entrepreneurship and federal employment options.
• Education, training and licensure — Learn about education options and licensing requirements, and how to identify, compare and weigh the costs of potential schools and programs.
• Employment readiness — As you prepare to join or re-enter the workforce, you’ll find out about job-search strategies, resume writing, interviewing, networking and self-marketing skills.
• Career connections — Learn the best ways to connect with corporations, government organizations and nonprofits, and how to use your resources, like the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, for employment opportunities.

You may work with the same coach during multiple sessions, depending on your needs. A case management system is used to ensure continuity of service.

Call 800-342-9647 and speak with a SECO career coach from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST Monday through Friday or from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST on Saturday. You can also connect directly with a SECO career professional about your unique career or education needs by clicking the ‘Live Chat’ link at the top of the page. Career coaching services are not available on federal holidays.