Career workshop for military spouses takes place in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - Hiring Our Heroes hosted a summit to help military spouses help find jobs.

The event hosted by Hiring Our Heroes is called Amplify. Military spouses enhanced their interview skills, resume, network and more.

Hiring Our Heroes says the unemployment rate for military spouses is 20%, which is 5 time the national average rate.

Anna Soto moved to Jacksonville from Arizona in November, but says it’s been tough when it comes to a job.

“It’s been very discouraging,” said Soto. “I haven’t been able to locate a job even with those qualifications.”

While Jemeka Fields has been on the job hunt for almost a year. She says she’s looking into administrative work.

“The process has been kind of exaggerated for me,” said Fields. “I haven’t been feeling sad because I have been using my time wisely.”

Fields says there’s a lot to balance in her life, but she’s ready to take the next step.

“You have to put your family first,” said Fields. “You have to put your child first and sometimes you’re placed on a back burner, so a lot of people say ‘you’re still looking for a job?‘”

While looking for a job feels like a full time job, Soto says she feels better after attending the event on Tuesday.

“I do believe that the military or marine corps at least does provide us with these resources we are able to use,” said Soto. “I think that those will be helpful in my pursuit to get that dream job, if you will.”

The second day starts tomorrow at 9 at Sturgeon City then will move to base.

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