Thursday, April 5, 2012

Making the transition from “Warrior to Worker” with a little help from the MDOT Veterans Expo


Guy Henderson
It’s no secret that Maryland’s military veterans have sacrificed plenty in far-off lands. Now the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and its affiliate agencies are spearheading an effort to show our state’s appreciation for their dedication, with the 2012 MDOT Veterans Resource Expo.

Even with the training that’s as legendary as that offered by the U.S. Military, veterans often face a rocky transition to civilian life. The Veterans Resource Expo has been specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of veterans and their families, with information on career opportunities, education, and physical, mental and financial health. Participants will find workshops on how to put together a resume that stands apart, the secrets to succeeding in job interviews and how to best translate military experience to civilian occupations. Representatives from Maryland’s wide-ranging regional network of service providers will be conducting the workshops, including those from local colleges and institutes, health care representatives and local community groups.

The Expo is free for veterans and their families, but attendees must register ahead of time. Those who register before April 20 are eligible for a free transit pass for that day from the Maryland Transit Administration.

The MDOT Expo is an extension of Maryland’s “Warrior to Worker” initiative signed by Governor O’Malley in 2010, which encourages all state agencies to enhance employment opportunities for veterans within state government.

Are you a veteran? Check out the list of workshops being offered to see which ones make sense for you. And we’ll see you there!