I began volunteering with CASY & MSCCN in June of 2016. After a cross country move, a surprise baby, and making plans for an upcoming deployment, I finally felt ready to reenter the workforce. I thought the best way to do that would be through volunteering, and was excited to start workingwith CASY & MSCCN.
Before I began volunteering, I knew my biggest job market challenge would be the gaps in my employment history. Like many military spouses, my work history has included jobs, along with making space to raise children and get my family settled after PCSing. Although I wouldn’t change the choices I've made, they resulted in several career gaps over a 10-15 year period; volunteering seemed like a good choice to fill my gaps and keep my skills sharp.
While volunteering, I saw a notice for the Writers Guild program in the MSEJ, and was drawn to it. I've been a novice writer for several years, and always wanted the opportunity to expand my skills and hone my abilities. The Writers Guild was a way for me to build creative skills that I had put aside. It is a wonderful program because it allows participants to get feedback on their work while learning more about the writing process, new writing genres, and techniques.
Being exposed to different styles of writing, publishing options, and readings provided the inspiration and accountability I needed. The best thing about this program is that it offers a creative writing course at no cost, and includes encouragement and guidance by an amazing mentor.
By January 2017, not only had I completed the Writers Guild, but I had also received a job offer from CASY & MSCCN as an Employment Specialist. My work with CASY & MSCCN is fulfilling, and it gives me a unique insight into the struggles that the military community faces when it comes to employment. As a military spouse, I have acquired knowledge and experience that I can use to help the candidates that I work with. My abilities in this area build a comfort and trust between me and my candidates, which allows me to better help them.
The Writers Guild taught me that writing is a process. It takes time, commitment, and a dedication to revisiting material—advice that feels remarkably similar to what it takes to be a military spouse with career goals that last beyond the next PCS.
Congratulations, Amanda!
After volunteering with CASY & MSCCN for 6 months, Amanda is a Writers Guild graduate and an Employment Specialist with CASY & MSCCN.
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