The 5 W’s of Military Spouse Career Advancement

The military lifestyle has a lot to offer. Your social circle expands with each move, and you get to try new jobs on for size. But it comes with challenges as well.

One challenge is finding a career that moves with you. You need to get into an in-demand field with jobs available almost everywhere. Ideally, you want that field to have opportunities for advancement so your career can continue to grow.

Read on for the what, who, why, when, and where of military spouse career advancement.

What Is Military Spouse Career Advancement?

Military spouse career advancement is finding the right professional path for you and your lifestyle. It starts with choosing a field that's in-demand and portable, like information technology (IT) or healthcare.

The next step is matching your skills to that field. You need skills that will qualify you for jobs across the country, whether or not you've worked in the field before.

Who Is It For?

Career advancement is the perfect step for any military spouse looking to learn new skills, build a career and make a difference. You can even find relevant training at no cost if you qualify for the My Career Advancement Account program, or MyCAA.

MyCAA is a scholarship program for spouses of active-duty military service personnel. Those who qualify can receive $4,000 in financial assistance to pursue training in portable, in-demand career fields. This funding is available in increments up to $2,000 per fiscal year.

Why Should You Advance Your Career as a Military Spouse?

Military spouse career training lets you build your own career while being there for your spouse. Many spouses think they have to give up professional fulfillment while living the active-duty lifestyle but that's just not the case.

With the right career training, you can start landing meaningful, challenging military spouse jobs wherever you are — without having to start from scratch every time you move.

When Is the Best Time to Advance Your Career?

Thanks to self-paced programs like those offered by MedCerts, you can start your education at any time. Just start by checking whether you're eligible for MyCAA funding.

MyCAA is available to students whose spouses are:

• On active duty in any military branch, the National Guard, or National Guard reserve components

• In pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, or O-1 to O-2

• On Title 10 orders that will continue until the spouse's coursework is complete

MedCerts's MyCAA approved programs are designed to take as little as 12 weeks. You don't need to think very far into the future — which can be hard to do on a military schedule.

Where Can You Find Training Opportunities?

Online is the best learning environment for military spouses. You can study on your own time and take the course with you if you move.

At MedCerts, you can find MyCAA-approved training for a variety of healthcare and IT positions, from Phlebotomy Technician to IT Helpdesk Administrator.

Starting Your Career Advancement Journey

Ready to start working toward a portable and fulfilling career? Speak with a MedCerts Education Consultant today. Your advisor will help you find the right program and discuss applying for MyCAA funding. We're here to help you succeed every step of the way.