Military Spouses Seek Flexibility, Advancement Opportunities, and Competitive Compensation in their Careers

Navy Federal Credit Union, in partnership with Hire Heroes USA, has released a Best Careers for Military Spouses list, a comprehensive look at career paths best suited for military spouses based on their unique needs and goals. Military spouses often face hiring challenges due to their spouse’s occupation, and the global pandemic has exacerbated this even further. At 13%, the unemployment rate of military spouses is nearly three times greater than the national average, which was 5.2% in August 2021.

The Best Careers After Service study fielded more than 2,000 online interviews with military spouses, both within Navy Federal’s current membership and in the general population, in July of 2021. In the report’s findings, this community expressed their need for flexible hours and schedule, competitive compensation, a clear career advancement path, consistent work location (either in-person or remote), a team-oriented work environment, and flexibility in childcare options.

From here, Navy Federal and Hire Heroes USA used the criteria identified in these surveys and current employment data to identify the top careers for military spouses. Together, Navy Federal and Hire Heroes USA have developed a resource to help military spouses prepare for the job search, find a fulfilling career, and make decisions that will position them for a prosperous future.

The top-10 industries for military spouse employment identified by Navy Federal and Hire Heroes USA are as follows:

1. Government & Public Administration:
2. Business Support & Human Resources
3. Health Care & Social Assistance
4. Educational Services
5. Information Technology
6. Financial Services
7. Defense Contracting
8. Community-Based Services
9. Retail & Customer Service
10. Manufacturing

“As a military spouse myself, I know that military spouses face unique employment challenges that make securing a sustainable, long-term career very difficult. The last year plus, in many ways, has elevated these challenges, especially as it relates to relocation, childcare responsibilities, and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Matt Vean, Commercial Banking Lead at Navy Federal Credit Union. “This Best Careers list offers deeply-researched insights that this community can turn to for advice and direction as they take the next step in their employment journey.”

Navy Federal has presented its “Best Of” lists every year since 2018, but this is the first year in which the resource has focused specifically on the challenges military spouses face.

“Although military spouse employment is being talked about more and more, there is still work that can be done,” said Amy Dodson, a military spouse and Human Resources Manager at Hire Heroes USA. “We’re excited to partner with Navy Federal to provide career support to military spouses through this resource and to provide exceptional career support for this community in a new way.”

In 2018, Navy Federal developed the first iteration of the Best Cities After Service list. In 2019, Navy Federal developed Best Careers After Service, a comprehensive list of the best careers that will make the transition from Active Duty to civilian life more successful. Last year, Navy Federal published an updated Best Cities After Service list, which helps identify top cities in the U.S. for servicemembers transitioning to civilian life amid changing priorities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information about the Best Careers for Military Spouses rankings, visit navyfederal.org/militaryspouse.

About Navy Federal Credit Union: Established in 1933 with only seven members, Navy Federal now has the distinct honor of serving over 10 million members globally and is the world’s largest credit union. As a member-owned and not-for-profit organization, Navy Federal always puts the financial needs of its members first. Membership is open to all branches of the armed forces and their families. Dedicated to its mission of service, Navy Federal employs a workforce of over 19,000 and has a global network of 347 branches. For more information about Navy Federal Credit Union, visit navyfederal.org. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Opportunity Employer.

About Hire Heroes USA: Hire Heroes USA empowers U.S. military members, veterans, and military spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce. As the nation’s leading veteran employment organization, Hire Heroes USA offers personalized one-on-one coaching, professionally revised resumes, mentoring, workshops, a job board, career fairs and more, to tens of thousands of job-seeking veterans annually. Hire Heroes USA prioritizes transparency, earning a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, and the GuideStar Platinum Seal. Funded exclusively through public donations and private grants, we provide our services at no cost to clients. For more information about our mission, services, and how you can help, please visit us at hireheroesusa.org.

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