DAV job fairs prove beneficial for women veterans

After her service in the Marine Corps, Arella Aleman wasn’t sure what her next steps should be. She was interested in technology, so she began searching for information on a career in cybersecurity. Arella soon learned that she would need to take classes to qualify for a job in that field. 

“I started online coursework, completing the required hours. Then the job search began,” she said. 

For nearly eight months, Arella sent out her resume with no callbacks for an interview.

“I was starting to feel defeated. Imposter syndrome kicked into high gear,” said Arella. “I felt as though I might never get a cybersecurity position or maybe I just wasn’t meant to be in this field.” 

But she told herself not to quit. 

“Shortly after renewing my resolve, I heard about the DAV job fair,” said Arella. “There I found an amazing opportunity for me to begin a systems engineer position with Raytheon Technologies.” 

At the job fair, Arella identified networking as the key to launching into a new career. 

“DAV offered the tremendous connections that I was looking for. I am beyond grateful, and I feel blessed to have started with Raytheon Technologies,” she said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better company or team of people to work with.” 

According to 2021 data from the U.S. Department of Labor, there are nearly 2 million female veterans in the country. In 2022, the unemployment rate for both male and female veterans was 2.8%. 

“There are more women veterans than ever before, and like their male counterparts, they are searching for employment after their separation from service,” said DAV National Employment Director Ryan Burgos. “We want women veterans to know that DAV stands at the ready to assist them in finding meaningful career opportunities through a host of resources, including our job fairs.” 

Now more than ever, the job market favors employing our nation’s heroes. 

Will you assist veterans in transitioning from military service to civilian careers? Give today to help our heroes find meaningful employment.