LinkedIn announced that they would be expanding their free premium service access to military spouses as part of the military and veterans program.
The networking platform, whose mission is to “connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful,” has always supported the military. LinkedIn goes above and beyond to provide professional networking and skill-building opportunities to those transitioning from the military to civilian life.
Serving Those Who Serve
The Military and Veterans program is part of LinkedIn for Good. The organization is committed to empowering individuals with education as well as supporting nonprofits and economically disadvantaged populations.
We are so excited to welcome military spouses to LinkedIn's Military and Veterans Program with partners like @DeptofDefense and @hiringourheroes to expand access to economic opportunity for military families. Learn more: https://t.co/NkgUY2jk71 pic.twitter.com/P9EPefqFqA
— LinkedIn Social Impact (@LinkedInImpact) June 12, 2018
“At LinkedIn for Good we believe that everyone deserves a shot at economic opportunity, and our team is committed to making that vision a reality through our work with communities around the world that face obstacles which limit their chances in life,” a LinkedIn for Good release explained.
Military spouses are among those who face unique challenges when it comes to employment. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s “Military Spouses in the Workplace” report in 2017, unemployment and underemployment of military spouses remains at significantly higher levels than their civilian counterparts.
Learning new skills and seeking out flexible employment are among the strategies that LinkedIn believes will help military spouses find meaningful employment.
LinkedIn will be providing one year of free access to LinkedIn Premium to military spouses while they relocate and at the conclusion of their spouse’s military service. Premium services include access to education courses online, a networking group tailored for military spouses, and connection with employers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5Yb0hBRalA
The free 1-year subscription promises to help military spouses “get noticed by recruiters, build out your network, stay in the know on new jobs that fit with your skills, and easily apply for new opportunities.”
The online learning opportunities include over 12,000 courses that target business, technical, and creative careers and skills. LinkedIn is also including access to a LinkedIn Learning Path that specifically addresses the needs of military spouses. These needs include “job portability, remote work, and freelancing.”
Networking opportunities are courtesy of the Department of Defense’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program. The program helps military spouses pursue both education and career goals. LinkedIn is creating groups and networking to establish a “support network of career-minded spouses and employers seeking to hire military spouses.”
Military spouses have a broad range of skills that make them high-quality employees. Some possess specialized training, while others have advanced education credentials. But relocation, licensure requirements, and other commitments can make it hard for military spouses to maintain employment in their fields. According to LinkedIn, “military spouses have soft skills that make them valuable to potential employers: they are resilient, resourceful, adaptable, and enterprising—not to mention adept at navigating uncertainty.” When given the opportunity to bring these skills to a career, military spouses can be valuable, contributing employees.
The program will expand to military spouses in July, according to an article published by LinkedIn.
