Connecting to a New Career: Job Fairs for Veterans
Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program recognizes that military veterans have a lot to offer employers. For veterans receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Ticket Program service providers offer help to identify transferable skills, prepare for and find job opportunities and transition to the civilian workplace.
May is both Mental Health Awareness Month and Military Appreciation Month. We understand the important role employment has on everyone's mental health.
"Veteran Mental Health and Employment: The Nexus and Beyond" states, "In the armed forces, 'service' denotes a willingness to 'work for' your country, wages, personal recognition of accomplishment, your brothers/sisters in arms, and references the importance of work in the identity of these individuals. Veteran employment and mental health are intricately connected and at times dependent upon each other."1
Links to these job fairs are not affiliated with nor endorsed by Social Security and may not follow the same privacy, security and accessibility policies. To learn more about accommodations available to job seekers wanting to attend a fair, please contact each organization directly for their accommodation request process and deadlines.
Employment can have several positive effects on mental health by offering:
- Structure and routine
- A sense of purpose and accomplishment
- The opportunity to build relationships and community
- Increased financial self-sufficiency and security
- Increased confidence
Getting Started with a Career Fair
Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your civilian job search as a transitioning service member or veteran. Whether they're in person or online, job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings.
RecruitMilitary
RecruitMilitary seeks to tap into the extensive talent pool that veterans represent for employers. For a listing of all RecruitMilitary virtual events, visit their calendar.
- May 11: Military Spouse Virtual Career Fair
- May 11: Greater Los Angeles Veteran Job Fair
- May 18: Cincinnati Veterans Job Fair
- May 23: National Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
- May 25: Elgin AFB/Hurlburt Field Area Veterans Job Fair
USAJOBS Career Fairs and Events
USAJOBS connects job seekers with federal employment opportunities across the United States and around the world. USAJOBS serves as the federal government's official employment site.
- May 10: IRS Veterans and Military Spouses Information Session
- May 16-17: The Plumas National Forest Service Hiring Direct Candidates
- May 17-18: IRS Andover, MD In-person Job Fair for CSR and Tax Examiners
- May 23: U.S. Forest Service at MCCS MilSpouse Career Symposium & Hiring Event
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
VA benefits can help Veterans and their families buy homes, earn degrees, start careers, stay healthy and more. See what events they have to offer near you with their full calendar.
- May 10: Heroes Connect: Military to Manufacturing featuring Saint-Gobain - Online
- May 17: Heroes Connect: Military to Manufacturing featuring Amazon - Online
- May 18: Corporate Gray Virtual Military-Friendly Job Fair
- May 19: Vets to Manufacturing Virtual Career Fair
- May 24: Heroes Connect: Military to Manufacturing featuring WestRock - Online
- May 25: G.I. Jobs Virtual Job Fair
Prepared and ready
The Ticket Program is ready to help veterans enter the civilian workforce and find their path to financial success.
Check out these resources to help with your next career transition:
Need help on your career path?
Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can help. The Ticket Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work, including veterans with disabilities.
Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the supports and services they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work. Connect with one today to learn how the Ticket Program can help you on your path to financial independence.
Learn More
To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask for a list of service providers or find providers on your own using the Ticket Program Find Help tool.
You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or, text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.
1 Nelson, C. B., Abraham, K. M., Miller, E. M., Kees, M. R., Walters, H. M., Valenstein, M., & Zivin, K. (2016). Veteran mental health and employment: The nexus and beyond. In S. MacDermid Wadsworth & D. S. Riggs (Eds.), War and family life (pp. 239–260). Springer International Publishing/Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-21488-7_13
