Opportunities for military spouses seeking jobs in San Diego?

As a military spouse about to move to San Diego, I'm looking for job opportunities or resources that can help with the transition. What employment options should I consider in the area?

Transitioning to a new location can certainly come with its set of opportunities and challenges. San Diego offers a range of job opportunities for military spouses across various sectors. It's a city with a strong military community and many industries that value military connections, offering a spectrum of career options.

The first sector worth considering is the defense industry, given San Diego’s proximity to several military bases. Many defense contractors, such as General Atomics, Northrop Grumman, and Booz Allen Hamilton, have a strong presence in the area and often value the unique perspective military spouses bring to the table.

Another sector popular in San Diego is healthcare. The city boasts several hospitals, medical research centers, and biotech companies. Depending on your education and experience, you might consider roles in patient care, laboratory work, administration, or even health tech development.

In terms of resources to help with your transition, the Military Spouse Corporate Career Network (MSCCN) and the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) are two programs designed to help military spouses like yourself find employment. They offer services such as job listings, career training, and mentoring.

Don't forget local job fairs, often held at military bases, where you can network and meet potential employers firsthand. The Family Support Centers on bases typically have resources as well, including resume help and listings of available jobs in the area. Additionally, consider joining the San Diego Military Spouse Professional Network for support, as networking can often open up job opportunities.

One final thing to keep in mind as a military spouse is to leverage your transferrable skills. Your experiences and skills gained from past jobs or from your role as a military spouse, such as adaptability, problem-solving, and resilience, can be valuable in the job market.

I hope this provides a helpful starting point in your job search as you prepare for your move to San Diego. Job searching can be challenging, but remember there are resources and networks at your disposal. Best of luck!