Making the transition to the civilian workforce presents unique challenges for military service members ready for their next chapter. “About 60+ % of them don’t even know what occupation they’re planning to go into,” says Sam Mitchell, WorkSource administrator at Joint Base Lewis-McChord Washington State Employment Security Department.

He adds, ”Many joined the military at a very young age or out of high school and have not really given it a thought.”

WorkingNation sat down with Mitchell at the NASWA Veterans Conference in Washington, D.C.

Mitchell says his team works with civic and business partners who offer opportunities for service members leaving the military. “We have a couple of programs that will allow service members to start an internship prior to leaving the military.”

He says, “It’s a great opportunity for folks to get a jump on that next career and actually work with an employer that may hire them in the end. At least that’s the hope”

Learn more about Joint Base Lewis-McChord Washington State Employment Security Department.