Military Spouse Finds Career Success With Hiring Our Heroes
Military spouse Aminata “Ami” Camara’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and empowerment. Ami faced numerous setbacks and moments of doubt in her employment journey. But with determination and the support of Hiring Our Heroes, she turned those obstacles into a thriving career.
Overcoming the Military Spouse Employment Gap
With military spouses facing a 21% unemployment rate, Ami’s struggle to find stable work was all too common. She faced a series of rejections in her job search, often without feedback. Her lack of experience in certain industries made it difficult to land interviews. And when she did, the pressure would shake her confidence.
“Financial stress and the pressure to succeed added to the weight of these challenges,” Ami shared. “I realized I needed to shift my approach and equip myself with new skills to stand out.”
Gaining In-Demand Skills With Career Forward
Ami found the support she needed through Hiring Our Heroes and the Career Forward program. Through the program, she earned a Google Career Certificate in cybersecurity, gaining job-ready skills in a high-demand field. The program helped sharpen her technical and soft skills.
Related: Navigating New Waters: Coast Guard Veteran Starts Next Missions With Career Forward
She took advantage of HOH’s career counseling and professional development opportunities, while networking events connected her with mentors and professionals who offered guidance and job leads.
“The workshops on resume building, interview techniques, and personal branding were incredibly helpful,” Ami said. “Most importantly, the networking opportunities introduced me to mentors and potential employers who valued my background.”
Building Confidence and Momentum
As Ami’s skills and professional network grew, so did her confidence. She began receiving more interview opportunities—and more positive feedback. The turning point came when she was able to pair her new capabilities with the right connections.
As part of HOH’s Career Forward program, Ami participated in a 12-week fellowship with Comcast to gain hands-on experience. This opportunity allowed her to develop industry-specific skills and showcase her abilities in a real-world setting.
By the end of the program, Ami had secured a full-time position as a customer project manager and built a strong professional network.
“Success finally came when I found a job that matched my qualifications and aligned with my career goals,” she said.
“Success finally came when I found a job that matched my qualifications and aligned with my career goals.”
– Ami Camara
Empowered and Employed
Today, Ami is thriving in her career—a testament to the strength and adaptability of military spouses, and the impact of having the right support system.
“Hiring Our Heroes gave me the tools and confidence to thrive in my career journey,” she said.
