Fellowships: They’re Not All Alike
The Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program has been growing rapidly since its inception just a few short years ago. With nearly an 80% offer rate being extended to fellows participating in each cohort – the program is enjoying success for both companies and fellows alike. Today’s podcast with La Quinta Inns & Suites’ Derek Blake and U.S. Air Force Captain Caleb Leestma takes a look into the unique offerings of the Education With Industry Fellowship Program through the U.S. Air Force. Much like our Corporate Fellowship Program, the Education With Industry Fellowship allows active duty service members the opportunity to train with industry while still serving. Listen in as we discuss the unique benefits of participating in a fellowship and why the U.S. Air Force allows active duty service members to train with industry while still active duty.
Top Takeaways from Fellowships: They’re Not All Alike
1. Fellows are taught the skills necessary to be successful in the corporate sector, to include soft skills like networking.
“One thing I’ve learned through this program is the soft skills, which is something they don’t really teach in the military.” –Caleb Leestma, Air Force Captain & La Quinta Inns & Suites Fellow
2. La Quinta is dedicated to veteran and military spouse employment and believes their staff members from the veteran and military spouse community contribute uniquely to their brand.
“The military has become part of the DNA of our brand…we get great talent hiring veterans and military spouses, and having Caleb walk the halls reinforces that focus on the military.”– Derek Blake, Vice President of Marketing & Military Programs, La Quinta Inns & Suites
3. La Quinta provides fellows with countless opportunities to engage with leaders within their organization and within the corporate community.
“It’s about networking, telling a story, and building a personal brand…we work on those very hard with Caleb and we’ve challenged him to pay it forward with his active duty friends.”– Derek Blake, Vice President of Marketing & Military Programs, La Quinta Inns & Suites