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Fairfax County, Virginia — More than 400 veterans and military spouses attended the second bi-annual Veteran and Military Spouse Career Fair, presented by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), in partnership with the Virginia Chamber Foundation and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. Held over two days, the free event for veterans, transitioning military members and military spouses was held on May 11, 2022, at the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, followed by a virtual career fair on May 12.

“We are very pleased that the Veteran and Military Spouse Career Fair was again a great success,” said Michael Batt, Director of FCEDA’s Talent Initiative. “More than 130 veterans and military spouses had the opportunity to attend the in-person event at the National Museum of the United States Army and over 600 online conversations were had between more than 300 jobseekers and recruiters during the virtual event,” he continued. “We are proud to assist the military community with finding jobs in Northern Virginia.”

At the two-day event, jobseekers had the opportunity to talk to representatives from 25 companies in-person and 150 recruiters from 50 companies virtually. Participating regional employers – including Microsoft, Mandiant and C2 Technologies – are collectively hiring for more than 10,000 positions across a wide variety of sectors, including government, IT, finance, defense, renewable energy and healthcare. Jobseekers were also able to engage with veteran organizations providing valuable resume review and guidance, community services and military spouse career education services. All backgrounds and experience levels were welcome at the events, and attendees of the virtual event hailed from across the globe. While not a requirement, more than half of the jobseekers that attended the events had active security clearances.

Left to right: Michael Batt, Director, Talent Initiative Program FCEDA; Fort Belvoir Deputy Garrison Commander John M. Moeller; Mount Vernon District Supervisor Daniel G. Storck, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; and Vance Zavela, Fort Belvoir Liaison, Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives.

At the in-person event on May 11, Fairfax County Board Supervisor Daniel G. Storck presented a Military Spouse Appreciation Week Proclamation to Fort Belvoir Deputy Garrison Commander John M. Moeller.

“Tremendous support today at the National Museum of the United States Army for the Veteran and Military Spouse Career Fair,” said Supervisor Storck. “This partnership with Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, Fort Belvoir and Fairfax County brought together over 50 companies looking to fill over 10,000 jobs.”

Home to nearly 80,000 veterans and their families, as well as a vibrant community of more than 1,900 veteran-owned firms, Fairfax County is a choice location for both active duty and retired military to successfully transition into the civilian workforce. Northern Virginia’s 27 military bases make for a robust defense industry presence. The Veteran and Military Spouse Career Fair is the latest effort by FCEDA and partner agencies to attract and retain talent in Northern Virginia. A series of seven virtual career fairs hosted by FCEDA since May 2020 have attracted nearly 5,000 attendees and resulted in more than 11,000 completed conversations between job seekers and hiring reps from a wide range of employers.

Visit workinnorthernvirignia.com/veterans-clearance to learn more about career opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses in Northern Virginia.