DoD SkillBridge: A Bridge to Success in Your Civilian Career

The DoD SkillBridge Program, also known as the Army Career Skills Program (CSP), is your key to bridging the gap to a successful civilian career.

If you’re a transitioning service member, this program offers a chance to gain valuable civilian work experience through training, apprenticeships, or internships during your last 180 days of service. With command authorization, typically 90-120 days of permissive duty is granted to focus on training with approved industry partners, all while receiving your full military pay and allowances.

Benefits of the DoD SkillBridge/CSP Internship Program

• Gain industry experience: Internships offer hands-on experience, equipping you for success in your chosen field.
•  Develop new skills: You can hone both technical and soft skills relevant to the civilian workforce, making you more competitive in the job market.
• Build a professional network: SkillBridge/CSP internships facilitate networking with potential employers, increasing your chances of securing a job after military service.

Tips for Getting Started

• Start early: Begin exploring internship opportunities about a year before your anticipated separation date. This will give you plenty of time to research, identify, and apply for programs that align with your career goals.
• Talk to your commander: Get your commander's support and verbal authorization well before you start submitting applications. They will need to approve your participation in the program.
• Treat it like a job search: Approach the program as if you're searching for a job. Spend time researching companies, preparing your application materials, and networking with potential employers. Many of these employers are looking for a candidate they can hire once the internship is complete, so set yourself up for success early on.  
• Cast a wide net: Don't just apply for one or two internship opportunities. Apply for as many as possible to increase your chances of getting accepted.

SkillBridge/CSP Internship Spotlight

There are thousands of internship opportunities available to transitioning service members. Here’s an exceptional one you might consider.  

Sprout Social is seeking Sales Development Associates.

This position is fully REMOTE and available to those residing in the following states: AZ, CO, CT, D.C., FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI

If you're looking for a company with a deep commitment to DEI, this could be a great fit. Sprout Social pursues diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything they do - in the way their people experience the workplace, the way they build their teams, and how they cultivate allyship for historically marginalized communities.

Email info@HireMilitary.us to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

Explore SkillBridge/CSP Opportunities

• Visit your local installation's transition/education center. This is where you can get help from experts who can match you with the right program for your needs.
• Check out the official DoD SkillBridge website. This website has an updated list of all the approved SkillBridge providers nationwide. You can search by location, industry, or type of program. (The Army has an official CSP website as well.)
• Join veteran-focused groups on social media. These groups are a great place to connect with other veterans and get recommendations for SkillBridge/CSP opportunities.
• Work with a SkillBridge-approved recruiting agency. An agency like HireMilitary can help you find opportunities by actively introducing you to employers who are champions of your military experience – at no cost to you. Visit HireMilitary.us to find jobs and internship opportunities. 
• Create your own SkillBridge/CSP internship. As an authorized DoD SkillBridge and U.S. Army CSP provider, HireMilitary can partner with any company to create a SkillBridge internship just for you. Email info@HireMilitary.us to learn more about this free service.

Bottom Line

The DoD SkillBridge/CSP Program is your bridge to success in the civilian world. It opens doors for transitioning service members, offering a clear path to a prosperous career beyond the military.

Through hands-on experiences, skill development and networking, SkillBridge/CSP lays the foundation for a smooth transition. It's a chance to transform your military experience into a successful civilian career. Take the opportunity, go through the process, and step confidently into your future outside the military. Your next career is waiting for you!

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HireMilitary is always moving forward, bringing employers and the military community together to help veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment. Visit HireMilitary.us to learn more!