2023 VETERAN ONLY Application  ( not spouses)

IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! When filling out your application please note that this is how we get to know you, take the time to answer each question thoroughly. Those selected for this program will be chosen based on their thoughtful answers. (Helpful Hint -Type your answers in a word document and copy and paste your answers in the boxes provided below. Also you can make text box larger by dragging the corner of the text box. Please note that questions with a (*) must be completed in order to move on to the next one.

This year's 2023 Veterans "Back to Work" Boot Camp will begin on Wednesday, September 7 and go through November 10. We will be meeting either virtually or in person on Wednesday evenings for 2 hours.  We are looking for 15 Honorably discharged Veterans  ( with a DD214)  and NEW 5 LOCAL - ACTIVE DUTY - Military Spouses who need help wit their careers to apply for this opportunity. At the end of our program each selected Veteran will get career coaching, mentoring & a gift package valued over $10, 000 (includes Personal Laptop computer with Microsoft Office software,  Woodfield Mall & Home Depot Gift Cards, Resume Package,  & other career enhancing gifts to help you find the job you have been looking for. 

Questions? Email Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce's Executive Director at:  abiwer@dpchamber.com.

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* 1. Contact Information

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* 2. Do you have a LinkedIn profile?

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* 3. What military branch or branches did you serve ?

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* 4. What were the dates you served (both active and reserve time) ? What was your rank when you were discharged? Do you have a copy of your DD214 that you can provide if selected?

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* 5. Where were you stationed during your service tenure? (Please list all bases).

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* 6. What was your main job (jobs) while you served (Example: Security, Electrician, Mechanic, Logistics, Cook, Pilot etc.)?

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* 7. Now that you are home from serving, what type of job /position do you currently have or what are you looking for?

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* 8. What is your biggest challange you face in seeking employment or that job of your dreams now that you are done with serving?  

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* 9. Are you currently enrolled in school or taking any continuing education classes with your current job? If so, what is your field of study?

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* 10. What led you to join the military when you did? Looking back on your military career, what lasting impact did it leave on you and your family? ( Please answer thoughtfully).

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* 11. In 2 - 3 paragraphs, please tell us about your current situation in life and why we should select you for this amazing program & opportunity?

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* 12. In your opionon,what is the difference between a job and a career? 

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* 13. How did you hear about this Veterans Boot Camp opportunity  (social media, past boot camp graduate, paper,  ad, college, veteran organization, Des Plaines Chamber etc.)?

Please email Andrea Biwer at abiwer@dpchamber.com if you would like to send further information about you for us to consider for this opportunity. (Example: Current Resume, Service Awards, etc).    Once your package is received,  HR Directors and community Veteran leaders from across the region will be selecting  the 20 applicants for this  program.  The Veterans/ Military spouse selected will be notified in early August.  The program will begin on  Wednesday, September 6 for an orientation meeting  and will meet in person for 2-3 hours per week on Wednesday's  at 5:30 p.m. for a fun interactive work shop (or Virtually via zoom if we are unable to meet in person) through early November.  Throughout the program you will have opportunities to attend networking & professional development events to practice your skills at as well as participate in a Veterans Community Service project.   On November 9 we will be awarding each Veteran their GIFT PACKAGE at our graduation celebration party at the American Legion in Des Plaines . All Veterans & Military spouses  that apply will be invited to a job fair in November  where they will have the opportunity to meet HR professionals from across the region to talk about job opportunities available.  For more information on the Veterans Boot Camp program visit the  Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce and Industry website at:  www.desplaineschamber.com- click on the Veterans Tab.

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