“We go beyond saying, ‘Thank you for your service.’”
Like many veterans, Erik Orient had to navigate a move to the corporate world after a 22-year career in the Marine Corps. He knows firsthand how difficult the acclimation process can be for veterans.
"The key is talking to someone, not just looking at a resume," says Erik, director, Military Affairs, UPMC Health Plan. "Because you can look at a resume and say, 'I don't see an alignment here.' But when you talk to someone, you can pick up on what they're good at."
The veterans career fair offers on-site interviews and the opportunity to explore a variety of opportunities at UPMC. Positions range from entry-level to advanced-level in various fields. Options include customer service, project management, supply chain, nursing and clinical, insurance, human resources, information technology, and more.
Veterans can also receive resume assistance while learning about roles that align with their interests and skills.
Attendees are encouraged to "come as you are," whether that means stopping by after work or bringing their kids along. Event organizers understand the significant role family members play in a veteran's success.
Making the event a true family affair, the career fair's services also extend to family members. Spouses seeking jobs can also make connections and expand their networks.
"No one succeeds in the military on their own," Erik says. "You have the people to your left and your right, and the family support network. So, we want to honor that and give those people the same opportunities that we give to the veterans."
Erik describes UPMC's commitment to veterans as going beyond saying, "Thank you for your service."
UPMC has been named a top-10 Military Friendly Employer. The distinction recognizes UPMC for meeting or exceeding its commitments in critical areas, including recruiting, hiring, and training veterans and military spouses.
More than 1,600 UPMC employees self-identify as veterans, with about 300 to 400 veterans applying to UPMC each month.
Erik or Doug Ickes, military programs manager, personally reaches out to each applicant. Doug says veterans often mention how quickly UPMC responds — something they do not always experience with other employers.
"Everybody comes in with different goals," Doug says. "We just try to align what we can offer with those goals and see where it lies. They just need that opportunity."
At UPMC, Life Changing Medicine means helping veterans and military members succeed in their careers.
Learn more about programs, events, and opportunities UPMC offers to veterans and their families.
Pittsburgh (KDKA): UPMC career fair helps veterans find jobs.
Working in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh and a wide range of community organizations, we are committed to improving the health of the communities we serve.
Life Changing Medicine at UPMC is made possible every day through the generosity of numerous individuals, corporations and foundations.
With volunteers ranging from teens to seniors and options involving office work or patient care, there's a place for all qualifying volunteers at nearly two dozen UPMC hospitals.
