SkillBridge is a Department of Defense (DoD) program that allows service members to complete an internship with a civilian company during the last 180 days of their active-duty contract. You get released from duties at your military installation for a permissive temporary duty assignment with UPMC performing industry relevant tasks that prepare you for civilian employment. In effect, UPMC becomes your temporary military command structure and appointed place of duty. As the largest Department of Defense SkillBridge provider in Pennsylvania, UPMC is ready to help you transition out of active duty and into a rewarding and meaningful civilian career.
Any rank, enlisted or officer, may apply for SkillBridge. During SkillBridge participation you continue to receive military compensation and you are covered by your military benefits. Release for SkillBridge is always mission-dependent and your unit Commander must authorize participation prior to entering into any agreement with UPMC.
Contact us to learn more about SkillBridge opportunities at UPMC.
"My SkillBridge internship at UPMC was as a project manager focusing on recruiting and talent acquisition. During the internship, I also interviewed for a full-time project management role and was offered a full-time position.
Throughout the internship, I learned about the UPMC business model and structure. This will make my transition to a full-time role seamless and stress free. Additionally, I was able to glean important knowledge from current project managers while learning about process improvement methodologies. Individuals in supervisory positions engaged in professional development while peers wholeheartedly supported on the job learning. UPMC provided a valuable SkillBridge program that personally set me up for success."
Kyle Grabowski, US Army
"After spending 20 years in the Air Force, I was very unsure of what my career post-military would look like. I was hopeful when I realized UPMC is a SkillBridge provider. My internship really enlightened me on the differences between the military and a civilian company. I was really excited to learn that UPMC has such a large population of veterans, which made the transition a little easier. I was also pleased to learn of the different resources UPMC provides for veterans. I am forever grateful for the UPMC SkillBridge opportunity that turned into full-time employment once my active service days were complete."
Doug Ickes, US Air Force
"My family and I made the decision to retire from the US Air Force and move closer to family. UPMC was among the expanding SkillBridge participants in the Pittsburgh area I found during my search. My internship at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, including the SkilBridge application, the interview process, to understanding the day-to-day operations, has been an extremely positive experience. From the hospital President on down, the entire staff was invested in me and supported my military-to-civilian transition. I highly recommend UPMC for any transitioning military members!"
Greg Merski, US Air Force
UPMC is a proud partner of the U.S. Army’s Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program. The program allows eligible soldiers to choose UPMC as a sponsor and in turn, guarantees the soldier a job interview for selected jobs at UPMC. It is our goal to ensure a successful future for all soldiers when the time comes to choose your post-military career path.
Learn more about the U.S. Army Partnership for Your Success program.
Current Job Openings:
UPMC is a proud sponsor of the Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) Programs, supporting both transitioning service members and their spouses. This program allows service members, military spouses, and veterans an opportunity to gain valuable experience with UPMC. Our Pathways for Veterans team is ready to connect with you and determine how to best set you up for success.
Contact us to learn more about Hiring Our Heroes opportunities at UPMC.
In October 2021, UPMC Pathways for Veterans was launched with the aim to increase veteran hiring by providing a personalized approach to the UPMC job search and application process. While operated by UPMC Health Plan through the UPMC Pathways to Work program, Pathways for Veterans supports all UPMC-affiliated business functions, and geographic areas within UPMC.
The Pathways for Veterans team provides concierge job search assistance to members of the military community (including spouses and partners) who are looking for a meaningful career opportunity. When applicants partner with this team, they have an ~80% chance of making it to at least a hiring manager review.
Complete our intake survey to give our team an understanding of your skills, interests, and preferences with a current or future UPMC opportunity. We will work with you to ensure alignment with the proper position before you apply. Our team will provide individual attention and guidance throughout the application process and answer any questions along the way.
"Since retiring from the Marine Corps in 2021, my transition from Hawaii back to my home state of Pennsylvania was very difficult. After having three jobs over the course of a year, I was still looking for the right fit. Through some veteran contacts, I met members of the UPMC Pathways for Veterans team. I was invited to a UPMC veteran career fair at Heinz Field and warmly welcomed by all. I also had several personalized interviews with veteran recruiters who took the time to learn about my situation, experiences, and interests. I finally felt a sense of belonging and a focus on unconditionally helping others. Once I was hired, colleagues in my department were extremely welcoming and helpful in getting me comfortable in my new position. It feels great and I would recommend UPMC to anyone, especially transitioning service members. The opportunities are endless."
Samuel Cunningham, US Marine Corps
UPMC has a strong veteran culture which allows you to continue to be a part of a vibrant military/veteran community.
UPMC Serves is an Employee Resource Groups comprised of veterans, active duty/reserves, national guard, spouses, or other employees who wish to be involved with the support of individuals who have served our country. Our mission is to leverage our time, energy, and talent to solve issues facing veterans and their supporters throughout our communities.
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about all of the Military and Veteran Initiatives at UPMC, contact Erik Orient, Director for Military and Veterans Affairs or Doug Ickes, Military Programs Manager.
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