Veterans Employment Trajectory (VET) Initiative Summer Internship Program (sponsored by Prudential)
Sponsored by the Prudential Foundation, the Veterans Employment Trajectory (VET) Initiative is designed to cultivate veterans’ career advancement and workforce preparedness. This 10-week professional immersion program serves as a platform for increasing veterans’ access to quality jobs and preparing them to transition from university life to the civilian working world.
Twenty (20) qualified student veterans from around the country will be selected to participate in the VET Initiative in Washington, D.C., from June 6 - August 7, 2021. Through key partnerships, career advancement sessions and professional immersion, the VET Initiative provides veterans with the tools and resources not only to overcome obstacles in the workforce, but also to translate and enhance their leadership experiences for civilian life.
Program Components
- Internship providing a professional workforce immersion experience with an organization that fits the participant’s interests, skills and experience as a veteran (four days per week, 25-32 total hours)
- Professional Advancement Colloquium enhancing career advancement competencies specific to veteran strengths and challenges through coursework, workshops, career coaching, development of a career strategy plan, career fair and site visits to organizations in a variety of sectors (one day per week)
Program Learning Objectives
Through the VET Initiative, participants will:
- Develop a strong understanding of their skillsets and abilities, how their military experience translates to civilian employment, as well as what their niche is in the civilian workforce
- Enhance their understanding of the civilian sector and the required competencies for employment
- Establish a strong support network with fellow veterans through the exploration of community identity
- Strengthen key skills such as self-marketing, leadership, networking, oral and written communication, conflict resolution, critical thinking and problem-solving through participation in guided discussions, workshops, a career strategy plan and other program activities
Important Dates
- Application deadline: February 1, 2021, 11:59 p.m. EST
- 2021 program dates: June 6 - August 7, 2021
Scholarship Information
The scholarship, funded by the Prudential Foundation, covers most expenses (over a $14,000 value) including:
- Program fees
- Housing
- Financial aid of $2,000
- Transportation, hotel and food during the VET Summit in Newark, NJ
Participants will be housed at TWC’s state-of-the-art, fully furnished residential facilities. Financial aid will be provided within two weeks of the start of the program and will be taxable. Contact veterans@twc.edu to discuss options for applicants with dependents or individuals with unique circumstances.
Eligibility
- Honorably discharged veterans who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program when applying
- Maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered
- Veterans with a strong desire to excel in their civilian professional life and obtain a high quality job post-service
How to Apply: Complete the VET Initiative application online by February 1, 2021. The following are required in order to submit the application:
- Resume
- Unofficial university transcript (official also accepted)
- DD214 form
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of professional interest
- Issues essay (writing sample)