Overview
Why SkillBridge?
Because as a transitioning service member you can still get paid by the DoD while gaining certification & skills training, on-the-job-training (OJT), and experience by industry experts. Vets2PM trains you on hot industry certifications, and our host partners provide OJT – giving you the opportunity to gain valuable civilian work experience before you transition!
Why Vets2PM?
We understand you and your goals!
Validating your experience and training in the minds of hiring managers is important. We have helped thousands of people through career transitions and we can help you too. We don’t stop at training like most other outfits, we are the complete package of preparation and placement.
Also, we are not just a one-trick pony, we can get you training in Project Management, Cyber/IT, General Management, and much more!
Getting Started
Step 1: Review the pipeline options and complete SkillBridge Interest Form. NOTE: This form should not be completed from a government computer and will require you to upload your resume. When you successfully submit the form a pop-up acknowledgment will appear. If it doesn’t, scroll to the top of the screen to see if there were form errors.
Step 2: Check your email for acknowledgment and best practices for success. NOTE: We communicate through email. PLEASE check your inbox/spam/junk folder regularly for communication from Vets2PM.
Step 3: Apply to one or multiple internships on our job board for DoD SkillBridge opportunities. NOTE: Only apply for those that make sense for you and your career objectives.
Step 4: If our host partner wants to interview you, we will reach out to schedule an interview. If selected for an internship we will provide you with an Approval Letter and Training Schedule to use for your command approval process. NOTE: Do not apply for command approval until you receive this from Vets2PM.
Step 5: Once you achieve command approval, send us your signed approval form immediately. NOTE: You cannot start an internship through our program until we receive your signed approval form.
Step 6: We will email you two weeks before your start date with onboarding action items and throughout the entire internship. NOTE: Check your email inbox/spam/junk folders regularly!
QUESTIONS? Email us at: [email protected]
SkillBridge Pipelines
Project Management Pipeline
Overview
The idea is to transform you into a “Multi-Purpose Project Manager” (MPPM) that has both predictive and agile training and/or experience. If you match with a Project Management SkillBridge internship, you may earn certifications (PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP, or Scrum) to validate your work history in the minds of hiring managers. You will receive on-the-job-training (OJT) to fulfill the project manager experience hurdle. (All internships come with resume builder, LinkedIn optimization course, and interview skills workshop.)
Eligibility
- A 4-year degree (for PMP)
- 36 months experience leading projects, i.e. missions or exercises
- 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® Certification (our training meets these requirements)
— OR —
- A high school diploma or an associate’s degree (or global equivalent)
- 60 months leading projects, i.e. missions or exercises
- 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® Certification
What are the costs?
That is the best part, wait for it, wait for it, it is FREE! Well, it is free to the transitioning service member through the DoD SkillBridge program and contributing corporate America contributions.
IT/Cyber Professional Pipeline
Overview
The concept is to train (via training only OR with OJT) to industry hot certifications that ensure you are 8570/8140 compliant and provide you with the technical training and/or certifications in line with your target job/industry. If you match with one of our IT/Cyber SkillBridge internships, you will prepare for an entry-level (or above) IT or Cyber career. We offer two types of internships: Training Only or internships with OJT with a host company. All IT/Cyber internships are listed on our job board. You will have unlimited access to all the training modules you can fit in during this internship. Some internships will include one certification exam fee, and the training-only internship will direct you to use another resource for the exam fee, such as GI Bill/VA, etc. Training-Only internships do not include OJT.. (All internships come with resume builder, LinkedIn optimization course, and interview skills workshop.)
Eligibility
- The capability to obtain at least CompTIA’s Sec+ certification
- Experience or serious interest in IT/Cybersecurity career field
- A current DoD security clearance
- For Training-Only internships, you will have the ability to manage your own schedule while working in a self-paced environment with guidance from Vets2PM and our host partner
- To be accepted into this internship you must be a fit for a potential hire with your host company after the internship. You will interview with the host company before being selected to discuss future career goals and potential match with company opportunities.
Note: If you have all of the above, you are eligible! If you have certifications already, this is the opportunity to train for advanced certifications for your chosen career path
What are the costs?
That is the best part, wait for it, wait for it, it is FREE! Well, it is free to the transitioning service member through the DoD SkillBridge program and contributing corporate America contributions. (All training is free; some may require you to fund your exam fee(s) if they are training-only internships.)
General Management Pipeline
Overview
Eligibility
- High school diploma
- Military service or a few years of management experience
Note: If you have all of the above, you are eligible!
What are the costs?
That is the best part, wait for it, wait for it, it is FREE! Well, it is free to the transitioning service member through the DoD SkillBridge program and contributing corporate America contributions.
Human Resources Pipeline
Overview
Eligibility
What are the costs?
That is the best part, wait for it, wait for it, it is FREE! Well, it is free to the transitioning service member through the DoD SkillBridge program and contributing corporate America contributions.
Business Development Professional Pipeline
Overview
The mission is to provide those interested in the Business Development profession with on-the-job-training (OJT). If you match with a BD SkillBridge internship, this internship may also include the Business Development Professional (BDP) certification training from the Global Business Development Association (GBDA).
There are two major pathways, one for a career in in Account Management, Sales, Recruiting, etc. (E-5 and above with Associates degree)
The second is Business Growth Officer, Business Development, Business Development Analyst, etc. (E-7 through E-9, or O3 and above with Bachelors degree) in corporate America.
All internships come with resume builder, LinkedIn optimization course, and interview skills workshop.
Eligibility
What are the costs?
That is the best part, wait for it, wait for it, it is FREE! Well, it is free to the transitioning service member through the DoD SkillBridge program and contributing corporate America contributions.
Skillbridge Interest Form
Here’s What Our SkillBridge Residents (Interns) Say
SkillBridge Military Member FAQs
Can I find my own company to do a SkillBridge with?
Absolutely! Vets2PM would be happy for the opportunity to facilitate an internship with any company.
What if I find a company who is not DoD SkillBridge approved?
That’s okay! Vets2PM is a DoD Approved third party provider and can facilitate a SkillBridge for you.
Will I get time off to take care of my VA and medical appointments?
Yes. We know how important maintaining your Veterans Affairs and medical appointments are and we educate all of our Host companies on the immense impact these appointments can be to a successful transition. Please coordinate all appointments with your Host Supervisor, and provide them as much advanced notice as possible.
Can I apply for jobs and Interview with other companies while conducting a SkillBridge with another Company?
Yes, in fact, we recommend that you don’t put all of your eggs in one basket and continue to apply and interview.
Will I get an interview with the company I am interning with?
Yes. You will receive an interview with your host company at some point in your internship.
What if the company doesn’t have an open position for me to be hired full-time? Can I still do a SkillBridge program with them?
Yes. We know that some companies, due to fiscal restrictions, are unable to commit to a full-time position. But, that doesn’t mean they can’t provide a positive learning experience for our transitioning veterans. You never know, our veterans are amazing and provide a lot of value added to a company that it may be difficult to refuse providing you a job offer!
How do companies select their Interns?
Vets2PM mirrors the hiring model of many companies. We provide resumes of our candidates who apply for their positions. The host can then interview the candidates and make their selection.
When should I apply for a SkillBridge?
You can technically apply at any time. However, unless a company is doing a scheduled or cohort style internship, they rarely select a candidate that has a 6 month or later projected start date. But that’s okay…if you are projected to separate or retire in the next year, it’ll give you more time to monitor our SkillBridge opportunities on our job Board. We are ALWAYS adding more companies and more SkillBridge Internships.
I filled out the SkillBridge Interest Form…what next?
Once you fill out our Interest form, you will receive an email (please check your SPAM…sometimes that’s where we end up). That email will tell you the next steps. But, you don’t have to wait for that email to take a look at our SkillBridge opportunities and apply directly from the Job Board.
I applied but why didn’t I receive a confirmation email?
Well, sometimes the internet just doesn’t work like it should or doesn’t like what you uploaded as a resume. Please verify that the system did not “error” out on you while filling out the SkillBridge interest form by scrolling to the top of the page and look for any error messages. Keep in mind if you used a .mil email address the military servers probably filtered your email.
I filled out the SkillBridge Interest form and applied for an opportunity. What next?
The Vets2PM team will send you an email following your application, and we will either send you a note to ask questions, or will present you to the host company. As soon as we hear from the host company we will contact you. We will work hard to assist you on your journey to find a SkillBridge Internship. This team knows how valuable this program is to a successful transition so we, again, recommend not putting all of your eggs in one basket. We want you to be triumphant in finding the “right’ match so look around.
As a Veteran, is there a fee for me to participate in a SkillBridge program with Vets2PM?
Nope.
More Questions?
For more program information, please refer to the DoD’s SkillBridge info page www.skillbridge.osd.mil and each service specific guidance or ask the Vets2PM team.
We have a chat function on the site or you can email us at [email protected].
Our Process
1. Veteran Inspiration
You have in-demand skills civilian employers need. You just need some inspiration and translation because you might not know how your current skills apply.
2. Get Certified & Credentialed
We use our decades of experience in developing, managing, and sourcing world-class training to ensure successful and in-demand certifications employers and civilian organizations need and want. Let us handle the research for you. If we don’t develop it, we find it.
3. Civilian Professional Development
It is important to walk, talk, and look professional in ways civilian organizations understand. They don’t get deployments, TDYs, or PCSs but We do! Certifications are good but you need a great resume, social profile, and interview skills to get the job, we can help.
4. Lifetime Placement Services
We proudly provide a lifetime of placement services with our proprietary, cultivated, and curated database we call “PurpleX.” Psst. joining this database is free! Click “Learn More” below to add yourself by clicking the register tab and filling in your information.