Military Spouse Career Counseling

The Department of Defense Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program provides comprehensive counseling services free of charge to all eligible military spouses. Spouses of active-duty service members in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and members of the Reserve Component (regardless of activation status) are eligible for career counseling services.

A counselor can help you at any stage of your career — from looking for the right school to connecting with potential employers. Call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 to speak with a certified Career Counselor.

Career counseling program

Each certified Career Counselor has a national certification and a master's degree in education, adult education, vocational counseling or human services. Because counselors are knowledgeable and experienced in education and career counseling, they're effective at helping military spouses use their education, training and skills to find a career.

Counselors offer resources, support and ideas to help you take the next step toward finding meaningful employment. They can help you with the following:

• Career exploration — A certified Career Counselor can help you identify your career interests and abilities. You'll learn how to understand skills assessments and get information on today's job market, portable careers, entrepreneurships and federal employment options.
• Education, training and licensure — You'll learn about education options and licensing requirements, and how to identify, compare and weigh the costs of potential schools and programs.
• Employment readiness — As you prepare to join or re-enter the workforce, certified Career Counselors can help you with job search strategies, resume writing, interviewing, networking and self-marketing skills.
• Career connections — You'll find the best ways to connect with corporations, government organizations and nonprofits, and how to use your resources, like the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, for employment opportunities.

You may work with the same counselor during multiple sessions, depending on your needs. A case management system is used to ensure continuity of service.

Certified career counselors are available from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Military OneSource representatives handle after-hours calls and get basic information for the certified Career Counselor to use the next business day.