Disability:IN Operation Opportunity: Frequently Asked Questions

Calling all Veterans Seeking Meaningful Careers

Are you a veteran actively seeking a program that values your unique skills and experiences while helping you build a fulfilling career?

Designed to empower junior enlisted veterans, Disability:IN's new Operation Opportunity helps translate military strengths into professional skills that resonate with top employers. This program provides tailored workshops, resume support, and access to a network of mentors, peers, and corporate leaders who recognize and value veteran contributions.

Through Operation Opportunity, veterans gain the tools and connections to enhance economic mobility, build professional relationships, and support mental well-being.

Applications are open to all veterans.

Operation Opportunity Frequently Asked Questions

Application

1. How can I apply? Veterans interested in participating in the program can visit DisabilityIN.Org/OperationOpportunity to complete and submit their program applications.
2. What is the application deadline? There is no deadline as of right now. The program will begin in the middle of December, but applications will be approved on a rolling basis. We encourage all veterans who are interested to submit their applications as soon as possible to increase their chances of participation.
3. Do I have to have a disability? You do not have to have a disability to apply or participate. However, preference will be given to veterans who plan to or have already applied for a service-connected disability.
4. I wasn't a junior enlisted veteran - can I still apply? Yes. This application is open to all veterans.
5. When can I expect a response from Disability:IN about my application? Disability:IN will begin accepting applicants in early December.
6. Do I need to have a college degree? No. One of the starting points in this program is that junior enlisted veterans bring skills to the workforce that are comparable, if not greater than, those acquired over the course of a four-year degree. Those actively pursuing college are specifically invited to apply.
7. I'm already participating in the Disability:IN NextGen Leader program. Can I apply? Veterans in the NextGen Leader program are encouraged to apply for Operation Opportunity as these programs are complimentary of each other and is okay to 'double down'.

Social Connection Circles

1. What are the goals of the social connection circles? During the program, the social connection circles aim to build a strong social and professional network that can serve career development in the long term.
2. Why is networking so important? Many veterans use their professional networks to advance through their careers, finding opportunities that may not be publicized. Building a strong network can also help avoid submitting resumes and applications into what sometimes feels like a void.
3. What will the format of the connection circles be? The connection circles will meet virtually and will convene guest speakers to introduce themes or ideas before transitioning to breakout rooms, where participants will have opportunities to connect with other participants, the speakers, and their mentors.

Resume & Transferable Skill Workshops

1. What will we work on in these workshops? New tools that support the recognition of transferrable “hard” skills (such as those acquired through Military Occupational Specialty or MOS training), and “soft” skills (such as resilience, persistence, and maturity acquired through service) will be introduced. Participants will have opportunities to interact and evaluate which of the tools are most useful. Tools that support resume development and customization will also be introduced, along with instruction on varied approaches for language choices that support employer understanding of those skills.
2. What if I need more individualized support? Individual “office hours” support will be available in April and May which will allow veterans to gain feedback on resumes from established professionals.

Hiring Showcase

1. Who will be at the hiring showcases? A diverse range of Disability:IN Inclusion Works partners will attend all of the showcases with many partners seeking to actively hire the program participants.
2. What if I'm not hired after the showcase? There will be other opportunities that are developed on a case-by-case basis to support participants in securing meaningful, engaging work with our corporate partners.

Social Media Components & Participant Visibility

1. Is there a social component to the program and can I be involved? Information gathered from social connection circles - especially individual veteran stories - will be spotlighted via Disability:IN social media channels to highlight the incredible skills and attributes that junior enlisted veterans bring into the workforce.
2. Will i be asked to participate in the social media efforts? Over the course of the connection circles, workshops, and hiring showcases, individuals with stories that specifically illustrate the untapped talent pool of junior enlisted veterans will be invited to share their stories.

Disability:IN is proud to offer this opportunity to support our veterans in their transition and placement with leading companies. You can support this initiative by SHARING this article with your network and TAGGING any veterans who you believe may be interested in applying.

Apply today at https://disabilityin.org/OperationOpportunity