Top 10 Questions About the DoD SkillBridge Program

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First things first: What's SkillBridge?

The DoD SkillBridge/Career Skills Program is the best-kept secret in the military. It’s an opportunity for Service Members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during their last 180 days of service. With command authorization, separating Service Members can be granted up to 180 days of permissive duty to focus on full-time training with approved industry partners—all while receiving their full military pay and allowances.

-----> Find the official FAQ on the DoD SkillBridge website:?https://skillbridge.osd.mil/faq.htm

Here are the top 10 questions we’re asked about the DoD SkillBridge Program:

1. "What if I can’t participate in a cohort?"

Not a problem! We understand that every transition is different, and we’ll tailor your SkillBridge internship to accommodate your specific needs. While we do occasionally offer cohorts, most of our internships have flexible start and end dates based on your transition timeline. Your internship will take place within your final 180 days on active duty, with an average internship length of 90–120 days. The sweet spot for applying is around 9–10 months before your separation date so you’ve got enough time to find the right company, conduct your interview, and get command approval. If you’ve got at least 9–10 months left in service, we encourage you to register on our website and start submitting applications.

2.?"Do I need a degree to do an internship?"

While some SkillBridge programs require a degree to participate, HireMilitary does not. In fact, we provide opportunities for all education and skill levels, with or without a degree. Every position has different requirements, so read through the job description to find out what’s required and what’s preferred for that specific job. You might find that professional experience can often be substituted for education. Many of our employer partners offer entry-level roles as well, so check out our website to see if you find a role that interests you.

3. "Will I have to use my GI Bill for SkillBridge?"

HireMilitary will NEVER require a Service Member to use their hard-earned benefits to participate in a SkillBridge internship. However, some SkillBridge programs do require Service Members to tap into their GI Bill to cover the costs of training. If you go this route, you’ll use a portion of the benefits you’ve earned and reduce the amount you’ll have for future education. Just be informed and make the best decision for you—if a training program requires the use of your GI Bill but leads to your dream career, go for it! Research all your options, including HireMilitary, to make sure you set yourself up for success.

-----> Bottom line: There are NO COSTS to Service Members who participate in any of HireMilitary’s internships.

4.?"What if I want to work for a company that’s not approved for SkillBridge?"

We can help with that! As an approved DoD SkillBridge provider, HireMilitary can partner with any company to create a SkillBridge internship just for you. If you find a company that’s willing to host you as a SkillBridge intern, we can connect that employer with our Business Development Manager, Kristen Lucado, who will help bring them under the HireMilitary umbrella. While we do charge employers a fee to participate, HireMilitary’s services are ALWAYS FREE to Service Members.

-----> If you’d like to learn more, send an email to [email protected] ?

5. "There are no internships in my local area. What should I do?"

Here are a few options:

• You don’t have to be on-site to do a SkillBridge internship, so look out for remote opportunities. As of this writing, HireMilitary has more than a dozen fully remote internships to choose from, and we’re adding new opportunities daily.
• While you’ll likely cover your own travel/relocation costs, you can choose to do an internship at a different location. If you go outside a 50-mile radius of your current installation, you’ll need the approval of an O5/O6.
• If you find a local company willing to host you as a SkillBridge intern, HireMilitary can help you create your own internship; see question # 4 for details.

6. "Can I participate if I'm in the National Guard or Reserves?"

We recommend you contact your local transition office before applying for a SkillBridge opportunity if you're in the National Guard or Reserves. If you're in Title 32 status, you might be able to do a SkillBridge internship, but you’ll need to first verify which guidelines your transition office is following.

7. "What if I'm medically separating?"

You can still participate in the DoD SkillBridge program, even if you're going through a medical evaluation board (MEB). There’s one caveat to this – the host employer should be aware that your start date is subject to change. Assuming the employer is flexible with your timeline, we can plan your internship based on your estimated separation date. If you’ve got six months or more before you separate, we encourage you to apply for an internship to see how our team can help.

8. "How can I get my commander to approve my request?"

SkillBridge is a relatively new program, so your commander may not know much about it. Therefore, it’s critical that you communicate with your leadership early in the process to let them know your intentions. Make it easy for them to say “yes” by creating a plan that makes you expendable to your unit. If you’re clear about what you’re asking for, there's a better chance your request will be approved. So, take ownership of your transition! The military will continue to function after you’re gone, but you’re the only one who can advocate for your future.

9. "I’m a Veteran and/or Military Spouse. Am I eligible to participate?"

The DoD SkillBridge program is designed for active-duty Service Members and select groups of the National Guard and Reserves in their last 180 days of service. Through this program, the Department of Defense continues to provide Service Members’ salaries, allowances, and benefits while they’re in training or working with approved industry partners. Therefore, Veterans and Military Spouses are not eligible to participate.

-----> If you’re a Veteran or Military Spouse, check out our careers page for nationwide and fully remote job opportunities: https://tenovallc.pinpointhq.com/

10.?"Am I guaranteed a job after my internship?"

SkillBridge is supposed to provide an opportunity with a high probability of placement, but there’s no guarantee of a job at the end of your internship. SkillBridge allows you to test your skills in the civilian world, immerse yourself in a company's culture, and see what it’s like to work there. At the same time, your host company will see if you’re a good fit for their organization. Once your internship is over, they are not required to extend a job offer, and you are not required to accept it if they do.

-----> While there's no guarantee of a job offer, 97% of HireMilitary Interns are hired for full-time employment by their host companies once they complete their internships!

The Final Word

Without a doubt, SkillBridge is the best transition program the Department of Defense has to offer. The opportunity to gain civilian skills and experience with a prospective employer is a game-changer for Service Members getting out of the military. It allows you to build a professional network, gain insights into how industry operates, and it can lead to a better career and salary. Let HireMilitary help you start your next career—even before you transition from the military!

As an authorized DoD SkillBridge provider, HireMilitary partners with companies to offer the following:

• A FREE service for Transitioning Service Members.
• Internships for all skill levels, with or without a degree.
• Nationwide locations and fully remote opportunities.
• Flexible start and end dates based on your transition timeline.
• We provide the paperwork and walk you through the process to get command approval.
• We can partner with ANY company to help you create your own internship.

-----> Apply for SkillBridge internships today!?https://app.hiremilitary.us/job-result?type=internship ?