Sean, a U.S. military veteran and customer of CareerForce had this inspiring story to share about the 17th Annual Veterans Career Fair in May 2023. Here's what he sent to us, in his own words:

During my graduation week of college, I took the initiative to go to theCareerForce Veteran's Career fair in Brooklyn Center that one of my professors at St. Cloud State University and my CareerForce veteran employment specialist both emailed me about.

I was greeted by many different employers and spoke with a few. AVA in Albertville hit home with me because I was interacting with Marine veterans and they were especially easy to talk with. Two of the employers from AVA reached out to me after the career fair and scheduled an interview. I accepted the interview and went to their Albertville location.

They were very accommodating when I arrived for my interview. I talked with the recruiter and then interviewed with an Army veteran to see where my fit in the company would be. I toured the facility and asked question as needed. He answered all my questions fairly and honestly. Veterans truly look out for one another.

I received a job offer the Friday after my Monday interview. I proceeded to think about the job over the weekend as I went to another career fair in Little Falls that Wednesday. I was able to visit with my CareerForce veteran employment specialist at the Little Falls location. I was also able to set up another interview at the career fair. I had one job interview the Friday I was offered the position at AVA. The other company set me up with a job interview for Monday.

I informed AVA that I had another interview on Monday and that I would update them after I completed that. The interview went well, however I was the first to apply in a list of candidates. I decided to accept the offer at AVA. The process required work, but paid off in the end with a extremely veteran-friendly company that I am excited to start working for.

Thank for everyone who helped me on this journey.