Military Spouse Hiring and Employment Programs

When I decided I wanted to re-enter the real estate industry, I knew I wanted to join the best company to align with my career path and goals. I had previously communicated with another, large commercial real estate company but the communication and level of reciprocation from C&W was beyond what I had been experiencing. Prior to my interest in C&W, I had my real estate license, worked for a residential builder and overall experience in customer service/project management. I felt that I had relevant experience to join and bring value to the company but was trying to navigate my role as a military spouse. They understood my interest and specifically, working remote. Not because I was trying to “cut-out” a commute but to increase the likelihood of career continuity. I can say I am confident that no matter what future commitments my family must fulfill in my wife’s service, C&W will allow me the opportunity to not just stay with the company but to grow with them as well.

As a military spouse myself, I know and understand the thoughts and worry when looking for not just a job, but a career. We ask ourselves if employers will see several job changes and automatically think it is because of our work ethic? Or maybe we won’t even get an interview because we have too much experience. Or is it even safe to say that we have a military affiliation, will that automatically take us out of the running, or will that employer see the strengths we bring to the table because of it.

A challenge that I’ve experienced was moving from a large city, with lots of opportunities in my field, to a rural area where there were significantly less options. This made work not only much harder to find, but there was a difference in the pay range as well. When preparing for the growth of our family, like many other military spouses, I felt like I was put in a position to either continue working to solely pay for childcare, or temporally leave my career to stay at home.

I am very thankful that I did not have to make that decision because I found my remote position at Cushman & Wakefield. Not only have I been able to continue my career through the growth of our family, but we have moved from one state to another, and back again, all while feeling supported and having job security. C&W has given me the opportunity to build my career with no interruptions by providing me the opportunity to work remotely!

As a young kid from the Caribbean, I had no insight into life in the US Military. While the military does provide lots of great benefits for service members and their families, when I became a military spouse, I realized there are still tons of challenges that come with the lifestyle.

I have personally never been able to use the word “career” when discussing what I did for a living, until I was given the opportunity to bring my talent to Cushman & Wakefield. In 2020, amid the pandemic I was hired as an Occupancy Strategist supporting Space & Occupancy Management for a client in NYC. The Cushman & Wakefield leadership recognized my potential and invested into me so I could become the success I am today. 

When it was time for a PCS (Permanent Change of Station), I was reassured that I was an asset to the company and was not at risk losing my career because of the move. This is an example of how this organization shows up for their people with unwavering commitment. 

Graduating from college in 2020 put a wrench in a lot of my plans.  I moved as planned to join my now husband at his training command, a 12 hour drive away from home.  Jobs were harder to find, leaving the house was discouraged, and I had left behind the connections I made in college to live in a new state.  Then in six months we moved to the opposite coast.  At the beginning of 2021, finding my first job in the industry felt impossible.  In a new city, during a pandemic, and knowing I would be leaving within the next four years, I struggled to find employment in my field.  My lack of location stability and professional experience were not interesting to employers, even though the reasons behind them were very good.  Interviews would go great, until my inability to guarantee being in that location for more than a year or two was brought up and many jobs were asking for a minimum of 8 years of experience for an entry level position.  
 
Remote work with Cushman & Wakefield changed everything for me.  C&W supports me in every way they can, allowing me the flexibility to be able to maximize my time and energy in all aspects of my life.   They encourage me to take care of my health, both mental and physical, and take steps to be competitive with the market area I work from.  My team works with me in my unique circumstances and understands that I am a person first.  C&W has given me the ability to build my career while I support my husband's mental and financial welfare in one of the most expensive cities in the nation.  I feel truly appreciated for not only what I bring to work but also for who I am.”