UMKC TalentLink is a proud co-sponsor of the 5^th Annual Greater Kansas City Veterans Career Fair on Friday, February 4, 1-4 pm, located at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd. Representatives from UMKC TalentLink, UMKC Human Resources, and UMKC Student Veteran Support Services will be present at the free event created for the military community and their families.

UMKC TalentLink connects individuals and organizations to professional development and training through non-degree workshops, courses, and certifications. At UMKC TalentLink’s event table, attendees may learn more about training for in-demand fields that can assist with career advancement and job goals. Executive director Jake Akehurst and business development director Candice Haines at UMKC TalentLink will be available to discuss custom training needs at businesses and organizations.

Haines’s motivation to be involved in this year’s event is both personal and professional. She’s married to an Army veteran and teamed with four other veterans to establish the event.

“We started this event five years ago to support active military, veterans, and military families in the Kansas City area,” says Haines, a co-founder, board member, and co-organizer of the career fair. “We wanted to bring Kansas City’s employers and the military community together.”

Now as a business development director at UMKC TalentLink, Haines is also able to connect the military community to professional development opportunities. Haines says, “UMKC TalentLink is excited to introduce its career training courses and workshops to military attendees and their families.”

Stephen Reese, UMKC senior human resource specialist in talent acquisition, and Eric Gormly, assistant director at UMKC Student Veteran Support Services, will greet job seekers, veterans, and active service members at the fair. Reese and Gormly will address questions about employment opportunities and enrollment in UMKC’s degree programs.

This year marks the first appearance of UMKC representatives at the Veterans Career Fair. More than 600 veterans, active service members, and military family members attended last year’s fair.

Distinguished guests attending from Ft. Leavenworth include Mr. Formica (Deputy to the Commanding General), Col. Misenheimer (Garrison Commander), Mr. Bevers (Deputy to the Garrison Commander), and Mr. Fuller (Director, Human Resources).

This year’s event provides job seekers with the opportunity to attend a free workshop from 9 to 10 a.m., presented by the USO Kansas Transition Office from Fort Riley, Kansas, to provide tips for transitioning service members on redefining military skills into existing and emerging career opportunities. Volunteers will also be available from 10 am to 12:30 pm to provide job seekers with advice and tips on resumes and LinkedIn profiles. The Goodwill Mobile Workforce Center will be on hand so job seekers can update their resumes or profiles onsite.

Visit veteranscareerfair.com for more information and to register for the event. Learn more about career-related training and professional development at UMKC TalentLink.