Military spouse employment in the technology sector: VetsinTech roundtable proceedings

Abstract: In May 2023, VetsinTech hosted a policy roundtable to address the multifaceted challenges that military spouses face when pursuing tech education, employment, and entrepreneurship. The discussion focused on how the tech sector is uniquely positioned to mitigate these challenges. In general, the tech sector offers relatively high salaries, stable careers, career flexibility through remote work opportunities, and an overall high quality of life. These solutions are particularly effective in addressing frequent relocations, employment gaps, licensing and certification issues, and underemployment. Additionally, the roundtable explored how the tech sector, the U.S. Department of Defense, independent organizations, and other key interested parties can support military spouse entrepreneurship by providing resources, networking opportunities, and access to capital. A team from RAND, in collaboration with VetsinTech, summarized discussions and main takeaways from the roundtable. The purpose of this document is to provide policymakers, organizations serving military spouses, and stakeholders with information about key challenges that military spouses face and potential solutions brought forward by roundtable participants.

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