Madison Covington, pictured, recently earned a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness. She had a goal of becoming a Federal Special Agent; however, she had no professional work experience.
Covington, a dependent family member of two veterans, was referred by the program manager of the Fort Cavazos Soldier Recovery Unit to TVC Veteran Employment Services Family Career Advisor Dee Stewart.
“She voiced her disappointment of submitting job applications, only to not get selected to move forward in the hiring process. She stated she was ‘not interested in becoming a police officer’ but would consider it if necessary to build on her long-term career goals,” said Stewart.
Stewart first worked with Covington on job search skills including submitting applications and interviewing. Then Stewart leveraged her connections.
“Dee utilized her network of law enforcement professionals with whom she’s built long and fruitful partnerships with, to obtain guidance on how to best assist Covington,” said Paul Julio, TVC Employment Services Central Texas District Outreach Coordinator and Army veteran. “An employer advised that the client should consider a position within a police department, not necessarily an officer position, to gain experience in law enforcement.”
Stewart, pictured, shared this advice with Covington and informed her about a Telecommunicator position with the Harker Heights Police Department.
After Covington applied, “I reached out to my contact at the police department to inform them that the client had applied, at which point the client was invited to interview,” said Stewart. “After the interview, I followed up with the department and was informed that Ms. Covington interviewed very well and was offered the position.”
Both Covington and the Harker Heights Police expressed their appreciation to Stewart and how pleased each was with the hire.
Stewart was pleased to have been a part of this employment success. “As a military spouse and mother of grown dependents, the news was a joyful moment, knowing the client has started her journey into a successful career,” said Stewart.
Stewart has been a TVC Family Career Advisor for six years assisting military spouses and dependent family members in the Central Texas area. A veteran spouse and mother of three children, she experienced firsthand being unemployed and underemployed as a military spouse. Her husband served 27 years of active-duty service for the United States Army. With each new duty station, approximately every two years, she had to deal with the struggle of seeking new employment. “Due to this experience,” said Julio, “She can relate whole heartily with her clients. She strives to relieve their struggles by not only assisting with employment skills but also with motivation, encouragement and hope.”
Get help from TVC Employment Services in your area. Find their office nearest you at https://www.twc.texas.gov/directory-workforce-solutions-offices-services