Due to the program’s success, Salesforce is extending the initiative into 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nearly 40 veterans and military spouses are one step closer to high paying, in-demand careers as Salesforce professionals.
Through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes (HOH), the Salesforce Fellowship Program recently completed its first 12-week fellowship cohort, graduating nearly 40 fellows and partnering with 21 host companies representing a variety of industries throughout the United States. Most host companies plan to extend job offers to their fellows, said Eric Eversole, president of Hiring Our Heroes and vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“The Salesforce Fellowship Program is a game changer on how we approach upskilling military talent for in-demand roles. Through this program, Salesforce-certified veterans and military spouses receive on-the-job experience and at the same time, employers are able to fill a talent gap at their organizations without any cost to them. I’m confident the success of this program can be replicated among other in-demand career fields,” Eversole said.
Launched in May 2020, the Salesforce Fellowship Program is an initiative developed through a collaboration between Salesforce and Hiring Our Heroes. The hands-on experience offered through the program prepares fellows for a smooth transition into Salesforce careers. Participating host companies benefit by gaining access to skilled, certified professionals, while also developing a more comprehensive understanding of the veteran and military spouse job market.
“This fellowship has put money directly into the pockets of military families at a time many are experiencing uncertainty and with the extension of the program we will continue to do that,” said Ann Weeby, head of Salesforce Military. “Our customers and partners benefit from incredible talent and our military Trailblazers get valuable work experience — truly a win-win.
The fellows earned their Salesforce certifications through Salesforce Military, a free, self-paced training program for active duty military, veterans, and military spouses. The program utilizes Trailhead, Salesforce’s online learning platform. All certification exams are offered at no cost for qualified members of the military community.
For Air Force veteran Stephanie Brown, the Salesforce Fellowship Program is the competitive edge she needed for a career pivot away from the hospitality industry and into the tech industry.
“Like millions of people, I was laid off when my employer shut down due to coronavirus restrictions. I made the decision to change the course of my life and jumped on Trailhead Military,” she said. “Even before COVID-19, I had already been thinking it was time to pursue a career path with a better employment outlook. I’ve always loved working with technology, and Trailhead is a tremendous opportunity.”
Given the program’s success, Salesforce is extending the program and its collaboration with Hiring Our Heroes. HOH is accepting applications for the next cohort starting January 11, 2021. The application deadline is November 6, 2020.
About Salesforce
Salesforce, the global CRM leader, empowers companies of every size and industry to digitally transform and create a 360° view of their customers. For more information about Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), visit: www.salesforce.com.
About Hiring Our Heroes
Hiring Our Heroesis (HOH) is a 501(c)3 organization under the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The non-profit launched in March 2011 as a nationwide initiative to help veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses find meaningful employment. Working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s vast network of state and local chambers and other strategic partners from the public, private and nonprofit sectors, Hiring Our Heroes has helped hundreds of thousands of veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment through its comprehensive training and hiring events, fellowship programs, and online tools. HOH programs and services are available in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and on military installations around the world.
About The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF)
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness by addressing developments that affect our nation, our economy, and the global business environment.
