Exchange Providing Employment Opportunities for Military Spouses at Fort Polk
A Fort Polk Quality-of-Life assessment last year determined that military spouse job opportunities in the surrounding area were lacking, especially for those seeking career employment commensurate with education. Many spouses also were seeking opportunities with flexible hours to allow them to spend more time at home.
Working with installation leadership, the Exchange is promoting career opportunities for spouses at Fort Polk, including participating in a recent Virtual Career Empowerment Expo.
“We received excellent feedback from the more than 65 participants that attended the Exchange sessions, many of which were interested in opportunities through our Retail Management Program and Virtual Call Center,” said Fort Polk General Manager Ron McDuffie. “The expo was a terrific opportunity to increase awareness of the unique opportunities the Exchange offers the communities it is honored to serve.”
Expo attendees learned how to navigate ApplyMyExchange.com and find positions, including jobs at the Fort Polk PX and food court as well as management and corporate positions including virtual call center jobs in which the Exchange provides equipment and online training. The Exchange’s virtual call center fields inbound calls from authorized shoppers around the world.
The Exchange’s Services, Food and Fuel group highlighted entrepreneurial opportunities available for small or home-based businesses.
“Military spouses are a force multiplier for the Exchange,” said Exchange Vice President HR Talent Randy Ramirez. “For military families, an Exchange career means benefit retention, retirement opportunity and long-term stability.”
Fort Polk is part of a pilot program to improve the Quality of Life for Soldiers and their families at key Army locations. The program, which also includes Forts Hood, Irwin and Wainwright, is focused on operational improvements and community building efforts to include employment opportunities for military spouses.
“The Exchange is honored be a part of the Fort Polk community and all in to do its part to strengthen the readiness and resiliency of every person who calls it home,” McDuffie said.
