Military Spouse Employment Initiative Testimonial: Justine Walker

July 16, 2021 - Defence Stories

Caption

Justine Walker and familly

Seven months pregnant and my spouse was relocated to Gagetown! Now what? Moving to New Brunswick was a big change from our previous posting in Shilo, Manitoba. And here I was having my first baby while being far from my family. . . and facing no job prospects.

At that point, I really had to wait to job hunt until after my baby was born, and was worried I wouldn’t be able to find a position. After William was born, I started to keep my eyes open for job opportunities. On Facebook, I saw a link to the Military Spouse Employment Initiative: Casual Inventory. At first I was worried, as I had been in other inventories without success.  

The application was simple, but thorough. After a few months, I was contacted to apply for a job as a compensation assistant at DND, right on the base at Gagetown! The hiring process included a written online test, a telephone interview, and security clearance. I had to submit my school records, references, and personal information. In the end, I was hired. The process from first applying to starting the job was about four months.

I’m very grateful for the job, and I definitely wouldn’t have it if it wasn’t for the Military Spouse Employment Initiative. As a compensation assistant, I enter pay data into the Phoenix pay system and to the Human Resources Management System. 

I work with other military spouses, so we all have something in common. I was already familiar with the military lifestyle, and it was easy to make friends. The base is near our home and my son’s daycare.  I can also use the base’s gym for lunchtime workouts.

Having this full-time job means that I never again have to worry about finding a job. When we get posted again, I’ll have options for transferring my job, finding a new job, or putting my job on hold while on a temporary posting. My employer is across Canada, and there are many opportunities to grow within the DND community. I feel extremely secure in my career, and I’m proud to be making my own pension and career for myself. 

For more information on how to apply for a job or on how to access the inventory, visit the Military Spouse Employment Initiative website, download the HR GO app or contact the National Staffing Programs team.