Through a SkillBridge Internship, Service Members Can Try a New Career as a City Employee

As a military-friendly organization that currently employs more than 800 veterans, the City of Virginia Beach recognizes the extraordinary work experience gained during active-duty service. Leadership, teamwork and problem-solving are a few of the sought-after skills veterans have that the City highly values and actively seeks in its workforce.  

To help bridge the gap between military service and the civilian career that follows, the City of Virginia Beach participates in an internship program called SkillBridge. Created by the Department of Defense, the program allows eligible service members to get work experience outside the military during their last 180 days of active-duty service. 

Military members interested in exploring local government service at the City of Virginia Beach are invited to apply for a SkillBridge internship, which can be for up to 120 days. The most commonly offered SkillBridge positions are within the departments of Human Resources, Information Technology, Engineering, Emergency Management, Police and Fire. Additional internships can be created in other departments depending on the talent needed and the applicant’s interests.  

From Military Service to Civilian Career

Preparing to retire after 22 years of Navy service, Donta Allen applied to participate in the City’s SkillBridge program through a partnering organization called Hiring Our Heroes. Hoping to move his family back to Virginia Beach, Allen was excited to be offered a SkillBridge internship in Occupational Safety in the City’s Human Resources Department.  

“Processing out of the Navy is a big ordeal,” Allen said. “My hope with the internship was to get all the experience and gain all the knowledge I could.” 

The role in Occupational Safety proved to be a great fit for Allen. His job in the Navy feeding hundreds of sailors at a time on submarines and bases all over the world involved a constant focus on workplace safety. His career, which spanned the ranks from culinary specialist to Chief, prepared him to excel in his new role. 

“In the military, we have a fast pace of getting things done and a high level of work ethic,” Allen said. “This work ethic was instilled in me to make sure the job was done to near perfection and to make sure you’re proud of the work because your name is on it.” 

After a short time in the SkillBridge internship, Allen was offered an opportunity to apply for a full-time position that directly aligns with his interests and skills. 

“My supervisor saw something in me. They wanted me to continue to be part of the team,” he said.  

Becoming a Full-Time City Employee

A few weeks after retiring as a Navy Chief and moving his family to Virginia Beach, Allen began his new role as a Safety Programs Specialist where he leads safety trainings, handles injury reporting, and does workplace assessments throughout the City. 

Having successfully navigated the transition from military service to his next career, Allen advises SkillBridge applicants to plan ahead, take the application process seriously, and come ready to learn.  

“You’ll be learning a lot of things that may seem familiar, but you’ll be reinstituting that knowledge in a different way. At first, it’s like drinking from a firehose,” he said.  
 
Allen says his full-time role at the City is exactly what he hoped for his second career. “Everything just kind of fell into place,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity. Once you’re in, it’s a blessing.” 

Service members who are preparing to leave active duty can view current SkillBridge positions and apply online. Job seekers who have questions about SkillBridge, the hiring process or current positions are invited to speak with a recruiter at a virtual Q & A, which is offered every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST. All you need to do is reserve a spot. 

Find YOUR best job yet at VirginiaBeach.gov/Careers.