The ten largest employers in the Charleston area are: Medical University of South Carolina (7528 employees (estimated)), US Air Force (6000), US Navy (5742), Charleston County School District (5109), CareAlliance Health Systems (4125), Berkeley County School District (3200), Charleston County (2214), Westvaco Corp (2205), Columbia/HCA Carolina's downtown headquarters and medical centers (1180), and Robert Bosch Corp (1850).
The Spouse Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) and the Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) located in Charleston targets military spouses and retiring/ separating military personnel. There are four basic classes offered, which aid in the development of career/educational goals. The classes include:
Resume Writing: Focuses on resume development, soliciting letters of recommendation and thank you letters.
Winning Interviewing Techniques: Designed to provide information on how to effectively present yourself before, during and after an interview. You will gain information on appropriate attire, common interview questions and effective responses.
Finding Federal Employment: The course provides information on obtaining vacancy announcements, completing federal applications, distinguishing who can apply, hiring authorities, eligibility and hiring preference.
Introduction to Owning Your Own Business: Provides basic knowledge of business plan development, types of business (including franchising), start-up/operating costs and resources for additional information.
TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP)
The Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) includes Transition Assistance Programs for military personnel that are separating or retiring from the service. Classes offered are: TAP (any personnel separating or transferring to the Fleet Reserves or Retiring). Retirees may attend classes up to 24 months prior to retirement and separating personnel may attend classes 12 months prior to separating. Spouses are also encouraged to attend the seminar. For enrollment you should contact your Command Career Counselor, complete a pre-separation counseling checklist, and request no-cost TAD orders. The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is your best chance for success for the next stage of your life. Whether you're retiring, going back to school, or looking for a new career, success requires planning and resources. The TAP workshops are more than how to find a job in the civilian sector. All military service members should attend one of the TAP workshops well before they transition.
Charleston's Fleet and Family Support Center offers quarterly Job Fairs each year. The Spring and Fall Job Fairs are joint with the Charleston Air Force Base.
Another option is first-term or mid-career "Career Options and Navy Skills Evaluation Program" (CONSEP). A four-day course that assists in making informed career and lifestyle decisions in order to remain competitive throughout your Navy career and thereafter. The course helps to identify individual skills and talents, develop long-term professional and personal goals, plan for financial stability, research related civilian skills and qualifications, and establish long-term career planning objectives. To register for this class see your Command Career Counselor.
Additional resources include: computer access, copy machines, fax machines, tutorial programs and employment opportunities at the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC).