Pioneering the remote work scene way before COVID-19 made it cool, Laura Early, CEO and Co-Founder of Wise Advise + Assist Team has always been a firm believer in empowering remote workers and teams.
If you’re a military spouse looking for remote work opportunities, Wise Advise + Assist Team (WISE) offers a solid pathway. WISE was designed by military spouses for military spouses, with the goal of helping you build a sustainable and flexible career that can move with military spouses through relocations and deployments. They’ve created a comprehensive model that provides project management, virtual assistance, and various business services, while also offering military spouses opportunities for career growth and stability. They provide a wide array of remote work roles, such as project management, marketing, and administrative support. Their mission is to combat the high unemployment rate among military spouses, providing careers—not just jobs—that can evolve alongside personal growth.
In a recent interview with Laura Early, she shared a plethora of tips for spouses looking for gainful employment and flexibility.
Don’t be afraid to start with entry-level positions to get your foot in the door.
Remote work, especially through organizations like WISE, allows for career advancement. WISE has helped many military spouses begin as virtual assistants or in project management support roles, only to grow into leadership or specialized positions. Take advantage of training programs, mentorships, and leadership pathways offered by remote work platforms to continually grow your skill set.
Match your soft skills to a job.
To make the most of remote work opportunities, you need to identify roles that align with your skills. For example, virtual assistant roles, marketing support, and bookkeeping services are highly portable careers that don’t require you to be physically present in an office. WISE offers training in these areas and empowers military spouses with roles that match their talents, making it easier to maintain employment through frequent relocations
Research remote work opportunities that fit your goals.
Use job boards, LinkedIn, and other military spouse-specific platforms to identify remote positions early. Knowing where to look will help you build connections and apply to roles that fit your unique skill set. Look for part-time or full-time opportunities that match your capacity. Additionally, look for opportunities that provide access to training or mentoring. Considering your future goals will also help you determine which opportunities are a good fit for now. For example, WISE has a track record of training military spouses in CAPM or PMP certifications, setting them up for success in roles like project management that are highly sought after in the remote work world.
Network well and stay connected.
Laura advises military spouses to stay connected within the military spouse employment community through platforms like the LinkedIn Premium’s Military Community, providing networking opportunities that can open doors to remote work positions. She recommends really focusing on maximizing the potential of the LinkedIn profile by curating and updating engaging content.
Build a strong portfolio
Before you start applying for remote jobs, update your resume and create a portfolio that highlights the skills you’ve gained through volunteer work, personal projects, or previous employment. WISE emphasizes that even informal experiences—such as organizing community events or managing a blog—can be leveraged as valuable skills for clients.
Having a solid portfolio ready to share will help you stand out to employers who are seeking skilled professionals capable of working autonomously.
Consider working for companies that understand military life.
WISE isn’t the only company that supports military spouses, but it’s one of the leading organizations with a mission to end military spouse unemployment. Their all-virtual team structure provides the flexibility military spouses need to manage family responsibilities, while still contributing professionally.
Many WISE team members have advanced degrees and years of experience but struggled to find jobs that matched their skills due to the transient nature of military life. By offering remote roles, WISE creates long-term career opportunities that grow with you, no matter where you’re stationed.
Remote work is no longer just an option—it’s becoming a necessity for many military families. By connecting with organizations like Wise Advise + Assist Team, you can build a career that’s as adaptable as your lifestyle. Start researching opportunities, build your network, and prepare your skills today so you’re ready to thrive in the remote work landscape. If you’re ready to dive in, you can learn more about WISE and their available positions on their website at www.wiseadviseteam.com.