Military Veterans Finding Work at World's Largest Coffee Chain

It is no secret that for most military veterans, finding work upon their return from duty is painstakingly difficult not an easy task.  In fact, the current unemployment rate amongst post 9/11 veterans is sitting at 9.2 percent, which is well above the nations 7.6 percent rate.  Is this simply because the many skills they acquired in military practice don't exactly translate into real world productivity?  Or is it because they are considered "damaged goods", unable to to perform the most mundane of tasks without having the thoughts of their troubled past interfere with their work?  Whatever the reason, our society as a whole has not been very considerate of this situation.

Yes, there are occasional job fairs specifically held for veterans in the pursuit of work, along with other events of that nature.  Yet, 207,000 former soldiers were still without work this past spring according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  One company is doing what they can to combat veteran unemployment, and actually sees it as a good business opportunity.

Starbucks, the worlds largest coffee chain is poised to hire 10,000 veterans and military spouses in the near future. Former Defense Secretary and current Starbucks director Robert Gates agrees that former soldiers sometimes have a difficult time translating their skills into the business world, however, he believes the "long term benefits are tremendous."  Gates also stated in reference to returning veterans, "this demographic represents one of the most underutilized talent pools in our country."  The positions being offered by Starbucks range from making drinks to managing supply chains.  Starbucks CEO, Jeff Schultz says that transitioning back to civilian employment can be a complicated matter, but believes that businesses can, and should help in a big way.  Schultz says, "Businesses have an obligation and a responsibility to do something about that and to meet these people more than halfway."  Gates added veterans can benefit their company because they are accustomed to working with diverse international partners and have a good understanding of other cultures.  

Is Starbucks taking a gamble on these former war heroes? Or are they making an impressive and strategic business decision?  Gamble or not, I believe it is most certainly a step in the right direction. 




sources: 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/06/starbucks-veterans_n_4223595.html

http://www.npr.org/2013/11/06/243325304/starbucks-is-latest-company-aiming-to-help-vets-land-jobs

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_23119419/young-war-veterans-struggle-find-jobs

http://money.cnn.com/2013/11/06/news/companies/starbucks-hiring-veterans/

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2489031/Starbucks-hire-10-000-veterans-military-spouses-years.html