MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- A career fair, which is held three times a year, was held Sept. 7 at the Officers' Club at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to provide military retirees, family members and Marines getting out of the service with educational or employment opportunities.

The career fair holds greater importance to Marines getting out of the service because it can be difficult to find work. The fair gives Marines a starting point when they search for employment.

"It's hard to find a job, but when you have the employers here on location, the Marines have a greater opportunity to get one," said Ben M. Schlottman, career resource center relocation manager, Marine Corps Community Services, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. "It's easy access for them to find jobs, and it has been very helpful to our Marines."

Marines have a better chance of getting employed when attending the career fair, because they can acquire contacts or leads with prospective companies.

"Our goal is to provide leads for jobs so military personnel transitioning from the service will already have some contacts," said Ben M. Angeles, career resource specialist, MCCS.

Contacts and leads with various companies are helpful to Marines, because it gives them a starting point when looking for a job outside the military.

"It's important for Marines to come here because this is a one-stop shop," said Schlottman. "The fair provided Marines with an opportunity to meet and greet potential employers."

Vendors attending the career fair made it easy for Marines to find information on employment opportunities.

"This is a tool provided by us to help Marines transitioning from the military to decide what they want to do with their lives," said Angeles, a Cavite, Philippines, native.

The career fair gives Marines an idea of the various employment opportunities available for them after they get out of the Marine Corps such as law enforcement, engineering and positions with federal agencies.

Several representatives from companies or colleges gather at a centralized area to educate Marines of possible employment opportunities or education benefits.

This is convenient for Marines because it saves them time in their search for employment.

"This is a great opportunity to be used as a learning skill," said Schlottman.

The career field helps Marines with interviewing techniques such as how to "dress for success," and what to say or ask an employer during an interview.

Some companies prefer to hire prior military, because they know how reliable they are.

"The Marines are already squared away, and most of them have a good background so we know they're a good pool to hire from," said Adriana Sanchez, police officer, Los Angeles Police Department.

Law enforcement is similar to the military, because they have some of the same traits. Law enforcement agencies want disciplined people who are capable in stressful environments.

"When employers give a Marine a mission, they trust the Marine knows how to handle the mission and get the job done," said Schlottman.