RALEIGH, N.C. — The annual average unemployment rate for veterans in 2022 was 2.8%, down from 4.4% from the prior year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. 

What You Need To Know

  •  The unemployment rate for women veterans is at 3.1% compared to 2.7% for men

  •  Hire Heroes helps to provide resources for veterans looking for jobs

  •  Alberta Anthony is working toward her real estate license

One of the groups that has struggled to find employment post-service is female veterans. 

The Department of Labor says women veterans face much higher unemployment rates than men who have served. 

Alberta Anthony is making a name for herself at real estate networking and learning events. 

“I really want to be the girl that everyone comes to get a deal, I want to be known as the deal-maker," Anthony said.

While she’s still working toward her real estate license, Anthony says these folks have helped her get a jump start. 

“I guess I’m a beginner in that I’m new to the industry, but I’ve been having a lot of good luck," Anthony said.

Real estate brings in a diverse group of people, but Anthony hopes one of her former career stops might help her.

An Air Force veteran, Anthony says she has come across a number of other veterans at these types of events.

“Just being able to connect with someone who may have similar experiences or know what you may be experiencing does a world of a difference,” she said.

As she makes her transition into real estate by going back to school in August, Anthony knows how hard it can be for female veterans to find jobs.

The unemployment rate for women veterans is 3.1%, compared to 2.7% for men.

That’s why Anthony sought out the help of Hire Heroes, a nonprofit connecting veterans with important trainings and resources for finding jobs. 

It recently launched a new program focused on helping women. 

“Employers may not know how to deal with veterans at this particular point, and I think a lot of it has to do with timing and mental health," Anthony said.“Employers may not know how to deal with veterans at this particular point, and I think a lot of it has to do with timing and mental health," Anthony said.

Anthony says for many veterans it’s not always about the physical ailments they might suffer from serving, but more so what they suffer on the inside.

That’s why she teaches yoga, to give her and others an escape.

“I have a lot of veteran friends, and one of the things we struggle with is over-stimulation," Anthony said. "Now I practice not to get a good workout but for my mental health.” 

As she continues to work through her journey into post-military life, Anthony says many of her fellow service members are just looking for an opportunity.

“You’re still young but you don’t know any other life, that’s hard. That’s so hard, so it breaks my heart when I see veterans out there struggling," Anthony said. "There’s only so many people that are going to understand what we went through, that share the same experiences.”

Anthony says it’s going to take employers having the patience and understanding to make working with veterans more successful.

She encourages others to look into Hire Heroes veteran programs to find the resources they need.