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SkillBridge Fellowship

EBI

Welcome Service Members.

Vanderbilt University is proud to participate in the Department of War (DoW) SkillBridge Program. The SkillBridge program provides eligible Service members, within their final 180 days of active-duty service, the opportunity to gain structured civilian work experience through internships, on-the-job training, and employment skills training.

At Vanderbilt, we deliver a 12-week, full-time immersion experience aligned to real, open positions across the university in efforts to support the transition of service members.

We are deeply grateful for the leadership, discipline, and mission-focus our Service members bring to the institution. Your service to the nation matters. We are honored to support your transition.

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Matching Process

For Candidates

  1. Look through the available jobs through the section below (do NOT apply to roles prior to the intake meeting)
  2. Fill out the intake form and ensure that the intake meeting is scheduled with the linked embedded
  3. Meet with the SkillBridge Coordinator for path setting
  4. Apply and screen for roles

For Departments

  1. Email the SkillBridge Coordinator for a meeting OR
  2. Send in roles/projects open to SkillBridge candidates
  3. Either request access to candidate database or contact the coordinator for candidates that meet qualifications
  4. Screen candidates and match

Qualifications

  • < 180 days from Military Exit Date
  • Approved by Chain of Command
  • Honorably Discharged
  • Looking for Eligible Job Training
  • Matches minimum qualifications of jobs outlined

Why Vanderbilt/What We Want

  • Mission-Driven Excellence

    A high-accountability institution at the intersection of education, healthcare, research, and public impact—built for leaders who execute with precision.

  • Breadth of Opportunity

    Access to career pathways across divisions and schools within one integrated enterprise ecosystem.

  • Professional Support & Structured Development

    A 12-week, performance-driven immersion with defined objectives, formal evaluations, and direct engagement with hiring leaders.

  • Unmatched Higher Education Environment

    Nationally recognized, cross-functional, and intellectually rigorous—offering meaningful responsibility in a culture that demands excellence.

  • Built for Transitioning Leaders

    A disciplined, mission-aligned environment where military experience translates into measurable civilian impact.

Intake Form

  • Fine Print Disclaimer
    • Participation in Vanderbilt’s SkillBridge program does not guarantee employment at the conclusion of the 12-week experience. All candidates compete through Vanderbilt’s standard, merit-based hiring processes, and selection decisions are based solely on qualifications, performance, and institutional need.
    • Service members remain on active-duty status throughout the program and are not compensated by Vanderbilt during participation. No program fees, training costs, or required materials expenses are imposed on the Service member.
    • Participation may be discontinued at any time by the Military Department or Vanderbilt if mission requirements, conduct standards, compliance obligations, or program expectations are not met.
    • Vanderbilt does not hold or reserve positions in anticipation of program completion. For this reason, participants are strongly encouraged to align SkillBridge dates as close as practicable to their official military separation date to reduce transition risk and improve timing alignment for potential employment consideration
    • SkillBridge participants are non-employee affiliates and are not eligible for employee benefits or employment protections during the 12-week SkillBridge program.Ìý
    • We use AI to help identify roles that best align with your skills and experience, but AI recommendations are only one part of our evaluation process and do not determine hiring decisions. All candidates who successfully apply following their intake meeting will receive a recruiter screening interview as part of our standard review process.

Avaliable Positions

Check out our Talent Marketplace UI and view all available positions open at the moment. Do NOT apply to roles prior to the intake meeting.

Verified Roles open for SkillBridge Candidates that match minimum qualifications:

Timeline - Pathfinding

Pathfinding

Timeline - Main Program

Main Program

DOW Skillbridge

Cecelio Ponce - Sergeant First Class (Ret.)

Cecelio Ponce - Sergeant First Class (Ret.)

The SkillBridge program was instrumental in my transition from military service to the civilian workforce. Through my fellowship at The Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center, I gained hands-on experience in innovation and design strategy while still on active duty. The program provided critical mentorship, professional development, and the confidence to relocate my family and pursue a new career path. The skills and experience I developed through SkillBridge directly prepared me for my current role as Innovation and Design Strategy Program Manager at The Wond’ry, making the program a transformative part of my transition journey.​

Location: Nashville, Tennessee ​

​Program: Army SkillBridge Program​

​Cohort/Class: Fall 2023​

​Current Position/Company: IMPACT Program Manager/ Vanderbilt University

Kitzia Gomez Mejia

Kitzia Gomez Mejia

The Skillbridge program at Vanderbilt University provided me with a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with higher education, a field I was eager to return to after my military career. It allowed me to continue developing my interests and strengths in building impactful relationships with students and the campus community. During the program, I was assigned to a role within the Vanderbilt Libraries, where I learned about new systems and services and realized how we support scholars not only on the Vanderbilt campus but also across the country and abroad through our interlibrary loan system. I have grown from starting as a Library Assistant to now serving as the Access Services Specialist for the Central Library. My military background has instilled in me skills and values that I apply daily in my interactions with students, faculty, and community members. Working alongside incredible colleagues has been a privilege, and being part of a team that supports my goal of creating positive change within campus communities has meant a great deal to me. Knowing that 51ÎÛÂþ is now part of my story excites me about the future possibilities awaiting me in my career.Ìý​

Location: Nashville, Tennessee ​

​Program: Army SkillBridge Program​â¶Ä‹

​Current Position/Company: Vanderbilt Libraries, Access Services Specialist

FAQs

  • Program length?

    Vanderbilt's standard model is 12 weeks to convert into Full-Time, post military exit. However, adjustments may be made depending on candidate's command's approval. In addition, depending on the candidate, a 12-week only model can be implemented.

  • Eligibility for participants?

    Within 180 days of separation, TAP complete, command approval.

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  • Can candiates be hired after the program if they are far off from their military separation date?

    Yes—but only under specific conditions. Per policy, a Service Member may accept employment after completing their CSP/SkillBridge and only if they are on approved terminal leave at the time they begin working. They cannot be paid by Vanderbilt while still in active duty status outside of terminal leave.

    There is no guarantee of employment at the end of the program. Participants should assess their own timeline, leave balance, and risk tolerance before pursuing this pathway.

  • Cost to the department?

    The military continues paying salary/benefits. However, the department is fully responsible for the following:Ìý

    • Parking
    • ID card (separate form needing submission to card office with $25 fee)
    • Personal DeviceÌý

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  • What is the bilateral freedom-of-choice model?

    Candidates can apply to any and all full-time roles in the university, but the departments also retain the freedom to rank the service members who applied against all candidates and choose/not choose them.ÌýÌý

  • What kind of roles can departments benefit from?

    SkillBridge @ VU supports both transitioning service members and Vanderbilt departments by connecting exceptional military talent with meaningful opportunities across the university.

    SkillBridge participants bring valuable qualities and experience to the workplace. They are:

    • Cross-trainable

    • Mission-driven

    • Team-oriented

    • Adaptable and highly capable

    • Ready to deploy their skills in a new environment

    For Vanderbilt departments, SkillBridge provides access to high-caliber talent while helping address critical vacancies, operational gaps, and workforce needs. The program can also support unique or time-sensitive projects while helping departments develop long-term talent pipelines.

    If your department has positions that have been difficult to fill, operational gaps that need additional support, or projects that could benefit from skilled and motivated talent, please contact the SkillBridge Program Coordinator to discuss potential opportunities.