At Project Solvers, we believe execution is everything, but people make execution possible. That’s why when the opportunity arose to host a Department of Defense Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot (MSCAP) Fellow through Hiring Our Heroes, the answer was a resounding yes.
We brought on our MSCAP Fellow not just to fill a need, but to fulfill a mission.
Why We Said Yes to MSCAP
Hiring military spouses and veterans is baked into the DNA of Project Solvers. As CEO, I’ve lived the military spouse life, frequent moves, starting over professionally, juggling family demands with the desire to grow in a career that matters. I know firsthand how much untapped potential exists within the military community, particularly among spouses who are ready to contribute but often lack access to flexible and portable employment.
MSCAP, launched in January 2023, provides a rare win-win opportunity: it connects talented military spouses to growing companies, while also helping reduce the 20–22% unemployment rate within the spouse community. That’s not a statistic, it’s a signal that the system needs fixing. Project Solvers is proud to be part of the solution.
We’re a fast-moving project management firm that thrives on solving complex problems with precision and flexibility. Our company culture embraces accountability, innovation, and agility, values that align perfectly with what military spouses bring to the table. I knew MSCAP would allow us to both contribute to this important mission and gain a team member who could grow with us long-term.
From Personal Experience to Professional Opportunity
I spent over two decades as an active duty military spouse and am now a veteran spouse. I know the challenges of restarting a career every few years, the impact that underemployment has on a person’s self-worth, and how critical flexible, fulfilling work can be for military families. Hosting a fellow through MSCAP isn’t something I take lightly. It’s a responsibility to train, integrate, and ideally, offer permanent employment if the fit is right.
This program isn’t charity. It’s smart business. The military spouse community is filled with brilliant, motivated professionals. The fellow we selected, Abby, is a perfect example.
Week 1: Hitting the Ground Running
Abby joined Project Solvers this week and she came in like she’d been here for months. From day one, she demonstrated professionalism, curiosity, and confidence. She asked the right questions, offered thoughtful input, and didn’t hesitate to dive headfirst into a complex, a major development construction project. Her onboarding included gaining access to our core project management tools like Jira, Confluence, and Smartsheet and immediately reviewing project plans, development agreements, and schedules.
Our goal during week one wasn’t to ease her in slowly, it was to introduce her to the pace and expectations of our team, while giving her a chance to see if this environment is the right fit. She handled it with ease. Abby’s already contributing in meaningful ways, and we’re just getting started.
One of the most impactful conversations we had this week was about her long-term career goals. We identified a certification we can pursue together, something that will grow her skills while adding capacity to our team. It’s exactly the kind of mutually beneficial outcome programs like MSCAP are meant to foster.
Why This Program Matters
From a business standpoint, integrating MSCAP into our growth strategy is a no-brainer. It’s a pipeline to top-tier talent with the kind of lived experience that mirrors our values and work ethic. Long-term, it helps us build a diverse and resilient team while staying true to our mission: bringing visions to life through disciplined execution.
From a broader perspective, hosting a fellow contributes to national security. When military spouses are supported, military families are more stable. When families are stable, service members can focus on the mission. It’s all connected. One small effort, like mentoring a fellow, can ripple through generations.
What We’ve Learned and What Comes Next
For other small businesses considering MSCAP: do it. But do it right. Don’t treat the fellow like a temporary intern. Give them real work. Invest time in training. Respect their skills. If you don’t have a potential long-term role to offer, wait until you do.
MSCAP is designed to accelerate—not stall—careers. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to fully integrate Abby into our project operations from the start. And it’s paying off.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled that Abby will be joining us at the Military Influencer Conference next month, representing Project Solvers in person. Even in a remote work environment, we believe in building real relationships—and this event is a great opportunity to strengthen that connection and expand her network.
Final Thoughts
The first week of our MSCAP journey reminded me why I built Project Solvers in the first place: to provide flexible, fulfilling, impactful work and to build a company where people thrive. Abby has already made her mark on our team, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together.
This fellowship isn’t just about the next 12 weeks. It’s about laying a foundation for lasting growth both for our team and the incredible military-connected professionals we’re honored to support.
