AMD Welcomes Veterans Through Hiring Our Heroes Program for Workforce Diversity


09/05/2024


In late 2023, AMD began its participation in the Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) Corporate Fellowship Program, marking a significant step in enhancing our workforce and affirming our dedication to diversity and inclusion. After 18 months of the program, we proudly welcomed four veterans to AMD: Michael Nguyen (US Army), Jason Harris (US Navy), Ziwei Peng (US Army), and Matthew Hermann (US Air Force).
 
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging for veterans, many of whom have not participated in job interviews for years and face the difficult task of translating their extensive experience into civilian terms. The HOH Program, an initiative by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, aims to facilitate this transition by immersing service members, veterans, military spouses, and military caregivers in the civilian workforce. This initiative provides valuable experience and enhances job prospects within various industries.
 
As Jason Harris noted, “Having done the same job since I was 18, the transition out of the military can be nerve-wracking. HOH allows you to work at a company and understand its structure, which helps make the transition smoother.”
 
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Skillbridge Program supports these internships, allowing transitioning military personnel to gain civilian experience while still being compensated by the DoD. The 12-week program includes four days of work and one day dedicated to professional development, which encompasses certification, networking, and hands-on learning.
 
For our first cohort, the experience has been incredibly beneficial. Ziwei Peng, Program Manager at AMD, shared, “HOH provides insights into the industry, guides applicants through the process, and offers extensive support throughout the internship. This includes networking opportunities, skills workshops, and training in resume writing and interviews.”
 
AMD is committed to supporting our veterans and integrating their diverse backgrounds into our team. We look forward to continuing this program in 2024.