“It’s one of the best events we’ve attended,” said Dan Schroeder from Donaldson Company, right after the 2025 Veterans Career Fair. At last year’s event he and his colleague, Emily Goetz, who is a member of the Minnesota National Guard, met with dozens of candidates. Following the 2025 Veterans Career Fair, they reached out to several promising candidates they met. Donaldson Company hired two of them.

“Both of these individuals came to us at the event with a great attitude, asked meaningful questions and showed a strong interest in Donaldson,” said Dan, who noted that Veterans Career Fair attendees are typically very well prepared and serious about their job search. “After last year’s event, we interviewed them as a part of our standard process and remained in touch with them until the right opportunity presented itself. We’re very grateful to have them here at Donaldson now!”

One of those 2025 Veterans Career Fair attendees hired by Donaldson is Jonathan, who is a current member of the Minnesota Army National Guard and is currently away at military training. The other veteran that Donaldson hired after the 2025 Veterans Career Fair is Craig, who recently retired after more than 23 years of active service in the Minnesota Army National Guard. 

“When I attended the career fair, I was in the process of retiring (from the National Guard) and looking for my next career opportunity at which point Donaldson provided me that opportunity that accelerated my retirement by one month,” said Craig, who also shared this about working at Donaldson. “It’s a great company and great people that have been very welcoming throughout my transition to a civilian career and a very military-friendly company.”

Dan says Donaldson is dedicated to hiring current and former members of the U.S. military and company leadership makes it a priority to be at the Veterans Career Fair every year, along with other companies across the state with a similar commitment to hiring, retaining and promoting veterans.

“I feel this is the premier event in the state for veterans to meet with many great Minnesota companies, us included,” said Dan about Donaldson Company, which is a global filtration solutions firm based in Bloomington. “As a proud Yellow Ribbon company, it’s important for us to be at events like this and show our support of veterans and their families.”

Donaldson Company works with current and former U.S. military service members to apply the skills and experience they earned through military service to civilian positions within their organization. This is part of their commitment to veterans that earned them Yellow Ribbon designation. Yellow Ribbon employers are businesses and organizations that actively support military service members, veterans, and their families. This support includes policies and practices aimed at the recruitment, hiring, and retention of veterans, current service members, and their spouses.

“Veterans are valuable employees because they bring proven leadership, adaptability under pressure, and a deep sense of purpose to everything they do,” said Dan. “We have found our veteran hires to be both mission-driven team players committed to continuous improvement.”

Craig encourages fellow veterans who are looking for a new employment opportunity to attend the 20th Annual Veterans Career Fair coming up on May 20, 2026, from 2-6 p.m. at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center. 

“It’s a great environment, with a lot a resources and employers that already have some insight into what most attendees have experienced or where we’re coming from,” explained Craig, who also offered this advice for current and former U.S. military service members planning to attend this year’s Veterans Career Fair. “Take the time to look towards your future, talk to as many companies as possible and prepare yourself by understanding how your military service can benefit you in various capacities at any company.”

• View details about the 20th Annual Veterans Career Fair, including a list of 100 participating employers.
• View employment opportunities at Donaldson Company (Link is external) 
• Find out more about CareerForce Veterans Employment Services for current and former U.S. Military Service Members 
• Contact staff at a CareerForce location near you for assistance; veterans receive priority service