Professional networking is a cornerstone of career success. It opens doors to job opportunities, provides mentorship and guidance, and helps individuals stay informed about industry trends. For military veterans transitioning to civilian careers, establishing a robust professional network is crucial but can also be challenging. Traditional college students often have access to well-established networks through campus events, internships, and social connections. In contrast, veterans may find themselves at a disadvantage, as they often start their civilian careers later in life and may have spent years away from civilian professional environments.
The Importance of Professional Networks for Veterans
1. Access to Job Opportunities
Networking is often cited as one of the most effective ways to find a job. According to a survey by LinkedIn, nearly 85% of all jobs are filled via networking (LinkedIn, 2016). For veterans, who may be unfamiliar with civilian job search strategies, connecting with professionals in their desired field can provide critical insights and open up job opportunities that might not be advertised publicly.
2. Mentorship and Guidance
Mentorship is another key benefit of professional networks. Veterans transitioning to civilian careers can greatly benefit from mentors who understand the civilian workplace and can offer advice on navigating this new environment. Mentorship can also help veterans translate their military skills into terms that resonate with civilian employers, making them more competitive in the job market.
3. Staying Informed and Connected
Networking helps professionals stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and new developments. For veterans, who may be entering an entirely new field, staying connected with industry professionals can provide valuable learning opportunities and help them adapt more quickly to their new career.
Challenges for Veterans in Building Professional Networks
1. Limited Civilian Professional Experience
Many veterans have spent the majority of their careers in the military, where networking takes a different form than in civilian industries. As a result, they may lack the civilian professional connections that are often crucial for finding employment in the private sector.
2. Age and Life Stage Differences
Veterans often transition to civilian careers later in life compared to traditional college students, who start building their networks during their early twenties. Veterans may find themselves networking with peers who are significantly younger or who have followed a more traditional career path, which can create feelings of isolation or being out of place.
3. Unfamiliarity with Civilian Networking Etiquette
The norms and expectations of civilian networking can be different from those in the military. Veterans may need to learn how to engage in networking activities, such as attending conferences, participating in LinkedIn groups, or reaching out to potential mentors in a way that aligns with civilian expectations.
Veteran-Specific Professional Networks and Events
Fortunately, many organizations and events are designed specifically to help veterans build their professional networks. These networks and events provide opportunities for veterans to connect with other veterans, potential employers, and industry leaders who understand the unique challenges they face.
1. American Corporate Partners (ACP)
ACP offers a nationwide mentorship program that pairs veterans with corporate leaders in their desired field. This one-on-one mentorship is tailored to the veteran’s career goals and provides valuable networking opportunities.
- Website: American Corporate Partners (ACP)
2. Veteran Career Summits
These summits are hosted across the country and bring together veterans, employers, and career service providers. Events like the Veteran EDGE Conference focus on veteran entrepreneurs, while others, like the Military Hiring Events hosted by RecruitMilitary, provide direct access to employers looking to hire veterans.
- Website: Veteran EDGE Conference
- Website: RecruitMilitary Hiring Events
3. LinkedIn Veterans Program
LinkedIn offers a premium subscription free for one year to veterans, which includes access to LinkedIn Learning and advanced networking tools. LinkedIn also has veteran-specific groups, such as the Veteran Mentor Network, which facilitates connections between veterans and professionals.
- Website: LinkedIn Veterans Program
4. Student Veterans of America (SVA)
SVA is a national organization that supports veterans in higher education. Many campuses have SVA chapters that provide networking opportunities with other student veterans, as well as connections to employers and veteran-friendly organizations. The annual SVA National Conference is a major networking event where veterans can meet with potential employers and hear from industry leaders.
- Website: Student Veterans of America (SVA)
5. Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Networking Events
MOAA hosts events and webinars aimed at connecting veterans with employers and providing career advice. Their Networking and Career Transition events are particularly beneficial for veterans looking to transition into leadership roles in the civilian sector.
For veterans transitioning to civilian careers, building a professional network is essential yet challenging. Fortunately, there are numerous veteran-specific networks and events designed to support this transition. By engaging with these resources, veterans can connect with peers, mentors, and employers who understand their unique strengths and challenges. Networking not only opens doors to new opportunities but also provides the support and guidance veterans need to succeed in their post-military careers.
References
LinkedIn. (2016). Why 85% of Jobs Are Filled by Networking. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (September 2023 version). https://chat.openai.com/
Thomas, L., Bae, S., & Eger, R. (2017). The Impact of Professional Networking on Employment Outcomes for Veterans. Journal of Veterans Studies, 3(1), 45-58. https://doi.org/10.21061/jvs.v3i1.12
