For veterans transitioning from military service to civilian careers, building a strong professional network is crucial. Veterans bring unique skills to the workforce and connecting with the right people can open doors to new opportunities and provide vital guidance, especially in unfamiliar industries.
Veterans should consider these three elements when it comes to their job-search strategy to ensure a smoother transition into the civilian workforce.
Leverage Veteran-Specific Networking Groups
Veteran networking groups are a powerful resource for making connections with individuals who understand your background and can offer support as you apply and transition into civilian roles. Veterans can find mentors within these groups who can provide advice on navigating the workforce and insight into anyone they know who is hiring. Organizations offering free transition assistance programs, mentorships, career counseling, networking events, seminars and other resources for veterans include:
Utilize LinkedIn to Build a Professional Online Presence
LinkedIn is an essential tool for expanding your professional network, especially within civilian industries you’re unfamiliar with. LinkedIn provides direct access to professionals, staffing and recruiting firms, and potential employers, and by optimizing your profile and actively engaging on the platform, you can showcase your expertise and connect with the right professionals who can help you grow your career.
Start by ensuring your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and clearly highlights your transferable skills and military experience in civilian terms. Join LinkedIn groups dedicated to veterans, professional development, and your target industries. Engage with posts, share your insights, and send personalized connection requests to people in your field to set up meetings – whether they are virtual or in person – to learn more about the industry, their role and what it takes to succeed. Valuable groups for veterans to join on LinkedIn include:
Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Attending industry events, conferences, and job fairs allows you to meet recruiters, potential employers and industry professionals who can offer valuable insights or connect you with others who may be hiring. For veterans, these events provide a chance to understand the latest hiring trends and build the skills needed in the civilian workforce, whether you’re pursuing temp staffing roles or permanent positions.
Many organizations host veteran-focused job fairs, which offer direct access to recruiters and hiring managers looking for veterans to fill key roles. Additionally, attending industry conferences helps you stay updated on new developments in the field you’re pursing while building meaningful connections.
Also consider maximizing available veteran educational and training benefits by continuing education, such as earning an associates or bachelor’s degree or going back to school for an advanced degree. Individual institutions may also provide scholarships to veterans. In addition to teaching valuable skills, schools provide an extensive and valuable network both with peers, professors, and alumni. Many schools have clubs and associations specifically for veterans, such as a Student Veteran Association (SVA) as well as other clubs and associations for people of a variety of backgrounds and interests to join.
At LaSalle Network, we’ve partnered with veterans to help them expand their networks and secure meaningful roles across various industries, from temporary staffing to executive search. Connect with our team for expert guidance on building connections and navigating the civilian workforce.
