Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Networking. To veterans, the word may seem slimy. Military members are taught from the start to not think about themselves. Selflessness is perhaps the most important value of the military community. So to the uninformed, the word “networking” conjures images of people shuffling around a room exchanging business cards and not so coyly trying to get a one-up on everyone around them. The way most service members think of networking is antithetical to their values as veterans,
But as a veteran, you might be surprised how much you networked while in uniform. The last time you did planning for a training event, you likely reached out to someone who did a similar type of exercise. Maybe they used the same facility, or coordinated with a certain agency, or used a certain type of equipment and so you talked with them to learn about how it went. In the process, you shared information about an exercise they have soon or a base you where you were once stationed. Guess what, you just networked.
Networking can be looked at simply as exchanging information and building relationships with people for MUTUAL benefit. Shared military values makes service members more likely to want to help each other out for no reason other than the shared experience of service. In the civilian world, you may not have that same shared sense of experience with someone, but if you can show them value, you can both benefit. Maybe you are the person their company is really looking for and they get lauded for recommending you to the hiring manager. Maybe you know something about a certain industry that helps them enter a new market and grow their business. Bottom line is that networking does not have to be a dirty word.
So how can you as a veteran feel genuine in your networking? First, start off with using tools and communities in which you likely already feel comfortable.
Leverage the Vet Net. The bonds of the military community are strong. Even after the uniform, veterans want to help each other out. Don’t expect a hand out, but expect a hand shake and someone willing to take time to talk you. I’m willing to bet that most vets will not even care if you want to know about rival company or business- they just want to help.
Linkedin Do you have a certain company you are looking at? Or a school? What about a specific job function? Here’s what to do: use the Linkedin search bar and search “Deloitte consultant Army” or “operations manager Navy” or “Harvard business Air Force” and see who shows up. Likely you will find a fellow veteran who has experience in what you are trying to do. Send them a message and start a conversation to see what you can learn.
Use veteran mentorship resources.
Veterati. This is a highly popular platform that veterans can use to find someone to help them find out more about their area of interest. Veterati is populated with lots of people from the military-affiliated community, as well as human resources professionals who can help you refine your goals, work on your pitch, and help you understand a role better. They can also connect you with lots of other people.
American Corporate Partners. ACP is designed to link you with an established professional who will stay with you for as long as you are engaged. Work with the staff to give them direction on what you are looking for and they can really help you nail down a good mentor. A good mentor can be an excellent tool for networking. I recently used mine (via ACP) to connect with a number of alumni from schools I am interested in. Having that mentor to make the connection was invaluable for me.
Transition classes. These mandatory classes, although most typically thought of as painful, can be great ways to network. Talk with the other transitioning service members in the class and see what they are planning to do after the military. Share resources and share ideas about how you can help each other out.
After feeling comfortable using these resources, look into accessing non-veteran networking events or communities. You might be surprised how natural it can feel.
The last piece of advice is to always end every conversation with: “Who else do you think I should talk to?” Keep growing your own network and seeing what value you can bring to even more people.
Related:
You’re a Vet? Great. No one Owes You Shit.