Start before you separate from the military. Sharpen your computer and online navigation skills. You will have to be creative but opportunities to find employment opportunities are everywhere. For example check out sponsors but beware of advertisements.
Start by joining organizations and associations. First try veteran organizations such as the American Legion, VFW, student veterans organizations. Once you relocate it is much easier to network with fellow veterans that are already established in the community. Socializing with these veterans is a good transition to socializing. These people will understand what you have experienced. For female veterans, look for female veteran organizations such as Women Vets Rock Organization or Women's Memorial Organization There is a online community of female veterans. Second try organizations and associations that are related to your branch or field of expertise. Newsletters and publications will help you figure out what the civilian employers are looking for. You can find out what kinds of schooling or license is required. Another way to find out what is needed is to search the state website for required license and/or professional registration. Many of these organizations and associations will have Facebook pages. Comment, ask questions and build a network of social resources. While on the Facebook subject, keep your page appropriate if you have to voice something that is off colored send a private message.
Many veterans are going the educational route. In this case join student organizations, associations, clubs. Unlike in the past, students are now volunteering to get work experience. Post 9/11 veterans can also get paid to volunteer. Check out The Mission Continues Fellowship Program for details about the program.
Another online resource is online forums. This is an online discussion about a range of subjects. If you can't find the topic you are looking for start a discussion. Websites such as Military.com and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Association host a comprehensive array of forums.
Volunteer! I know volunteering seems ummm unproductive, but it will help! Don't think of it as working for free because you are developing a resume, network resources and social outlets. So just do it. It might be difficult to find volunteer opportunities. Try hospitals or nursing homes, they depend on volunteers. If it is close enough, you can start in the VA hospital and/or clinic. You can start with familiar settings such as VFW Bingo and American Legion Events. If you are not ready for a lot of social interaction, try the human society, forestry or even Meals on Wheels/Books on Wheels for individual encounter with the elderly or disabled. It may take a while but you will encounter someone that is in your field. Volunteering in your field may require some creative thinking. Through these generic volunteer experience you may meet an elderly person who needs your expertise. That elderly person may have some connections to people in your field. It used to be that everyone was connected by 6 degrees of separation. Now it is thought that gap of 6 degrees has shrunk considerable maybe even by half. So one of my Facebook friends may be friends with one of your Facebook friend.
Do you have any other networking suggestions?
No comments:
Post a Comment