Extra Insight on Networking and Transitioning to a Civilian Career

Community members meet with potential employers at a job fair held at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, in August 2018. (U.S. Army Photo by Scott T. Sturkol)

It's never too soon to think about your next step. For several student veterans, that next step is coming quickly. By understanding the veteran employment situation, and what you can bring to the table, you'll be able to maximize your strengths and land your dream job. 

As the years have gone by, civilian employers have started to understand a few things about veterans. One of those is the loyalty that veterans have. According to a new social impact report from LinkedIn, veterans tend to stay 8.3% longer in their initial job than nonveterans.

The experience that veterans bring to the table does not go unnoticed by employers either. They know that education and experience are something veterans bring to the table and that veterans are 160% more likely to have a graduate degree. These probably contribute to veterans being more likely to be promoted earlier than their civilian colleagues.

LinkedIn, of course, puts your network at the top of the list of things you should focus on, stating that a network can help you get a job. Veterans may have an edge here as they've lived in several locations, attended several schools and have an expansive professional network. Using this network will help with job placement and career advancement.

Read Next: 7 LinkedIn Profile Tips for Veterans

Employers looking to hire veterans look for most of the same things in civilian employees, with a few additions. They want to ensure you have the basic skills required, and having preferred skills or additional requirements usually helps. They also want to see your connection to a civilian network and the ability to overcome the veteran stereotypes that plague the military community. But, how do you show those things?

Start by building and leveraging your network. 

Of course, you can do this on LinkedIn, but don't limit yourself to just an online network. Use as many resources and tools as available, including the Diller Center team and other veteran resources, like the SkillBridge program and LinkedIn Learning. Continue to research the jobs and companies that are hiring and look at what sorts of connections, experiences and certifications people who hold this position at other companies have.

Keep building your network, don't stop when you have a job. 

Start, and continue conversations with professionals at all levels -- recruiters, hiring managers and veterans who have already found a position in a field that interests you. Informational interviews are always a great idea.

Join a strong community of military veterans and their family members by connecting with other students at GGU.