Network Your Way Into Your Next Career Opportunity

Networking & LinkedIn for Military-Connected Students

Build Your Community. Tell Your Story. Unlock Opportunities.

Building strong professional relationships is one of the most effective ways to advance your career—and it’s not about asking strangers for jobs. At the Diller Center for Veterans at Golden Gate University, we guide military-connected students and alumni in developing networks that open doors and reflect your unique experience.

Whether you’re just starting out or pivoting careers, this guide will help you tap into the veteran-friendly job market through Handshake, LinkedIn, and strategic networking.

Why Build a Network?

  • Get behind-the-scenes insight into roles, organizations, and career paths from those already doing the work.

  • More than 80% of jobs are filled through referrals and internal networks—before they're ever posted.

  • Networking is a two-way street. Strong connections grow with you, offering advice, ideas, and support over time.

  • Write down names of people you’ve served with, classmates, professors, mentors, and career coaches. You’re more connected than you think.

  • Connect with other GGU students, alumni, and veterans in your field. Follow military-friendly companies and industry thought leaders.

Where to Start Networking

Informational Interviews: Ask, Don’t Apply

  • A short conversation (10–15 minutes) where you learn directly from someone working in a role or industry you’re interested in. You’re not asking for a job—you’re asking for insight.

    • Briefly introduce yourself and share what you’re curious about

    • Ask for a quick 10–15 minute conversation (or email exchange if easier)

    • Avoid language like “Can you get me a job?”

    • Do your homework. Research the person’s role, career path, and the company they work for. Come prepared with thoughtful, specific questions. For example: “I saw you transitioned from the military into tech—what helped you navigate that shift?”

    • Skip the generic questions. Instead of asking, “What’s the culture like?” try: “What type of person tends to thrive on your team?” or “What do you enjoy most (or find most challenging) about your role?”

    • Respect their time. If a live conversation doesn’t work, offer an alternative: “If a quick call isn’t possible, I’d be grateful to send a few short questions by email or chat—whatever works best for you.”

    • Use your network. If you share a mutual contact, ask for an introduction! People are more likely to respond when there’s a connection to someone they know and trust.

    • Always follow up with a thank-you note!

LinkedIn: Build a Profile That Reflects Your Path

Your LinkedIn profile is your digital handshake. Make it count.

    • Use your personal email address to create an account

    • Having both a profile picture and a cover photo shows you're active on the platform and increases profile views.

  • Use a clear, professional photo of just yourself (shoulders up, no one cropped out). Natural lighting works well—ask a friend to take it outside. GGU also offers free photo shoots during Campus Week. Avoid using a military photo, as recruiters recommend presenting yourself as a civilian professional.

  • This is valuable space to showcase your brand. It can be anything that reflects your personality or interests. Canva is a great tool for creating a custom image.

  • A snapshot of who you are. It can be more than your job title or the industry you are looking to get into. For example, veterans and milspouses will often put that title right in their headline!

  • This is your chance to tell your story. Where you have been, what you are doing now, and where you hope to be going. Don’t be afraid to bring it to life with stories that showcase how your strengths can help the people you work with.

  • This is your living, breathing resume. Just like your resume, include your experiences with bullet points. Include paid work, volunteering, school projects, entrepreneurship work, etc.

  • Include your education with your graduation date.

  • Showcase your professional achievements!

  • An easy way to strengthen your LinkedIn profile is by selecting skills that truly reflect your expertise. This reinforces your Headline and About sections and gives others a chance to endorse you. Keep your list focused—too many unrelated skills can dilute your message. Take time to clean it up occasionally. Profiles with five or more skills are nearly three times more likely to receive connection requests!

    • Once your profile is complete, and we do mean COMPLETE, it is time to start building your connections.

    • Be strategic when building your LinkedIn network. Start by connecting with fellow veterans, military spouses, and others in the military-connected community—you already share a strong common ground.

    • Add classmates, colleagues, mentors, and contacts met during networking events. When reaching out, include a short message about your shared background or why you’d like to connect. It helps build trust and makes your outreach more personal and effective.

    • Make sure to follow military-connected friendly companies to be notified of job postings and events.

  • Book a session with your military-connected career coach and learn how to use LinkedIn filters to find vets at your dream companies!

Your hub for jobs, internships, and career support

  • Handshake is GGU’s official career services platform—your centralized hub for:

    • 💼 Searching jobs and internships aligned with your goals

    • 🏢 Connecting with employers who value your military background

    • 🎓 Scheduling one-on-one coaching with career advisors

    • 📅 Registering for career fairs and events

    • 📚 Accessing career-building tools and resources

  • With thousands of employers actively hiring—including veteran-ready and government organizations—Handshake is built to help you:

    • Translate your military skills into career-ready qualifications

    • Access personalized job recommendations based on your goals

    • Gain visibility with recruiters looking for students like you

    🎯 Pro tip: A complete profile increases your chances of recruiter outreach and tailored job matches.

    1. Visit joinhandshake.com

    2. Sign in using your GGU student email address

    3. Complete your profile to unlock personalized job recommendations

    4. Start exploring—and apply with confidence!

    📱 Download the Handshake App to stay connected on the go!

  • Book a session with a Diller Center Career Coach to:

    • Get your Handshake profile recruiter-ready

    • Learn how to use Handshake’s filters and tools

    • Get matched with veteran-friendly employers

    👉 Schedule a Career Coaching Appointment

  • Q: Is Handshake just for internships?
    A: No! Handshake includes full-time roles, internships, fellowships, and remote opportunities from veteran-ready employers across the country.

    Q: Can alumni still use Handshake?
    A: Yes—military-connected alumni have lifetime access to GGU career support, including Handshake.

    Q: How do I know if an employer is veteran-friendly?
    A: Look for organizations flagged with military/veteran initiatives, or ask our team for help identifying companies aligned with your service background.