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Seeking help building a bigger professional network to transition into a banking/finance role in Cleveland, OH

Advisor

Jason Smith Cleveland, OH

As I get closer to my transition this fall, I'm trying to expand my professional network for banking/finance roles in/around Cleveland/OH. I do have an ACP-assigned mentor in the area, but I'm looking to add to my mentor's valuable help. I originally posted this question to LinkedIn's Veteran Mentor Network group (discussion at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4466143/4466143-6422487812364333058) and https://www.veteranmentornetwork.org/, and they suggested I cross-post here.

Specifically, I'm requesting help:
- Building my professional network in Cleveland, OH, in the banking and finance sector, particularly in Anti-Money Laundering, risk management, and compliance.
- Obtaining informational interviews about roles in mergers and acquisitions and investment banking in the Midwest/OH market.

My LinkedIn profile is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrsmith2020/, and my VMN profile and goals canvas is located here: https://www.veteranmentornetwork.org/profiles/434

I'm still currently living and working in the Washington, DC, area for the next few months, so I am trying to build my network from afar before I make the move. I'm fairly happy with the connections I've made here in DC - they've been incredibly helpful for understanding opportunities in this region - and my ACP mentor has been great in getting my Cleveland-area network started, but I want to increase the number of meaningful relationships I have in my target area.

I initially focused my job search on a very specific functional area - Anti-Money Laundering in banks and consulting companies - but I'd like to start expanding into exploring other related roles, since relocating to Cleveland is important to me.

I'd really appreciate anyone's insight. Thank you in advance.

11 July 2018 3 replies Military to Civilian Transition

Answers

Advisor

Tom Cal, CFA San Francisco, CA

Reach out to:
https://acp-advisornet.org/community/fqjtcc/Jim-Karanouh-Schuler
https://acp-advisornet.org/community/vwwcg8/Todd-Hurst

Re the banking and finance sector, know there ar emany bad actors, andmany large banks are admitted and conviced felons, see https://www.corp-research.org/corporaterapsheets . Choose wisely.

15 July 2018 Helpful answer

Advisor

Greg Andrew Plano, TX

Jason,

Are there specific firms you're looking to get plugged into? Because if you're looking to get into a specific, major company, they likely have a veteran recruiter whose job it is to source veteran talent. I know Capital One, Wells Fargo, and JP Morgan Chase (at least) all have people like this.

My 2 recommendations would be to search on LinkedIn for, "JP Morgan Chase Veteran Recruiter" if it's a major company. That person will be someone who can put your resume on the top of the stack, to make sure a hiring manager at least takes a look.

My other recommendation is to use LinkedIn's filters, and use Industry: Finance and Past Companies: (select all 4 branches). It should help you find some vets in the finance industry. You can further refine your search by using the location filter.

Good luck with your transition.

Thanks,
Greg

12 July 2018 Helpful answer

Advisor

Donna Stairs Greensburg, PA

Hi Jason.

I recommend joining groups on LinkedIn specific to your career interests. I've listed some other suggestions below.

1. Search LinkedIn for other people in the role you want to be in. Send them a connection request stating why you want to connect.
2. Reach out to recruiters/executive search firms that specialize in your niche area.
3. Look for financial career fairs in Cleveland.
4. Contact the local chamber of commerce for employer information.
5. Look for local trade journals specific to finance so you can learn about the employers.

Hope this helps.
Donna Stairs
Stairs Staffing

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