I will be starting a career in management in the Buffalo, NY area after 21 years of military service. I currently live in the area, but I am not from here. Since this is not a military town I do not have the normal network of veterans to work with. How do I go about establishing myself as a member of the professional community?
Answers
Todd - Thank you for your service! You have a tool box filled with relevant experience and also many transferable skills as well so be confident in presenting them as you make connections. The previous answers all had wonderful advice and I would also add that joining a local Rotary Club. Kiwanis, etc. that meets regularly (even virtually now) typically has professional members that are well connected and could help you with your search. Also, calling/visiting (when and if appropriate with Covid-19 regulations) the local Chamber of Commerce could be of value as well to initiate contact and interest in employment opportunities. Do not hesitate to ask colleagues, relatives and friends for any leads as well. Best wishes in your search! All the best, Shelley
Thanks for your service Todd.
In addition to the great recommendations already posted I would also add Volunteering as a way to build your local network and make an impact in your new community.
For Example
Checkout out local food bank opportunities in your area via FeedAmerica.org. Food banks rely heavily on volunteers and are a populer focus for companies that want to support the community.
Todd,
Thank you for your service.
In addition to the excellent sites that others have recommended - highly recommend Linkedin to find other professionals in Buffalo - think about building a networking plan. Start with one person that you may have more in common with -- it will build your confidence with networking. Be clear about your "ask" e.g."I'd love your ideas on other companies I should target", and at the end of the conversation, don't hesitate to ask: "Is there someone in your network that you think I should meet..... and would you be willing to make an introduction on Linkedin." If you ask these 2 questions with everyone you meet, you will soon have a table of people that you've met and many great ideas.
Good luck!
Todd,
For building a professional network, I recommend the following:
- the ACP website, once logged in, you can go to "Community" and you reach people near you.
- LinkedIn.com - make an account and see who is around you
- MeetUp.com - see what events are happening around you
- EventBrite.com - similar to MeetUp, sign up and attend events
Sotti
Todd,
For building a professional network, I recommend the following:
- the ACP website, once logged in, you can go to "Community" and you reach people near you.
- LinkedIn.com - make an account and see who is around you
- MeetUp.com - see what events are happening around you
- EventBrite.com - similar to MeetUp, sign up and attend events
Sotti
Hi Todd-
Thanks for your service!
There are a lot of professional networking groups that you can find on meetup.com in your area. In the current situation, you'll need to do some research on which ones are conducting virtual events, but at least you'll be able to connect with others on-line to begin building those relationships ahead of future live events.
Depending on what industry you'll be working in, there are probably some unique groups specific to your management domain. But in general, you can find potential professional relationships through local chambers of commerce:
https://www.thepartnership.org/
https://www.buffalochamber.org/
Good luck!
Deb
Todd,
Explore the search feature on LinkedIn. You can click on the PEOPLE tab and enter Buffalo, NY into the LOCATION tab and it will bring up connections. Once you find those people, you can narrow it down to whether or not they have previous experience in the military (by click ALL FILTERS and then PAST COMPANIES)
Hope this helps! Find me on LinkedIn if you have questions.
Marina
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