rapid fire
Improve Your Network MilLife Connection
As our families move from duty station to duty station or transition out of the military lifestyle, it is important to build personal and professional networks. These five tips can help you create, maintain, or improve your network.
1. Make connections. The first step is to start making connections. Oftentimes, military spouses will ask, “Where do I find new friends or opportunities for a job in an unfamiliar place?” For personal networks, reach out to your family, friends, classmates, volunteer organizations, and spouse clubs. To build your professional network, reach out to old colleagues, alumni associations, professional associations, and installation employment offices.
2. Attend community events. Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and attend at least three different events in your area. These can include public lectures, spouse club events, Chamber of Commerce events, or even a class for a new hobby that interests you.
3. Start a conversation. As you attend events and meet people in your area, don’t be afraid to start a conversation. Actively listen to find common experiences, interests, and goals to establish a deeper connection (whether small or large). If you are comfortable, exchange contact information. You never know when a new contact might lead to a new employment opportunity or a new friendship. The more you connect, the more comfortable you will become (even if you don’t like it).
4. Follow up. Stay connected. You can do this via email and social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etcetera) and through informal meetings. Ask your new connection his or her preferred way to stay in touch.
5. Be yourself. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Let your personality shine!
MOAA Invites Spouses to Texas
MOAA’s Spouse Programs is bringing its free Military Spouse Symposium*, “Keeping a Career on the Move,” to San Antonio Feb. 12. Each symposium is a place to learn, connect, and get inspired while picking up knowledge and tools intended to help military spouses with their professional development.
*online: Get more information about the event and register at
www.moaa.org/spouseandfamily.
30 MILITARY OFFICER FEBRUARY 2014
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88