Building Your Professional Network: Beyond Your Institution
Expand your professional network strategically to accelerate career growth, access problem-solving resources, and stay current with industry trends
When you encounter a complex SAP situation you've never seen before, who do you call? When you're considering a career move, who provides honest advice about opportunities? When regulatory changes create confusion, who helps you interpret them? Your professional network.
Many VASCOs limit their professional connections to colleagues at their own institution. While those relationships matter, limiting your network to one campus restricts your career growth, problem-solving resources, and professional development. This guide shows you how to strategically build a professional network that accelerates your career and makes you more effective in your role.
💡 Network = Net Worth
Career research consistently shows that professional networks are the #1 factor in career advancement, job opportunities, and professional problem-solving. Most job openings never get posted—they're filled through networks.
Why Your Network Should Extend Beyond Campus
Professional Benefits
- ✓ Broader perspective: Learn how other schools handle challenges
- ✓ Best practices: Access proven solutions from peer institutions
- ✓ Regulatory insight: Understand how others interpret VA guidance
- ✓ Benchmarking: Compare your processes and outcomes
- ✓ Innovation: Discover new tools and approaches
- ✓ Problem-solving: Quick answers to complex questions
Career Benefits
- ✓ Job opportunities: Hear about openings before they're posted
- ✓ Referrals: Trusted recommendations carry weight
- ✓ Mentorship: Learn from experienced VASCOs
- ✓ Visibility: Build reputation beyond your campus
- ✓ Career advice: Navigate career decisions with insider knowledge
- ✓ Professional growth: Exposure to different institutional contexts
Step 1: Map Your Current Network
Before expanding, understand what you already have. Create a network inventory:
Network Inventory Exercise
Strong Ties (Close Relationships)
People you could call today with a question. List them:
- • Campus colleagues in veteran services
- • VASCOs from graduate school or previous jobs
- • Regular contacts from professional organizations
- • Former supervisors or mentors
Typical count: 5-15 people
Weak Ties (Acquaintances)
People you've met but don't talk to regularly:
- • VASCOs met at conferences
- • Online community members you've interacted with
- • LinkedIn connections from VASCO groups
- • Contacts from cross-institutional projects
Typical count: 20-50 people
Dormant Ties (Lost Touch)
People you once knew but haven't connected with recently:
- • Former colleagues from previous institutions
- • Graduate school classmates in education
- • Previous professional organization contacts
- • People from past projects or committees
Opportunity: These are easiest to reactivate
💡 The Weak Ties Advantage
Research shows weak ties are often MORE valuable than strong ties for career advancement. Why? Your close contacts know the same people you do. Weak ties connect you to entirely different networks, creating access to opportunities and information you wouldn't otherwise have.
Step 2: Join Professional Organizations
Key Organizations for VASCOs
NAVPA (National Association of Veterans' Program Administrators)
Primary professional organization for VASCOs. Annual conference, regional chapters, listserv, professional development.
Value: Direct access to national VASCO community
State/Regional VASCO Groups
Many states have regional associations. Regular meetings, shared resources, local networking.
Value: Practical peer support from nearby institutions
Student Veterans of America (SVA)
While student-focused, offers professional development and connects you with broader veteran education community.
Value: Student perspective and institutional partnerships
NASPA/ACPA Veterans Knowledge Community
For VASCOs in student affairs roles. Broader student services perspective.
Value: Student affairs context and career pathways
Maximizing Organization Membership
❌ Passive Membership (Low Value)
- • Pay dues, never attend events
- • Ignore emails and resources
- • No engagement with community
- • Membership card collects dust
✅ Active Membership (High Value)
- • Attend annual conference
- • Join listserv/forum, contribute insights
- • Volunteer for committee or project
- • Present at conference (career boost!)
Step 3: Engage in Online Communities
Where VASCOs Connect Online
LinkedIn Groups
Search for groups like "VA School Certifying Officials," "Veterans in Higher Education," "GI Bill Professionals"
Best for: Professional connections, job postings, industry news
Email Listservs
NAVPA listserv, state VASCO lists, institutional consortia
Best for: Quick questions, regulatory updates, peer problem-solving
Facebook Groups
Private groups for VASCOs, often state or region-specific
Best for: Informal advice, resource sharing, community support
Slack/Discord Communities
Real-time chat communities for higher ed professionals
Best for: Real-time problem-solving, ongoing discussions
Online Networking Best Practices
Give Before You Take
Answer others' questions, share resources. Build reputation as helpful
Be Consistent
Regular small contributions > occasional large ones
Use Real Name & Photo
Professional identity builds trust and recognition
Follow Up Privately
Public question → private thank you strengthens connection
Share Your Expertise
Post articles, start discussions, offer perspective
Move Online to In-Person
Connect at conferences with people you know online
Step 4: Optimize Conference Networking
Before the Conference
Set Networking Goals (2 weeks before)
"I want to meet 3 VASCOs from similar-sized schools to discuss [specific topic]" is better than "I want to network."
Review Attendee List (1 week before)
Identify people you want to meet. Reach out in advance: "I see you're attending—would love to connect about [topic]."
Prepare Your Introduction (Day before)
30-second intro: Name, school, role, one interesting current project or challenge. Practice it.
Bring Business Cards
Yes, still relevant. Digital alternatives: LinkedIn QR code, contact sharing apps.
During the Conference
Maximize Opportunities
- • Sit with new people at meals (not your colleagues)
- • Ask questions in sessions (increases visibility)
- • Attend social events even if you're introverted
- • Exchange contact info immediately
- • Take notes on conversations (who, what, follow-up)
Conversation Starters
- • "What brought you to this session?"
- • "What's the biggest challenge at your school right now?"
- • "Have you been to this conference before? Any tips?"
- • "What's working well in your VASCO office?"
- • "How does your school handle [specific issue]?"
After the Conference (Critical!)
Most networking value comes from follow-up. Within 48 hours:
Send Personalized Follow-Ups
"Great talking about SAP appeals at lunch Tuesday. Here's that resource I mentioned: [link]. Let's stay in touch!"
Connect on LinkedIn
Reference where you met: "Great connecting at NAVPA—looking forward to staying in touch."
Add to Your Contact System
Note where you met, what you discussed, when to follow up. Set reminder for 3 months: "Check in with [name]."
Step 5: Maintain Your Network
⚠️ Networks Decay Without Maintenance
A connection made at a conference fades within 6 months without follow-up. Building a network isn't a one-time activity—it requires consistent, low-effort maintenance.
Low-Effort Maintenance Strategies
Share Resources
When you find helpful article/tool, share with 2-3 people it's relevant to. Adds value, stays top-of-mind.
Congratulate Achievements
LinkedIn makes this easy. New job? Promotion? Award? Comment or message.
Make Introductions
Connect people who should know each other. "Person A, meet Person B—you both work on [topic]."
Quarterly Check-Ins
Quick email to 5-10 key contacts: "How's your semester going? Any interesting projects?"
Engage Online
Like, comment on their LinkedIn posts or forum contributions. Low effort, maintains presence.
Annual Face-to-Face
Try to see key contacts yearly (conferences ideal). In-person reinforces relationship.
Key Takeaways
- 1.Professional networks are essential for career growth and effective problem-solving
- 2.Join professional organizations actively—volunteer, contribute, present
- 3.Online communities provide daily connection; optimize conference networking for in-person relationships
- 4.Networks require maintenance—consistent, low-effort touchpoints keep connections strong