Do I Need to Network When I'm Not Looking for Work? (Yes.)

A strong professional network can help you land a new job. But that’s not all a network is good for, and if you only maintain and utilize your connections during a job search, you run the risk of missing some major chances to improve your professional standing.

MOAA expert Erin Cardinal has a full breakdown on the need to keep networking, even when you’re happy in your current position . Keeping up with connections, and making new ones, allows you to:

• Stay in the Know: Skipping industry forums may seem like a time-saver if you’re not after a new job, but it’s also a great way to miss out on the latest technological advances, improved practices, personnel shakeups, and so much more.
• Find Unexpected Help: Could a chance meeting at a conference introduce you to a powerful industry player, or a potential mentor? You’ll never know if you stay on the sideline.
• Be Ready for Anything: A comfortable, rewarding position could turn toxic after a leadership change, or a budget cut, or a merger, or … well, pick your poison. Don’t wait until it’s too late to have a strong network for support.

Get the full details here . And speaking of career changes …

Event Spotlight: The Art of Onboarding

What: A May 14 online seminar featuring MOAA experts Brian Anderson , Pat Williams , and Erin Cardinal designed to help you conquer your new professional role … no matter what that role might be.

Who: Servicemembers leaving uniform and concerned about fitting into a new corporate culture. Veterans changing jobs, facing a company reorganization, considering a promotion, or even “transitioning in place” – keeping the same job, but taking on a new role or responsibility. Military spouses adjusting (again) to a new workplace after a PCS move.

Why: All of us face professional change, and finding success during and after that process is a skill MOAA can help you master. Your actions at the start of your new position or in the early days of a new leadership team will make all the difference – get a leg up.

Where Do I Sign Up?: Right Here (Discounts available for MOAA Premium and Life members.)

Get More From MOAA!

Thank you for checking out this week’s issue of Your Next Step: MOAA’s Military Transition Report . If you’re one of our MORE THAN 7,000 SUBSCRIBERS, we appreciate it. If not, subscribe today, and don't forget to share these tips and others from MOAA with your network.

While you're at it:

• Join MOAA's Career and Networking Group on LinkedIn
• Connect with a MOAA virtual chapter .
• Bookmark MOAA.org/Careers and stay up to date on all the latest MOAA news, events, webinars, and so much more!

Not a Member? Visit MOAA.org/Join to Join MOAA Today (It’s Free!)