The Best Way to Network

The Military Veteran conference in New York City was a great place to connect with other veterans and service members transitioning into new careers.

Loyal readers of the Military Media newsletter may have noticed that we did not have an edition come out last Friday. That’s because I was at The Military Veteran conference in New York City! In all the excitement and networking, I wasn’t able to pull together the high-quality post you’re used to. When you’re at an event, it’s always better to commit to it as fully as possible.

Later this week we’ll be returning to the rankings of hospitals (and VA hospitals) produced by the government’s Care Compare websites, traveling outside New England for a look at the rest of the country. Thanks for subscribing and reading!

THE BIG STORY

The Best Way to Network

The Military Veteran conference in New York City was a great place to connect with other veterans and service members transitioning into new careers.

For most troops, leaving the military is one of the most exhilarating and anxiety-provoking steps they will take in their life. Whether the experience was good, as it is for many, or bad (as it is for some), or for the most part unexceptional, the moment one realizes that one will no longer have a uniform to wear — that the time of early wake-ups and all-nighters, of last minute hey-yous and desperate scrambles for cover as an air raid siren blares, an essential part of one’s identity — it becomes clear that something very serious is happening. This is what it’s like to leave the military.

Many people spend the rest of their lives considering what their service meant to them. Figuring out how to put that uniform back on. The camaraderie, the shared sense of purpose, the knowledge that whatever else might be the case, one was part of a machine that would spring into motion to defend the nation and civilization itself if needed; these things are rare in our postmodern and politically divided world. Even for those who left (as I and many of my colleagues did) with a clear purpose, and having accomplished their goals, transition can difficult; some never fully complete that process.

The military is one of those parts of one’s life that will help define and clarify the rest of it. Most veterans use that experience as a kind of north star, and bring the positive things they experienced into their business, studies, or creative work. Having a group of friends and supporters who understand that experience can be very helpful, professionally and personally.

That’s the kind of person who showed up to The Military Veteran conference in New York City this year. Hosted by JP Morgan Chase at their HQ on the first day, Thursday, September 28, and at a joint work space at 22 Vanderbilt on the second day, Friday, September 29, attendees braved flooding that paralyzed the city, shutting down the subway system and isolating Manhattan and Brooklyn, delaying flights and trains.

Transitioning troops and veterans made the trek to NYC from around the country to learn and network. Historic rain might have flooded out the subway, but it didn’t dampen the mood!

A successful follow-up to last year’s gathering, the two-day event included a mix of nine panels and 10 social events. This made for a great balance between programming and networking. And the quality of the panels was uniformly exceptional.

One panel that stood out to me was a “Fireside Chat” style conversation with Larry Smith of Tokyo Electron. Smith explained some of the challenges semiconductor manufacturers face, and ways of incentivizing new businesses. As U.S. manufacturing is in a sorry state of affairs more broadly, hearing an insider such as Smith explain the various hurdles and opportunities in detail was enlightening, if alarming. Afterwards I waited patiently in line to ask him what Master’s Degree a veteran ought to pursue if they wanted to help change things for the better. He said “Public Policy.”

Other panels examined subjects such as private equity, startups, media & marketing, and consulting. As someone with limited knowledge in these areas, I found them all insightful, and useful jumping-off points for the discussions that followed over coffee and soft drinks.

The Media & Marketing Panel. Left to right: Tim Hsia, Rob Levin, Brendan Aronson, and Gerry Byrne.

I can’t recommend events such as these highly enough to transitioning troops and also to veterans. They’re great opportunities to meet folks who’ve been in that position before. Having a network of serious professionals to help make connections and identify opportunities is a great advantage, especially in a world where one’s next duty assignment is entirely within one’s own hands.

TOP READS IN MONEY & FINANCE

Startups are having a rough go of it. If you believe in brands like Instacart and Arm, that could work to your advantage.

Buying a car online is becoming more popular. Here are some things one ought to consider before making the purchase.

China owns 55% of the global lithium processing market. The U.S. is investing in companies, people, and businesses in hopes that it can catch up.

TOP READS IN THE MILITARY

Marines relax uniform regulations… because of a uniform shortage.

NATO and the U.S. beefed up their presence in Kosovo as tensions continue to rise in the area.

The government avoided a shutdown, and troops will still pull a salary. Sometimes Congress surprises you!

Navy Special Warfare will begin random tests for PEDs. Had to disable social media when this came out because everyone was hurrying to get their jokes in.

The military is evaluating new ways of determining fitness.

TOP READS FOR VETERANS

The VA is adjusting to a population that has more pregnancies, and how better to support that population.

The two living survivors of the sinking of the U.S.S. Yorktown react to news that their aircraft carrier and those of the Japanese imperial navy were thoroughly surveyed during a recent undersea expedition.

A movement is underway to retire Pat Tillman’s number 40 from the NFL.

TOP READS AROUND THE WORLD

China’s loss is South Korea’s gain; at least when it comes to zinc production. I’m sure there are reasons we can’t do this here in the U.S.

Under Merkel, Germany became too reliant on Russian gas, concludes famed international analyst Captain I.C. Obviousthings.

A “Maß” has gone from 5 Euro in 2008 (when I attended Oktoberfest) to 14,40. Paradoxically, if they’d been 14,40 in 2008, I might not have had such a big headache the day after. Would I go to Oktoberfest again knowing what I know now? Oh, absolutely.

The suicide crisis that has affected the military seems to be spreading out into the broader world.

HUMOR

This one I think goes a little too far. Where’s my gif of Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Veep laughing awkwardly while cursing under her breath?