Career readiness for UO Veterans – Networking night

Tuesday, January 30

5:30–6:30 p.m.

Are you eager to connect with more UO veterans and alumni? Look no further than this career readiness networking event developed with you in mind! We invite you to gather with fellow Ducks to gain confidence as you hone your networking skills and build connections to last a lifetime.

Throughout this event, you will be guided through opportunities to engage with different groups of veterans and alumni from all walks of life. This is a great chance to ask questions, gain insight, learn new perspectives, and share contact information for continued support throughout your careers. 

Not sure where to start or what questions to ask? We’ve got you covered! See below for the event schedule, format, suggested talking points, and more. Get excited to take this next step in building your network with the UO Alumni Association’s support along the way.

Location

Tykeson Hall Commons
1030 E 13th Ave.
Eugene OR 97401

Registration

This event is free to attend, and registration is required. Please register online or call 971-284-1271 by January 29.

[[Registration Button]] 

 

Questions?

Email Mimi Endo or call 541-346-5656.

Event Schedule

5:30 – 5:40 p.m. 
Check in, grab a nametag and snack, and join a table (3-4 students + 1-2 alumni/employers). 
5:40 – 5:50 p.m. 
Welcome and Introductions of alumni. 
5:50 – 6:20 p.m. 
Let’s Chat! Rotate when the bell rings to the next numbered table (ex. 1 goes to 2…). 
6:20 – 6:30 p.m. 
Opportunity for professional headshots and more open networking! Chat more with someone you met earlier or connect with any alum you missed. 
 

Getting Started at the Event:

Each time you join a new table… 
Students: Share your name, pronouns, major, hometown, career aspirations, and more. 
Alumni: Share your name, pronouns, military service, what you studied in college, and how students can connect with you after the event. 

 

CONVERSATION STARTERS:

Need help figuring out what to talk about? Here are some suggested topics. Be sure to also share what’s important to you in your job search/professional development.

 

Higher Education/Industry Transition:

"Please share your experience transitioning from the military to your current industry."
"Have you encountered any stereotypes or misconceptions about veterans in the workplace or academic settings? If so, how you addressed and overcome them?" 

 

Skill Translation:

"Please provide examples of how specific military skills directly translated into your civilian job or academic pursuits." 
"Were there skills you didn't initially recognize as valuable but later found crucial in your new environment?" 

 

Resume Building:

"How did you effectively communicate your military experience on your resume?" 
"What advice do you have for highlighting relevant skills and achievements from the military on a resume?" 

 

Networking:

"How did you build your professional network after leaving the military, or in a career military role?" 
"Did you find any specific networking strategies or events particularly helpful?" 

 

Mentorship:

"Did you seek out mentors during your life transitions, and how did they contribute to your success?" 
"What advice do you have for finding and establishing mentor-mentee relationships as a transitioning veteran?" 

 

Advice:

"If you could share one piece of career advice with a current student veteran, what would it be?"
"What career readiness skills do you think are most important for student veterans to be developing while at the UO?" 

 

STAY CONNECTED AFTER THE EVENT:

Remember to share your preferred contact information with your connections, add each other on LinkedIn, and stay in touch to grow your networks.