West Point Association of Graduates & PurePost

The Value of the Network

We’ve connected withAhmond Hill (Director at West Point Association of Graduates) to discuss the current professional transition success with West Point’s alumni base. In the past year, WPAOG has seen 4X the success rates in West Point graduates who have transitioned from the military.

Purepost: How did you transition to WPAOG?

Ahmond: I moved from Washington DC. And as a grad myself it was a natural transition since I was in the HR space, love supporting the West Point community and engaging alumni from all walks of life - we have quite the diversity now.

Purepost: Awesome. What do you believe is driving the success that West Point graduates have with successfully finding employment?

Ahmond: West Point Grads are doing a better job of leveraging the alumni network. They do this via email, LinkedIn and events specifically SACC.

Purepost: Any insights to share with regards to candidates at events?

Ahmond: I would like to highlight the preparation for the event. Ensure your resume is up to date, bring business cards, follow up within 24-48 hrs.

Purepost: Any feedback from recruiters at SACC?

Ahmond: Interestingly, they are asking for more detailed resumes versus conventional practice adhering to a one page limit.

Purepost: Any recruiter feedback regarding the demographics?

Ahmond: There is still a preference for younger graduates who are more coachable. However, to caveat, the younger grads would benefit from balancing expectations around compensation, travel and work hours.

Purepost: 100% agree that beyond short term compensation, it’s even more important to optimize for skills, experiences and networks. In the grand scheme of things, the first compensation immediately transitioning from the military may not be the most important factor when deciding on a career after the military.

Purepost: Any final advice for Veterans, family and friends?

Ahmond: West Point is a special community. We all need to be mindful of bringing your A game especially when you have the opportunity to connect with a grad who is willing to share time, wisdom and his/her personal networks.

Thank you so much for your time Ahmond! We look forward to supporting the West Point Association of Graduates.

Effective networking is an essential tool for jobseekers in today's competitive job market. It allows you to connect with professionals in your field, build relationships, and gather valuable information and advice. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your networking efforts:

1. Identify your goals: Before you start networking, it's important to have a clear idea of what you hope to achieve. Are you looking for a new job, a promotion, or simply to learn more about your industry? Having specific goals will help you focus your efforts and make the most of your time.
2. Utilize your resources: There are many ways to network, from attending industry events and joining professional organizations to connecting with alumni and reaching out to potential mentors. Take advantage of all the resources available to you and be proactive in seeking out new connections.
3. Prepare for meetings: Before meeting with alumni or other professionals, be sure to research their background and accomplishments. This will help you tailor your conversation and show that you are genuinely interested in their career path. It's also a good idea to have a few questions prepared in advance to help guide the conversation.
4. Practice professional etiquette: When networking, it's important to remember that you are representing yourself and your profession. Be respectful and polite, and follow the basic rules of professional etiquette, such as introducing yourself properly, maintaining eye contact, and sending a follow-up thank you note after the meeting.

By following these tips, you can effectively network and build valuable connections that will help you in your job search and career development. Remember to be proactive, be prepared, and always show your professional side when networking.