By: Captain Ryan Marquette, Syracuse University College of Law student and National Guardsman
This year’s Student Veterans of America’s (SVA) National Conference (NatCon 2020) was a blend of self-growth, networking, and social responsibility.
During the conference, employers from across the country assembled at downtown LA’s J.W. Marriot to talk about one thing and one thing only — hiring student veterans. This wasn’t just an ordinary recruiting event with quick sales pitches and brochures. Instead, employers led breakout sessions on resume writing, cover letters, interviews, and using LinkedIn as a networking tool. These interactions between employers and students ensure student veterans are putting their best foot forward in the job market.
When not in session, students had the opportunity to discuss internship and employment opportunities with top-tier employers. It was common to see student veterans arranging formal interviews and applying for positions in the conference halls.
The employers represented at NatCon genuinely have the best interests of student veterans in mind. I approached one company looking for a legal internship in Syracuse, but nothing was available. Instead of pitching me on another location, the recruiter connected me with someone in his personal network who had a position that could potentially suit my needs and interests. Other NatCon 2020 attendees shared similar experiences. When opportunities didn’t work out, we weren’t simply told “no”, we were told “no, but…” This type of attitude exemplified the commitment to hire student veterans beyond business interests.
When student veterans were not networking with employers, they were networking amongst themselves. The brotherhood and sisterhood of the armed services is real, and it was refreshing to be around fellow student veterans experiencing the same challenges transitioning from the military and into higher education. NatCon was more than just a conference, it was a chance to share best practices and lessons learned between student veteran organizations.
Finally, student veterans were able to participate in veteran policy discussions with staff members from various thinktanks and committees representing veterans’ issues on Capitol Hill. Together, we discussed policy proposals on issues including VA claims, the GI Bill, and the Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP). The input from student veterans was remarkable. As they say in each military branch, “leave the place better than you found it.” It was very clear that student veterans want an even brighter path for the next generation of student veterans that choose the transition to higher education.
With 23 student attendees, Syracuse University led the way with regard to student veteran presence at the conference. Just another example of why Syracuse University is “the best place for veterans.” Fun fact, did you know that Jared Lyon, the president of the Student Veterans Association is a Syracuse alum? Jared also worked for the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) before being hired as an SVA employee.
Following the conference, Syracuse University’s student veterans stayed in LA for an additional “immersion” experience. The immersion was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet with employers from Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, and CBS Studios. This experience made us think “outside the box” with regard to employment after graduation. Student veterans often compartmentalize their talent, education, and background into specific career tracts. This immersion experience opened our eyes to the diversity and value that our skill sets offer in any organization. Regardless of our occupation in the military and area of study, each employer made it clear that they were looking to hire student veterans for their character, work ethic, and leadership.
If you are a student veteran, think outside the box in terms of employment. If the military valued you enough to teach you a unique set of skills to keep our homeland safe, another organization will see you equally as valuable.
Overall, the conference and career immersion were amazing experiences. I encourage every student veteran to take advantage of opportunities like these at their institution. Thank you to Syracuse University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, along with the Veteran Legacy Fund donors, for making this possible!