I was speaking to a young NCO today and I gave him some advice that I really need to take myself. I told him to start building his LinkedIn Profile as soon as possible.
This young NCO may stay in for a couple of years, but like many young Soldiers, he may decide that he wants to try something new. Regardless of when he gets out, he will get out. When he does get out, it will probably be at a fairly young age. If he stays in for twenty years, he could possibly retire at age 38, which is time enough to find another job. After 20 years in the Army, he would have the experience many people could never get in the civilian world. He could have been responsible for millions of dollars of equipment and hundreds of personnel. He would have expertise in leadership and management. He would have certain technical skills and the ability to adjust to new environments and occupations. The story of the Army career is complex and difficult to share because in many ways it is difficult to remember it all. This is where LinkedIn comes in.
Through maintaining a current profile through LinkedIn, the member can constantly update the activities and experiences that he or she may have. If you start building this profile while you are young, twenty years down the road there would be a more accurate picture of the career than if the member started building this profile six months before leaving the Army. Interestingly enough, this is true in any field of work. As young people start their careers, they need to build their resume little by little on LinkedIn, as their career grows, so does their profile. This profile would make a great introduction to anyone who may want to hire this young person several years down the road.
So, get to work! Start with a profile and build from there. You may be amazed at the doors it could open up!