Cadet-Alumni Career Networking Forum Highlights VMI Bonds

Ongoing now for more than 15 years, the Cadet-Alumni Career Networking Forum returned to post Sept. 27–28, 2024, to help cadets think about the opportunities that await them after VMI—and allow them to meet alumni who can make introductions and open doors. This year’s event attracted almost 70 alums spanning the Classes of 1973 to 2023 and a large number of cadets.

The networking forum began with a dinner for alums and cadets in Moody Hall Friday night and remarks by retired U.S. Air Force Col. Charles “Charlie” Sachs ’79, Alumni Association Board of Directors member and Region X South director. The next morning, members of the Rat Mass of 2025+3 gathered in Memorial Hall to hear remarks from retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. J.D. Johnson ’77 and Joel Andrus ’04.

Johnson, a 38-year Army veteran who now serves as vice president of business development for GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors, told his listeners that military service will set them up well for the rest of their lives. “That time leading your fellow Americans … people will recognize that,” he stated. He counseled the rats to embrace change and stay the course throughout their cadetships. “The people you meet here will be the most important people in your life,” he noted. “Embrace that.”

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Ronald “Ronnie” Norman ’75 chats with cadets at the Cadet-Alumni Career Networking Forum Sept. 28.

Andrus, who works in state governmental relations for Kemper Consulting and serves on the Alumni Association board of directors, emphasized the need to prepare for life after VMI, even as soon as rat year. “Use this time [at VMI] to forge relationships,” he said. “You will use those relationships well into the future.”

Andrus also highlighted the need to get involved with clubs or other groups on post, as well as taking part in internships and other professional development opportunities. “Make sure the time you’re spending now matters for your future,” Andrus concluded. “Think now about your time after VMI.”

In Cocke Hall, cadets of all classes gathered to talk either individually or in small groups with alumni representing a wide range of fields, including but not limited to health and health care, information technology and cybersecurity, law enforcement, banking and finance, government, graduate and professional schools, National Guard/Reserve, and more.

Attending the event for the first time, Steve Billingsley ’77 expressed thankfulness that cadets now have opportunities such as this. “When I graduated on the 15th of May in 1977, I went home,” Billingsley recalled. “I knew I was going in the Army, but there had been no formal program to help me write a resume or do interviewing. So, this is something that is awesome. I hope the cadets will take advantage of it, starting as rats.

“You need to know how to network, how to introduce yourself to people,” Billingsley continued. “Face-to-face networking is probably the most important aspect of the job search process.”

Steve Chapin ’75 speaks with a cadet during the Cadet-Alumni Career Networking Forum Sept. 28.

Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Jake Spivey ’85, a 30-year military veteran who was representing the civil service/contractor field, also spoke about the forum’s usefulness. “It’s important for cadets to keep that long-term view, not just about 2 to 5 years, but about their 15- to 20-year future, and look at how they can be successful over the long term.”

Looking back, Spivey can see many differences between the world he graduated into in 1985 and the world cadets are graduating into today, but the power of the VMI network is as strong as it’s ever been. “I had a cadet come see me today,” he related. “He’s a 1st [Class cadet], graduating in May. He wants to do real estate in Texas. I have a roommate who lives in Fort Worth and another who lives in Austin. They’re not in real estate, but they’re going to know somebody.”

Stephen Ralis ’25 plans to commission in the U.S. Army and hopefully serve as a cyber engineer or military intelligence officer, but he came to the forum with two purposes: To learn about post-Army opportunities and to pick up information that might be useful to his rats. “It’s the whole mentorship thing,” he said. “As a 1st [Class cadet], I need to take care of my rats.”

Ralis explained he’s met some alums over the course of his cadetship, and now he’s trying to extend those connections to any rats who are interested. “When I was a rat, I didn’t know what I wanted,” he commented. “There’s no reason you can’t start looking for internships early. Not everyone needs an internship, but it doesn’t hurt to have one.”

Brayden Hohman ’25, an international studies major, came to the forum because he’s still plotting his post-graduation path—and he was glad he did so. “This has been so helpful,” he noted. “Everyone’s been so welcoming at each station.” He has advice for younger cadets: “Take it seriously when you’re young because you don’t want to be struggling as a May graduate. Get an early start and connect with people now because you never know who they can connect you with.”

Those organizing the event were pleased with both the alum and cadet turnout, as well as the quality of the interactions. “The Cadet-Alumni Career Networking Forum serves as an opportunity to bring together distinguished VMI alumni representing a myriad of career fields to help inform, educate, and mentor cadets,” said Brandon Bissell ’98, VMI Alumni Agencies director of alumni outreach. “With the superintendent’s support to make this a Corps-wide event, the insight and exposure to alumni is invaluable as cadets plot their respective paths through their cadetship for a career after their time at the Institute.”

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