FORT BELVOIR, Va. - Traditionally, military spouses have a limited networking circle due to the many relocations they have to perform.

Stories about Families that get settled into one community only to find out they'll be moving once again are familiar for those accustomed to a military lifestyle.

That's where Sue Hoppin, founder of the National Military Spouse Network, hopes to make a difference. NMSN is a networking, mentoring and professional development organization that helps spouses find themselves and each other through education and empowerment.

Hoppin, an Air Force wife, has hosted numerous networking clinics over the years and was at the front of the classroom April 26 for a clinic at Fort Belvoir's Army Community Service building.

It's exciting to watch spouses interact with one another and learn job tips that will help them in their own careers, she said.

"This is a chance for them to build their skills and network, but also an outlet in maintaining those connections. That's very important and shouldn't be taken for granted," Hoppin said. "Research shows that 85 percent of employees with jobs found them through some sort of social network, not from a job posting or want ad. That's something people don't know and should remember."

One of the tips she recommends to spouses is to setup a LinkedIn profile - a site dedicated to working business professionals. Add a picture of yourself, be professional, but not stiff or invisible, she said.

Hoppin also suggests having some networking or business cards made up to take to job fairs and various networking functions. For those without job, a networking card is nothing to shy away from.

"It's an option and a really good one. Networking cards should have your full name, contact information and your job objective. It tells people who you are and what you're striving for," Hoppin said. "I tell people it's also important to mingle at events with other prospective employees, not just employers. You never know who you'll meet."

After talking to a group of approximately 15 Family members, Hoppin turned them loose on a handful of prospective employers who were invited to participate in the clinic. The networking clinic soon transformed into a mini job fair where spouses chatted with representatives from around the Washington, D.C. area.

Veronica McCrory, an ACS volunteer with Belvoir's Employment Readiness Program, said Hoppin's presentation was right on the money and exactly the kind of preparation spouses need for the future.

"I found what Sue said really inspiring. What she offers is definitely a great tool for the community," McCrory said. "Her tips can help pinpoint a job we might not find otherwise on our own."

Liz Burkhardt, a Belvoir resident who had never attended a networking clinic before, also found Hoppin's advice useful.

"It was informative and whatever questions I had today got answered," Burkhardt said. "I learned things I wouldn't have even thought of, like the idea of having a networking card or having a LinkedIn profile."

Sarah Valerio said she is more comfortable following up with employers.

"I have the courage to get my name out there more and attend future events," Valerio said. "The knowledge I got from this is great and will certainly help me improve my job skills."

While the clinic's purpose was not to emulate a job fair, it was intended to get Family members practicing some new networking skills, said Laureen Dupree, program manager for Belvoir's Employment Readiness Program.

"It's great to see our spouses participating like this and learning things that will help them down the road," Dupree said. "We want them to feel comfortable with one another and relaxed when hitting the job market."

For more information on Hoppin's organization, log on to www.nationalmilitary spousenetwork.org.