Networking

Networking is a process that continues throughout your professional life.  It is never too early to start and don’t wait till you are on the job market! The following guidelines will help you develop your networking skills as you go through college and beyond.

“WHAT DO I DO?”

• Be clear about your career goals and where you are headed professionally. Start by thinking about what drew you to your major? What career options are related to that major? Stop by the Career Development Center and we can help you get started.
  
  
• What is your style? Are you comfortable approaching people over email, as part of a group, one-on-one? Build on your strengths and challenge yourself to try new ways of reaching out to people. For ideas, see “How to Build a Network.” Get feedback from friends about what they like about you and makes you good company—those are qualities to remind yourself of as you network with people
  
  
• When you attend a meeting or a group, have a goal for talking to at least 3 people before the end of the semester. Volunteer to read the announcements or take minutes. Look into leadership positions. Attend meetings and sponsored events regularly.
  
  
• Be genuine. If you are talking to people without a genuine interest in who they are, and are rushing to give them your resume, they will know that. Why should someone help you out? What do you have to offer them in return for their time and energy spent on you?
  
  
• Be respectful of other people’s time and what they have to offer. Talking about yourself at inappropriate lengths will not open doors. Be sure to send a ‘thank you’ for referrals or any time a contact invests in you. Ask if it is okay to send a copy of your resume and don’t do it right after your first communication with the person.
  
• Observe or talk to people who you think are great at networking and think about what skills or qualities they possess. May be even adapt their style to work for you!
  
  
• Get in the habit of asking for business cards. Make a note on the back to jog your memory about the person or event where you met. Use a professional networking site such as LinkedIn to keep a list of your networks and possibly have access to their networks as well. Remember, professional information only.
  
  
• Don’t get discouraged. If someone says that they don’t know or have any opportunities, ask them when might be a better time to contact them for possibilities.
  
  
• DON’T STOP NETWORKING just because you are not job searching or are happy in your current job or internship! It takes work to maintain relationships and it is easier to do that when you are not asking for help.

“HOW DO I BUILD A NETWORK?”

Click HERE for some tips

Be sure to check our calendar for events and workshops that are great opportunities to network! Click “EVENTS” from the menu options for a listing