Networking
Have you heard the expression, “It’s all about who you know.” Having connections and contacts can help you get your foot in the door. Networking is the process of building relationships with other people who have complementary interest to help increase your influence and position within a specific market or industry.
The beneficial factors of networking can be academic or professional. If you are trying to get into a particular academic program in the summer, having a professional contact with whom you have a strong relationship can help you to secure a good recommendation and increase your chances of acceptance.
Having a good employment record with your employers now will allow you to obtain good references for more serious jobs.
Below are some Networking 101 Tips for you to consider before you head out to the next event.
Networking 101 Tips
Getting started:
The beneficial factors of networking can be academic or professional. If you are trying to get into a particular academic program in the summer, having a professional contact with whom you have a strong relationship can help you to secure a good recommendation and increase your chances of acceptance.
Having a good employment record with your employers now will allow you to obtain good references for more serious jobs.
Below are some Networking 101 Tips for you to consider before you head out to the next event.
Networking 101 Tips
Getting started:
- Ask the event sponsors for a list of prospective participants
- Prepare a list of questions prior to the program
- Be prepared to offer some information about your interests, talents, skills, accomplishments and/or goals
- Research some career fields of interest
- Practice a brief introduction or "elevator speech" which can be delivered in 20 - 30 seconds.
- Arrive early so you can mingle with people as they arrive
- The Introduction– give a brief overview about yourself, find out who they are (be genuine and interested)
- Bring business cards if you have one and create one if you don't, so you exchange contact information
- The follow up- Request permission to contact Business Professionals you made connections with after the event
- Send a follow up email or thank you note
- Join social networks based on career interest
- Initiate connections through social networking sites such as Linkedin and Twitter to establish your brand or professional contact database