4. What is networking?
“Networking is the exchange of
information or services among individuals,
groups, or institutions;
specifically : the cultivation of productive
relationships for employment or
business.”
As defined by the Merriam Webster dictionary
5. Common fears
Many people feel like they don’t want to impose
People like to talk about themselves and also enjoy
helping others
Sharing information is something that we do
everyday, it is a two way street
Have you had a conversation with a professor,
family friend, or even talked to someone on an
airplane?
Do you feel uncomfortable networking?
It’s normal!
6. What networking Is and what
networking Isn’t
IS:
A reciprocal relationship: look for ways to
help
A request for information and (you hope)
referrals
Relationships over time: demonstrate your
competence and credibility
ISN’T:
Asking for an internship or job
7. Why network?
Considered one of the most effective ways to find
internships and jobs
A powerful tool that is needed not just to obtain
your first job, but will also assist you when you
search for future jobs
Build confidence in communicating with others
Deliver the personal touch that can’t be conveyed
in resumes/cover letters/job applications
8. Employer focus is
on internal hires,
viewing proof of
work & asking for
referrals
Job seeker focus is
on resumes &
applying to posted
positions
9. Student and Alumni Quotes
“I wanted to thank you since your advice paid off as I started as
a project coordinator for ABC Company. I kept networking and
talking to people and was able to find a good match.”
“Network, network, network. You never know if the person
next to you in spin class or on the airplane might be your next
big lead.”
“Get started early…You should already have a resume put
together by the beginning of your senior year. Any chance that
you get to network, TAKE!”
10. Getting started
Start by identifying short and long-term goals
WHY are you networking?
Common reasons to network:
1. Gain Career Information:
-learn about industry and organizational culture
-make informed decisions
2. Strengthen Communication Skills
3. Tap into the Hidden Job Market
4. Build a network of contacts for future
11. Who is in your network?
Personal
Dentist/doctor
Hairstylist
Family friend
Former/current supervisor
Members of your religious
group
Relatives
Facebook friends
Current/past co-workers
Members of your gym
Co-participants in
community service
Attendees at conferences
or events
UP
Faculty and staff
Classmates
Peer members of student
organizations and clubs
Professional members of
student organizations and
clubs
Representatives at
internship and job fairs
UP Alumni on LinkedIn
12.
13. Networking opportunities over
break
Social Gatherings
Holiday parties
Local professional association meetings
Volunteer experiences at organizations of interest
Informational Interviews
One-on-one meetings
Social Networking
LinkedIn (online discussion groups)
Facebook
14. What about next semester?
Events
On-campus events (club/organization meetings,
lectures, internship and job fairs)
Off-campus events (local professional association
meetings, alumni events, information sessions, etc.)
Volunteer at organizations of interest
Informational Interviews
One-on-one meetings
Social Networking
LinkedIn (online discussion groups)
Facebook
15. Develop your communication
strategy
Introduction
Create a positioning statement for in-person meetings
and email and telephone introductions
Begin with a firm handshake and eye contact
Manage networking relationships
Develop a tracking system for contacts
Express your appreciation
Follow through on next steps
Reciprocate
16. Brief introduction
A positioning statement is a brief declaration of
who you are, what you do, and what you are
looking for
It is a SNAPSHOT and may communicate these elements:
Professional identity;
The most relevant and unique elements of your strengths;
Problems you are good at solving;
Work you love to do or what you are known for;
The types of organizations where you have worked or
studied;
The opportunities you are looking for to further your
experience/career
17. What’s the formula?
Name
Class/Profession (senior, junior,
sophomore/Marketing Professional, Teacher)
Major
Opportunities that you are seeking
Relevant experience (work, internship, volunteer
work)
Highlights of skills and strengths
Knowledge of the company
18. Let’s get started!
Name
Class (senior, junior, sophomore)
Major
Opportunities that you are seeking
Relevant experience (work, internship, volunteer
work)
Highlights of skills and strengths
Knowledge of the company
19. Holiday networking tips
Approach people and introduce yourself with a smile and a
handshake.
Try to use an opening line based on the current social situation
and try to end your opening line with a question.
(e.g. Do you have any special plans for the holidays?)
Don't take it personally if someone does not want to talk to you
or becomes pre-occupied with something/someone else.
Make eye contact when talking to the person—it shows sincerity
and interest.
Be careful about telling jokes. Do not tell any ethnic, sexual,
gender, or political jokes.
Wait for an appropriate opportunity or for the end of the
conversation to ask for contact information to follow up.
20. Phone Networking tips
Always ask if the individual has a moment to speak
with you or if you should call back at a more
convenient time.
Pronounce the person’s name correctly.
Communicate your referral, if you have one, to
establish something in common immediately.
Be direct and state clearly that you are asking for
advice or information, not asking for a job.
21. Informational interview
The term informational interview was coined by Richard
Nelson Bolles, author of the best-selling career
handbook, What Color Is Your Parachute?
A one-on-one conversation with someone who has a job
you might like, who works within an industry you might
want to enter, or who is employed by a specific
company that you're interested in learning about.
A highly focused information gathering session with a
networking contact designed to help you choose or
refine your career path by giving you the “insider" point
of view.
22. Informational interview
YOU are the one who leads
Learn more about what is done on a daily basis and
determine if it relates to your skills, interests, and
values
Ask questions that you cannot ask during a first
interview (i.e., salary, benefits, work hours,
vacation)
Gain valuable career information + build self-
confidence + improve your ability to handle a job
interview
23. Getting started – Info. Interviews
Determine potential industries/careers that you
want to learn more about
Identify people in that industry
If you want to know about event planning, meet
with a person from University Events or someone
who plans a major fundraising event for a
nonprofit.
If you are interested in working in human
resources, contact a human resources professional
at UP.
24. Requesting an informational
interview:
It’s best to start with a personal referral who
makes an introduction
You can send an email with a brief request and
follow up with a phone call
You can begin with a phone call and follow up with
an email
You can contact someone through LinkedIn or via a
company’s website
25. Phone/Email Introduction
Hello . . . my name is Sally Student. My former
supervisor Wally Pilot suggested I contact you
because I am doing some research on careers in civil
engineering. Is this a good time to talk? He thought
you would be a good person to answer some
questions I have about the structural engineering. If
it works for you, I can meet you for coffee or lunch
sometime in the next several weeks. Or, if it works
better for you, I can call back at a time when you
might have 15 or 20 minutes to talk. Would you
consider this?
26. Preparation for meeting
Preparation is the key to your success
Ideally you will conduct the informational interview in person
but it may be necessary to schedule a phone appointment or
communicate via email
Begin with research
Read as much as you can about the person
Review the organization’s website (avoid asking questions
you can easily find the answers to with a little research)
Prepare your introduction about your interests, skills, and
values and how they relate to the career field the person you
are interviewing works
Create a list of well thought out, open-ended questions
Determine appropriate attire
27. Questions to ask
Tell me more about your career path.
How did you find your job?
What would you suggest to someone trying to break into the
industry?
Are there any professional associations that you would
recommend exploring?
What kind of work/internship experience would this organization
or similar employers look for in job applicants?
What are the opportunities for advancement? Is an advanced
degree needed?
What is your schedule like? Are the hours flexible?
What are some of the rewards and challenges that typically
accompany this type of work?
Do you know anyone else I might be able to talk to?
28. Conducting the informational
interview
Arrive 5-10 minutes early
Introduce yourself and offer a good handshake
Thank the person in advance for sharing his/her
time and acknowledge that you don’t intend to
take too much time
Ask your questions, take notes, and let the
conversation unfold
Bring your resume with you but do not expect to
share unless he or she asks
29. Follow up
Send a formal thank you note.
Let them know what steps you have taken to apply the
advice he or she provided.
Keep in touch
Follow up with anyone who provided you with an
introduction.
It is common courtesy and it keeps others interested and
involved in your career path.
Sending an occasional article on a business related topic
or a quick note updating them on your current activities.
Eventually if you decide to pursue the career field, you
may wish to send out a “feeler” letter along with your
progress report by stating, “If you hear of any job
possibilities, I am enclosing my resume and would
appreciate hearing from you.”
30. Your Holiday action plan
Develop your networking goals
Identify people in your network and opportunities
to network
Know your positioning statement and how to
answer “what are your plans?”
Send emails or make phone calls to schedule
informational interviews
Buy thank you notes for follow up
31. Questions?
CAREER FAIRS
SWE Engineering &
Computer Science Career
Fair
Fri., February 27 | Shiley
First Avenue Career Expo
Thursday, April 9 | Chiles
Center
**watch the portal for info!
CAREER PANELS
Social Media Professions:
Mon. Jan. 27th
Careers in Biotechnology:
Tues. Feb. 11
What Employers Want:
Weds. March 26
Careers in Sports:
Tues. April 15
Networking in Spring 2015
Notas do Editor
Amy
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Amy - Write down 3 people in your network!
Amy - Write down 3 opportunities that you can take advantage of over break!
