networking is a common synonym for developing...
TRANSCRIPT
Networking is a common synonym for developing and maintaining contacts and personal connections with a variety of people who might be helpful to you and your
career.
Questions We Will Answer
Is it really that important?
How can we be proactive?
In person or online. How can we do it better?
Where can we find networking opportunities?
Is it Really That Important? Although we are trained to believe that high GPAs and perfectly
polished resumes are the main keys to landing a real job, the phrase,
“it’s all about who you know,” holds a lot of truth as well. Networking is
just as important as anything else in terms of maximizing your
possibilities of golden post-grad opportunities.
It is a powerful technique that has the capacity to transform the quality
of your professional life
How Can We Be Proactive? Focus on those who specifically work for the
department of your major, as they will have more knowledge on how to approach your desired career path.
Although we typically view office hours as a myth that no one actually takes the time to attend, just suck it up and visit a professor you like
No matter how much you think you don’t need to, please go to the career/internship fairs at your school.
How Can We Be Proactive? Reaching out to alumni is another helpful networking
tool. Attending the same university is a stronger connection than we realize; alumni will typically be much more eager to help out a fellow [insert your school’s mascot here] than a student from another random school.
Overall, never underestimate the power and possibilities of reaching out to people; it could be your jump-start to your dream career
Where Do I Network? Everywhere! Literally, everywhere!
At work, at church, the gym, when shopping, and eating out. Key is being prepared and being open
In Person Or Online. How Can We Do It Better? Some may consider the ability an innate gift of
extraverted personalities, yet the finding suggest that the skill can be taught and cultivated. (Research done by Danielle Joy Davis & Markeba Warfield)
Create business cards
Hand them out and ask for ones in return.
When you have a chance, jot down the date and circumstances under which you met the person on the reverse side
Follow up!
10 Tips Dress For Success
Bring Your Resume (keep updated)
Prepare An Elevator Speech (will go over later)
Ask Questions
Don’t Be Desperate
Thank Them, and Use Their Name
Follow Up
Organize Your Contacts
Use Social Networks Carefully
Keep Following Up
“Elevator Speech” Tells other who you are
Your professional interests
What your technical expertise is
What professional services you can offer
Who you are as a person (your values)
Where Can We Find Networking Opportunities? Networking Sites:
Youtube
NASPA region VI website
http://www.naspa.org/regions/regionvi/default.cfm
References Davis, D., & Warfield, M. (2011). The importance of networking in the academic and professional
experiences of racial minority students in the USA. Educational Research & Evaluation, 17(2), 97-
113. doi:10.1080/13803611.2011.597113
Lester, M. (2011). Prepare your elevator speech. Dailey News. Retrieved from
http://www.nydailynews.com/jobs/prepare-elevator-speech-article-1.977936
Minsker, M. (2012). The tips for improving student’s networking skills. Retrieved from
http://nextgenjournal.com/2012/03/ten-tips-for-improving-students-networking-skills/
Sloane, C. (2012). In the job search, the magic of networking. Retrieved from
http://nextgenjournal.com/2012/01/in-the-job-search-the-magic-of-networking/