The Art of Networking: Beyond the Basics

Grace A. BagunuAssistant Director

CSI - Communication and LeadershipUniversity of California San Diego

November 14, 2011

First Interactions and First Impressions Small talk is required for networking and can make or

break a potential connection. It is the first form of communication we often have with

new contacts. It is our “way in” to new interpersonal and professional

relationships. It is often our first opportunity to make a first impression.

Eye Contact is Key! Have a firm handshake. Dress appropriately. The event attire is Black Tie Remember why you are at the event…

how will this experience help you in your future endeavors?

The Art of Networking Networking requires effective interpersonal and social

interaction skills. Tune into yourself and your conversational partners Be aware of nonverbal behaviors and their meaning Understand what is appropriate in various contexts Watch for situational cues and be able to adapt Stand tall and confident “Sell” yourself well!

Take a few minutes to draft a 30-second commercial about yourself.

Name, School, Major What Are Your Professional Interests How Do Your Skills Match Something Unique About You

Poster presentations Invite people over to look at your poster

Making eye contact and smiling makes you look ready to talk about your poster

Say “Hello!” To someone passing by your poster to let them know you are

prepared to share your research Have a business card

You never know who is going to stop at your table…so be prepared to share your contact information

Don’t be afraid to ask for their business card It’s a great way to make connections with faculty and dignitaries

Practice Makes Perfect (or Better)! Networking requires constant practice! Low-risk contexts help prepare you for situations where

the stakes are high! Public transportation (e.g., buses and planes) Grocery stores In class Parties and social gatherings Visit administrators’ offices

Get used to talking to strangers!!

Getting into the Conversation Use the eye contact/handshake/smile combo first. Remembering their name is your next priority.

“Hi, my name is Grace.” “Hi Grace, I’m Sam.” “Sam, it’s so nice to meet you.”

If you approach a conversation that has already started, simply ask: “I couldn’t help but overhear what you were discussing and I’d

like to join your conversation. Do you mind?” Or simply, “Hi, I’m Grace. Do you mind if I join you?”

To exit a conversation, say: “I must excuse myself, but it was nice to meet you. I look

forward to speaking with you further.”

Maintaining Conversation Networking is an art and requires presence.

Use props, the setting or environment, or a current event to inspire interesting conversation topics

Research the company ahead of time and ask questions related to new initiatives, new research, or current trends

Ask open-ended questions instead of close-ended questions. What do you teach? vs What do you love most about teaching? Come up with 4-5 open-ended questions.

Listen for word cues, topic cues, change-of-tone cues. Know when to take the lead and when to follow. Let them know you care about what they have to say. Know when to end the conversation

or segue to another topic.

Wrap it Up! Don’t walk away without wrapping up the conversation.

The handshake/smile combo returns! This is another opportunity to get the person’s contact information

and to use the person’s name. “Sam, it was nice meeting you. Do you have a card? I’d love to follow

up with you to ask additional questions about your career path?” “I do. Thanks, Grace. It was nice to meet you as well!”

If you suggest getting together again or following up, do it. Send a follow up email within a day or two to thank them for their

time and ask if there might be an opportunity to meet with them to learn more about their company or career path.

Etiquette at Dinner Dinner service is formal and your table will be served food.

Wait for the most senior person to start eating. When you are done, place your utensils at 4 o’clock.

Always pass food and condiments to your right. If you are the first to pass, wait to take food or use the condiment

until it comes back around to you. Use this as an opportunity to talk to the person next to you.

Don’t talk with your mouth full of food. Find opportunities to talk when others are chewing to talk about

yourself and your research. Ask questions before you take another bite to encourage others to

share while you are chewing. Take small bites so you are able to hold a

conversation with those at the table.

What to do to prepare: Be Ready!

Write your 30-second commercialPractice having a firm handshakeGet business cards for yourself and from

othersDo some research on the notable guests

attending the eventCome up with appropriate open-ended

questions to use while networkingReview more proper etiquette for a formal

dinner setting

Nobel Poster Session ScheduleSchedule: Session 1

6:50 – 7:10Session 2

7:10 – 7:30Session 3

7:30 – 7:50

Poster 1UCSD

Jack Takahashi Linda Tong Jung Wu

Poster 2UCSC

Gian-Paul Bergeron

Grace Kim Apoorva Dornadula

Poster 3UCI

Saee Bhide Eric Baskett Emmanuel Villalpando

Poster 4UCD

Eun Seo Choi Guillaume Prevot

Brandon Callender

Questions or Comments?

Grace Bagunu, Assistant Director,

CSI - Communication and Leadership

gbagunu@ucsd.edu