COMM 202 – TUTORIAL #7

Alison Buchanan | T30 + T37Laptops away, name cards up!

AGENDA

Informational interviews

Networking at events

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WHERE DOES NETWORKING HAPPEN?

• Chance meetings (i.e. sitting beside someone on an airplane)

• Facilitated events (company info sessions, networking events)

• As a result of a direct request (informational interviews)

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS: WHY?

1. Get your foot in the door (faster)

2. Gain insight about a company, industry, or career path

3. Practice your interview and networking skills

4. Find a potential mentor

5. Show them who you are beyond your resume and cover letter

INFO INTERVIEW ASSIGNMENT

10% of your final gradeDue Thursday April 14th

Minimum of one pageIn-person and not current UBC student/staff/faculty or family member

• Contact details (name, company, title, phone, email• List of questions asked• Major insights gained – What did you learn during

your informational interview? **This is the most important part, should be 40% of final paper.

• Did you request/receive any information regarding additional connections?

• Follow up action – What will you do to maintain this connection? *Screen shot of thank you email required

• What are your next steps having conducted this information interview?

assignment guidelines

NEXT STEPS TO LAND YOUR INFO INTERVIEW

1. Find 4 or 5 potential contacts – WHERE?!2. Research them (Google, LinkedIn) and reach out to

contacts you have in common3. Decide what you want to talk to them about and

brainstorm questions and points of commonality4. Send out your invites! Don’t be offended if they don’t

immediately reply

NETWORKING AT EVENTS

COMM 202 NETWORKING + REFLECTION

• Alumni, senior students, and local professionals convening for an evening of networking with this semester’s COMM 202 students

• Excellent opportunity to practice and refine your networking skills and learn more about how to make the most of your time at Sauder!

SAVE THE DATE:COMM202 Networking EventThursday, March 10th from 6-8PM

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REFLECTION PAPER ASSIGNMENT

• Your goals in attending the event o What is your purpose in going? Define SMART

goals beforehand • How did you prepare for the event (research

potential delegates)?• A brief summary of who you spoke with (3+

convos) and what you learned in the conversations

• A reflection on the lessons you have learned about the networking process

• Next steps you will take to continue building a relationship with your new contact (if you plan to)

assignment requirements10% of your final gradeDue Monday March 14th

Minimum of one pageSubmit to Turnitin by 11:59PM

RESEARCHING CONTACTS

• Be sure to check out the delegate info on the course blog

• Skim the LinkedIn profiles of delegates you’d like to speak too Note any interesting topics you’d like to know

more abouto Hone in on similar experiences or shared

groupso Think about questions to ask

• During the event, be interested without being creepy!

I had a chance to look at your LinkedIn

profile, and I was really interested to learn

about…

DRESSING THE PART

• The networking event is Business Casual. What does that mean to you?

DRESSING THE PART

• For ladies:o Dress pants, khaki pants,

dark denim, or skirts (hemline just above your knees or longer!)

o Blouse, dressy tank with a cardigan or blazer, or collared shirt (avoid spaghetti strap tops)

o Flats or low heels

DRESSING THE PART

• For guys:o Dress pants, nice

khakis, or dark denimo Collared shirt

(patterned or plaid is fine!), jacket if you like

o Dress shoes or loafers

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

• Research the event dress code if you aren’t sure what it means!

NETWORKING EVENT MECHANICS

Web to webEye color

Name tag on right Smile

Comfy Shoes

ASSESSING THE ROOM

THE APPROACH

Avoiding the awkward:

• Don’t interrupt. When joining a networking circle, wait for a lull in the conversation.

• Never have food and a drink, you need a free hand to shake!

• Go with a wingman! But not a Siamese twin

INTRODUCE YOURSELF

Just simply say hi!• Hi, my name’s Alison, Alison Buchanan.

• Hi Alison, it’s nice to meet you. My name’s Andy.

Show you’re interested in talking to them• Hi Andy it’s great to meet you as well. I was actually hoping to chat with you this

evening as I noticed on your LinkedIn profile that you…and I would love to hear more about your experience.

Start the conversation. Ask a question / have them talk about themselves / Stay positive• Do you have any advice for students…looking to make the most of their time at

Sauder? …looking for a career in your field?

CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION

• LISTEN• Be careful not to monopolize peoples’ time• Listen for facts, feelings, free information and implied

statements• Introduce others, tying them into the conversation• Identify commonalities• Ask open ended questions

THE GRACEFUL EXIT

• Spend 5 to 10 minutes with one person; wait for a lull• Excuse yourself kindly and assertively:

o “It was nice to meet you”o “I’m glad you were here today. It’s been great chatting with you. Thanks so

much.”o “I don’t want to monopolize all your time today. Thank you for taking time

to speak with me and I hope you enjoy the rest of the event.”

• Shake hands and exchange cards or ask to connect (if the conversation was meaningful)

FOLLOW IT UP

• After great conversations, send a personalized email or LinkedIn request (or maybe an informational interview request? )

Hi Sabrina,It was so great to get the chance to speak with you at last night’s networking event. I was really inspired by what you said about “building your personal brand”, and I am looking forward to putting your advice into practice.I would love to continue our conversation about your experience at YVR. I understand that you are very busy, but it would be great to meet for about 20 minutes. Would you be available to meet on Monday or Tuesday next week? Coffee is on me!Thank you,Alison Buchanan

THE 202 NETWORKING EVENT – THURSDAY!

202 NETWORKING EVENT PET PEEVES

1. Asking questions and not listening to the answer

2. Asking rapid-fire questions so no one else can speak

3. When a person’s outfit is distractingly unprofessional

4. When students only talk about their option choices or career path! Try connecting over a common interest beyond work and school

202 NETWORKING EVENT: PRO TIPS!

1. Eat dinner beforehand

2. Do some research on the delegates, but don’t get consumed in stalking every LinkedIn profile

3. Dress classy and comfortably

4. Have a few interesting questions / topics to chat about ready to go. How do you want to be remembered?

5. When all else fails, find a 202 TA and we’ll help you join a circle

6. Head to an area that is less packed

7. Manage your energy – take a breather if you need it

ACTION ITEMS!

Resume & Cover Letter dueMarch 8th @ 2:00PM (Turnitin + COOL)

Networking Event Thursday March 10th 6-8PMo Networking Reflection due Monday,

March 14th @11:59pm on Turnitin

Last chance for office hours!

Puppy o f the week

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