How To Build A Professional Network

Luke Zeigler, Career AdvisorAbdelis Vega, Chi Upsilon Sigma, OMA

Outline

•Career Development Center and job futures information•When and where does networking take place?•Networking– the basics•Social media and networking as a student•Networking Event!

November 8thEVOLVE – College to CareersIn order to help graduating seniors prepare for the next step, the Career Development Center invites all graduating seniors for a program designed to help them make the most of their spring term and prepare for life after college. Seniors will be informed of best practices on how to increase their chances of success during an interview, money management and transitioning to a new community. Become informed of what soon to expect in life after graduation.

Seniors Only

CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Located on the TOP FLOOR University Located on the TOP FLOOR University CenterCenter

Our Hours:Our Hours:Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pmTuesday 8:00 am – 6:30 pmDrop in: Wed & Thurs 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The FutureThere will be 55 million job openings through 2020• 24 million new jobs• 31 million due to baby boom retirements

35% of job openings will require a bachelor’s degree

Fastest Growing Industries - STEM, Healthcare Professions, Healthcare Support and Community Services •Will require high levels of post-secondary education

•The U.S. will fall short by 5 million workers with postsecondary educations by 2020 at the current production rate

Networking?

Professional Networking

• Networking: A process that fosters the exchange of information and ideas among individuals or groups that share a common interest

• 2 Types – Business and Social• Goal: Building of relationships• Business: Objective is to form relationships that will improve organizational

success or become employed

So What?• NETWORKING is the single most powerful marketing tactic

to accelerate and sustain success for any individual or organization!• “Where job boards have a 3-10% effectiveness rate, and probably less now that Applicant

Tracking Systems (the software that will rank your resume) are becoming prevalent, networking has a 30-60% effectiveness rate. Referred people are less risk and have a higher retention rate – that’s why companies offer referral bonuses to employees who recommend someone who has been hired.” – Don Goodman

• It is not about who you know, but WHO KNOWS YOU (clutter of advertising example)

• We will be helping you to understand the basics of networking, as well as how you can begin to build a strong network as a student.

How Important is Networking?

Hope College, Office of Career Services

career.opcd.wfu.edu

When and where does networking happen?• Career Fairs• Conferences• Religious group gatherings• Community Events• Chamber of Commerce Events• In reality…all the time – Planned Happenstance

How to prepare for networking events• Ask yourself the following questions:• Who am I?

• If you don’t know, how will you show or tell some one else?

• What have I done up until this point?• Being able to describe this is essential to establishing credibility

• What do I want to do in the future?• Having clearly defined goals provides context as to why you are networking

• What do you need or want from those attending the event?• Establishing a purpose for your engagement gives structure to your conversations

Practice!• Develop and improve your “Elevator Pitch” - What is this?

• Most successful pitches are simple and quick

• Consider your audience• Individual? Company? Industry?

• Know yourself – REFLECTION• Educational background• Key Strengths• What do you want them to know about you?• Why are you giving this speech?

• Write it down – Approximately 90 words

Key Components of an Elevator Pitch• Introduction• Name and a Firm Handshake

• Who are you?• What’s your major? Class?• What are your strengths?• What do you offer?

• What are you looking for from the person your speaking to?• Information? Internship? Job? –

Be Specific

• Tell the person why you are interested in them/their company/their school

Conversation Starters• Go fishing at the food table• “Everything looks so good, I don’t know what to get. What are you going to

have?”

• Find someone who is alone• “These networking events can be so crazy. Would you mind if I joined you

over here where it’s a bit more quiet?”

• Give compliments• “I love your shoes!”

• Just say hello• “Hi, my name is….”

Do’s and Don’ts of NetworkingDO’S

•The thank you’s

•Listen!!!

•Develop lasting relationships

•Always look for ways to reciprocate in the future

•Remember to ask “what is your story?” and “what advice do you have for me as I enter this field?”

DON’TS•Brag or exaggerate

•Spend too much time on unrelated topic

•Gossip

•Let your relationship become one sided

•Ask personal questions about salary

•Don’t just ask for a job

•Forget to keep in touch

• After you leave a networking event…

Networking & Social Mediaextensions of, but NOT replacements for personal networks

reiaofmacomb.com

What’s the Difference?

• PERSONAL IMAGE• Play games• Share photos, videos, stories• Provide relationship status• Entertaining and informal

• PROFESSIONAL IMAGE• Maintain business contacts• Get introduced• Recommend and endorse• Find, post, or forward jobs

Using Social Media as a Networking Tool Twitter

• Form a creative bio• Generate the conversation• Follow people in the industry• Retweet and interact• Shout people out– get noticed!

Blogging• Write about relevant topics in

the industry • Become a guest blogger• Ask to interview professionals • Write reviews on related

products • Be interactive in your comments

sections

Networking as a Student

Clubs/Organizations

• Be an active member• Reach out to other schools with

the same/similar club• Take advantage of conferences• Aim for leadership positions

Greek Life• Reach out to alumni networks• Stay informed about

regional/national events• Connect with brothers/sisters in

the field you are interested in• Take advantage of connections

other members may have

Campus Resources

• Attend on campus events • Find a mentor at school• Make faculty/staff aware of your interests• Volunteer to assist at functions where important people may be• Look at advertisements for campus happenings that may benefit you

Build a Personal Brand

• Figure out what you want others to know you for • Understand what you are best at and maximize on that• Create your own reputation so that people look for YOU• Treat your personal brand as something important and valuable

Practice!

CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Located on the TOP FLOOR University Located on the TOP FLOOR University CenterCenter

Our Hours:Our Hours:Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pmTuesday 8:00 am – 6:30 pmDrop in: Wed & Thurs 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm