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Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment

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Networking for a Career Program

Needs Assessment Report By Michael Di Giacomo

Part 1. Background Project Description The Dean of Graduate students has requested a course to inform graduate students on the

benefits of career networking. This course is designed to give students the knowledge and

skills they need to aid them in their job hunt once they have completed their Master’s

degree at Concordia University. The target population for this course is Graduate students

who are in their graduating semester and will soon be ready to hit the job market.

About the Project

This report describes the underlying need for the course. To learn about

networking for a first job I consulted the following sources.

I consulted research documents on the subject of networking for your first job.

These documents contained advice and tips on proper career networking, highlighting

what is right and wrong. There are also tips and opinions on the subject of networking

from CEO’s and upper management of large corporations. Other documents consulted

were academic journals focusing on the benefits of networking for a career. Specific

sources: University of Maryland website, Columbia University website, The Washington

Post, LinkedIn, U.S News, and HelpGuide.

I observed three graduate students: James, Linda, and Frank. Each of these three

students is in their graduating year and is almost ready to hit the job market. I’ve been

observing their behaviors over the past few months and the ways in which they prepare


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for this venture. I chose to observe them because this course is geared towards graduate

students and who better to observe to find out behaviors and approaches.

Part 2. Results

Restate the request:

The Dean of Graduate students has requested a course to inform graduate students on the

benefits of career networking. This course is designed to give students the knowledge and

skills they need to aid them in their job hunt once they have completed their Master’s

degree at Concordia University. The target population for this course is Graduate students

who are in their graduating semester and will soon be ready to hit the job market.

Business Need:

With the job market getting more competitive every year, more and more people

with Master’s degrees are looking for work. With Concordia offering a course to increase

a students’ chances of employment upon graduation this will ensure that students are well

prepared to network to help them find the job they are looking for. The business need

underlying the request is to generate revenue. This course will ensure that students find

the job they are looking for making ideal salaries rather than settling for a job that pays

much less.

Scenario of ideal performance:

John has graduated from Concordia in a Master’s program and he is ready to hit the job

market. Before he starts job hunting he reflects and prepares himself for that task. Taking

the course has given him this insight on how to properly prepare for this. He looks over

his CV assuring that he has properly listed and updated his work experience, academic

background as well as his learned skills. This paints the picture of who he is. He also


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creates a LinkedIn profile so his credentials are on display for hiring managers to see.

Knowing that this may not be enough he does some networking. He starts with those

closest to him and he braches out from there. He attends networking events, where he

meets many people who are managers and in charge of hiring for their respective firms

and companies. John has extended his network and because of this practice he has tapped

into the underground job market upon which people can only be hired through word of

mouth. There are no postings online or anything, it is mainly through referral. This

increases the probability if getting hired and has put John ones step ahead of most people

in the job market. This will surely help him find a job within 6 months of graduating from

Concordia University.

Scenario in current performance:

John has graduated from Concordia in a Master’s program and he is ready to hit the job

market. His first instinct is to start applying blindly. Figuring that his CV was good

enough to get him part time jobs in the past that it is good enough to pass around for his

career after grad school. Figuring because he is a graduate student what company would

not want to hire him. Without presenting himself on professional social networks, he

starts searching the Internet for jobs. Quickly realizing that the job market is very bleak

on the Internet he decides that he needs to do something more so he decides to go to a

networking event. He does so without consulting if anyone in his network knows of any

opportunities. At this networking event he introduces himself to hiring managers of large

firms and companies. He decides to hand out business cards that he has printed. Having

not done any research about the people that he meets, he feels that if he does all the

question asking and seems eager that they will want to hire him because of his


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enthusiasm. John does all the talking, and a year has gone by and he still has not found a

job after graduation.

Performance Gap:

The difference here is that in the second scenario, John is making many mistakes that

people make when they are done school. They think their degree is the only thing they

need to land that dream job. So by not understanding how important a network is, defines

a gap in performance. Proper networking etiquette is also required, as it may be the

difference between employment and unemployment. Maintaining your network helps

create a relationship that will serve a purpose one day later on in life.

Tasks in current performance:

End Result: Learners have great difficulty finding a job upon graduating from Concordia

University

v Unaware of who is part of their network, learners job hunt without consulting

their network

v Inquire only about jobs posted online

§ Unaware of the underground job market

- Underground job market defined as the unadvertised job market

• Hiring done by referral

• Unaware that the job market is made up primarily of

unadvertised job opportunities

§ Attend networking events that are not relevant to their interests

§ Assuming all job opportunities are online, learners minimally consult

sources such as newspapers


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§ Lack image management skills, leading to weak LinkedIn profiles with a

low number of views

v Attend networking events unprepared

§ Unaware of who they are meeting

§ Hand out CV’s that are dated

§ Prepare an unclear introduction of themselves

§ Unsure about what it is they want to do

Tasks in ideal performance:

End Result: Upon realizing the competitiveness and size of the job market, learners use

networking practices to help them find a job within 6 months of graduating from

Concordia University

Main task 1:

v Define networking and the role it plays in job hunting

§ Define a network as a group of supporters who serve as resources for your job

search and ultimately your career.

§ State why it is important to use networking as a practice

- Recognize people do business primarily with people they know and

trust.

- Networking makes you a recommended member of a much smaller

pool of applicants.

- State that the job you want may not be advertised at all.

§ State the benefits that come from networking

- Find your first job


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- Makes you more visible within your field

- Find a suitable mentor

- Aids in your professional development

§ List the different types of networking

- List one-on-one meeting which are planned and usually take place in

someone’s office.

- List attending a reception or break time during an association meeting

• Define a reception as a networking event or any type of formal

event.

• Define an association is defined as group of people with a common

purpose or common interests.

o Note that Concordia has many associations, which are formed

by each faculty. (Ex. Geography Undergraduate Student

Society, Political Science Students Association, Urban

Planning Association, etc.).

o Note that the neighborhood you live in has associations in it as

well. (Ex. Centre des femmes de St. Laurent, YMCA, etc.)

o Note that cultural associations also exist in Montreal (Ex. Casa

d’Italia, Jamaican Association of Montreal, Ukrainian

Community of Montreal, etc.)

- List casual conversations, which occur spontaneously.

Main Task 2:

v List 4 networking tips for students


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§ List “play the student card” as the first tip

- Identify alumni as a source of information and feedback due to their

expertise in the field/industry

- Explain that there is less pressure in asking for advice as a student

- Request an informational interview

• Explain that it is easier to interview a professor while you are still

a student as you have increased contact with them

• State that by starting off as a student these contacts are more

likely to help you when you transition to the work force.

§ List “get an internship” as the second tip

- Explain the value of an internship

• Explain that an internship puts you ahead of other job seekers.

• Explain that it gives you real-life experience to put on your

resume.

• Explain that it puts you in the eyesight of people who work in

your field of choice.

- Explain what can be acquired through an internship

• Recognize the work skills acquired.

• Recognize the work contacts that are acquired.

§ List “use your parents’ friends as resources” as the third tip

- Recognize the decades of experience that their parents’ friends have.

- Explain that parents’ friends are a source of expertise when it comes to

networking as they have their own contacts


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- Explain they will be around even after you graduate so it is easy to

maintain contact with them.

§ List “use social media” as the fourth tip

- Use social media for connecting with people you may know.

- Explain that social media is an easy way to keep in touch while on a busy

school schedule.

- Explain that is an easy way to contact people in the industry/field of

choice.

Main Task 3:

v List the steps to prepare for your first networking event

§ Define an interviewee as someone whom you approach at a networking event

and begin to speak to about employment opportunities

§ List the first step as prepare a concise one-minute introduction of yourself

- State your educational background

- State any relevant skills which you have

- State that it is important to make a good first impression

§ List the second step as prepare a set of questions to ask

- Prepare questions that gauge job satisfaction

• Ask what they like most about their work

• Ask what they like least about their work

- Prepare questions that gauge how demanding the job is

• Ask what a typical workday looks like

• Ask what a typical work week looks like


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• Ask how challenging balancing business and family is

- Prepare questions that gauge the success of the interviewee

• Ask what education you need to remain successful in the field

• Ask what sort of experience you need to remain successful in the

field

- Prepare questions that gauge the expertise of the interviewee

• Ask what a young person can do to break into the field

• Ask about future career opportunities in the field

• Ask whom they would recommend to speak to and can they be

used as a reference

§ List the third step as practice your communication skills

- Identify learned communication skills that need to be mastered for

effective communication

• Identify “attentive listening” skills

o Define “attentive listening” as recognizing how the speaker

feels about the information they are giving

o State how to “attentively listen”

♦ Focus fully on the speaker

♦ Avoid interrupting the speaker

♦ Show the speaker that you are interested in what they are

saying

• Recognize “non-verbal communication” cues


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o Define “non-verbal communication” as wordless

communication, or body language, including facial

expressions, body movement and gestures, eye contact,

posture, and tone of voice.

o State the difference between open and closed body language

cues

♦ Identify open body language cues

Ø Keep your arms uncrossed

Ø Stand with and open stance

Ø Sit on the edge of your seat

Ø Maintain eye contact with the person you’re talking

to.

♦ Identify closed body language cues such

Ø Look for arms being crossed

Ø Look for legs being crossed at the same time as arms

Ø Identify looking down or away

- Identify skills that help when communication is breaking down

between you and your interviewee

• Identify “stress management” skills to help deal with stress while

communicating

o Recognize you are becoming stressed in order to stop it

from happening. By looking for cues you can recognize if

you are stressed.


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♦ Check if your muscles are tight

♦ Check if your hands are clenched

♦ Check if your breath is shallow

o Identify what to do to calm down when you become

stressed

♦ Take a few deep breaths

♦ Clench and relax your muscles

♦ Take a walk outside

♦ Bring your senses to the rescue

Ø Senses are defined as sense of smell, taste, sound,

sight, and touch

Ø Wearing a favorite cologne of perfume can help

keep you calm

Ø Having a photo of your family nearby can help keep

you calm

• Develop “emotional awareness” to help understand not only

yourself but others as well.

o “Emotional awareness” is defined as knowing your own

feelings and the feelings of others to truly understand the

meanings of messages conveyed.

o Identify that ignoring your emotions will impair your

ability to fully understand others and build strong

connections.


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Main Task 4:

v Define proper networking management

§ Define networking management as prioritizing your contacts and maintaining

communication with them

§ Define your “weak” and “strong” ties

- Define “weak ties” as ties which are less established

• Include ties with people you just met (ex. new classmates)

• Include ties with acquaintances (ex. neighbors)

• Remember it is about quality and not the quantity of relationships

- Define “strong ties” as ties that occupy your inner circle

• Include ties with family (ex. cousin)

• Include ties with friends (ex. childhood friend)

- Identify the challenges of having too many “strong” ties

• Identify that it requires a lot of time

• Identify that it requires a lot of energy

- Identify the benefit of newly acquired “weak” ties

§ State the importance of maintaining your network as these relationships may

serve a purpose later on in your career

- Maintain is defined as nurturing your network relationships

- Identify ways of maintaining networks

• Schedule time with your contacts

o Reconnect with your contact in a face-to-face meeting

o Reconnect with your contact over the phone


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• Remember to reciprocate, as your goal is to build a beneficial

relationship

o Remember to send thank you notes

o Remember to send thank you emails

The Learners:

General Demographics:

• Between the ages of 25 and 50

• Must be a graduate student

• Must have a completed Undergraduate Degree

• Must be living in the city of Montreal

• Some students may already have a part time job in their field of study

• Some students may have a part time job in the service industry

Learner Profiles:

High Maintenance:

James has just graduated from his M.B.A program at the John Molson School of

Business. Throughout his academic career he was a student that liked to stay one step

ahead of the game. He is a very motivated individual and has never had anything handed

over to him. He lives with a couple of roommates just outside of the downtown area of

Montreal. Before leaving home he was close to his brother and wanted to follow in his

footsteps. His brother Allen graduated from an M.B.A program as well. His brother did

not research, prepare or branch out to anyone in his network when it came time to find a

job. This has James a little bit nervous about trying to find a job so he wants to ensure

that he does everything in his power to increase his chances of finding work after


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graduation. This course is very important to him as he as seen what can happen if you are

not prepared and organized when you job hunt after graduation. His motivation makes

him a prime candidate for this course and he feels that he needs to participate and get as

much information as possible in order to prepare himself for his job hunt. He wants to get

as much out of this as possible.

Average maintenance:

Linda has just graduated from an MSc of Finance from the John Molson School

of Business. She did the degree part-time, and worked while she was doing it. She has

been working at RBC as a Financial Service Representative. She got this job while she

was completing her Undergraduate degree, as this is relevant to her field of study. She

got a job as a teller at the bank and has taken courses offered by the bank to move up and

change positions. She is happy with her current situation but is always looking to move

up within the bank. She is very driven and her network is composed mainly of people

who work in the field already. By already working in the field for her it is not a matter of

finding a first job but a matter of getting promoted due to her graduate degree. For her

this course is a means of expanding her knowledge on networking practices. She has

always been an independent person so whatever she can take from this course and use she

will, but there is much that she doesn’t need. With the bank there are many networking

events that take place and she has never really had to network before so she can benefit

from this course. She can benefit from tips on how to prepare for a networking event and

also how to properly network. She will not need to be engaged with the whole course as

she already has a job.

Low maintenance:


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Frank has just graduated from his MEng program in Civil Engineering at

Concordia University. He did his degree full time and never really had a job as his

parents have paid his way through school. He still lives at home with them. They are a

wealthy family as his dad is a well-known engineer throughout the city of Montreal. He

has never really had much to worry about or balance while he was in school so he has

done well. Knowing that he has his parents to fall back on, mainly his dad who has a

rather vast network of friends employed in the field of engineering Frank is not to

worried about finding a job after graduating. His dad has forced him to take this course so

that he can attend networking events and will be somewhat prepared when he does so. He

has always had something to fall back on so with that stressed removed he has never been

an overly needy student. This will help him while he takes this course as anything at all

that he can pick up that will help him he’ll use. He is not going out of his way to be

engaged.

Characteristics of the learning environment

• Time – Must take into account that graduate students have very busy schedules

and that learners may not have the time to take on an extra course.

• Prior knowledge and experience of the learners – Must take into account that

some learners have already gone through the process of getting a part time and

feel that those practices will transfer into landing a career.

• Applicability – Must take into account that students from a wide range of

disciplines are taking the course so it must be kept as general as possible.

Constraints on the Project


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• It is a Concordia University course so it must conform to the University’s

editorial, design and technical guidelines.

• The Dean of Graduate Students would like the program to be available before

winter convocation. By December 10th, 2015.

• There are minimal funds allocated to the project

Part 3. Objectives and Evaluations

Business Objective

The business objective is to generate revenue through students using networking

practices to guide them in their job hunt. By having students better prepared the Dean of

Graduate students would like to have 75% of Concordia Graduate students in the

workforce within 6 months time.

As per the University of Maryland Career Center 10 to 20% of jobs are published

meaning that 80 to 90% of jobs are hidden from the market. This makes a course on

networking all the more necessary to ensure that students understand the benefits of using

networking as a job-hunting strategy.

(http://www.careercenter.umd.edu/page.cfm?page_id=41)

Content Objective

By completing this 30-minute course students assure themselves to be prepared when

they are ready to hit the job market. They put themselves in a better position to find the

job they are looking for making an ideal salary within 6 months time.

Main and Supporting Objectives

*Note: If no condition of performance is specified, it is assumed that the learners

must complete the task at a 100 percent level of accuracy.


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v Define networking and the role it plays in job hunting

§ Define a network as a group of supporters who serve as resources for your job

search and ultimately your career.

§ State why it is important to use networking as a practice

- Recognize people do business primarily with people they know and

like.

- Networking makes you a recommended member of a much smaller

pool of applicants.

- State that the job you want may not be advertised at all.

§ State the benefits that come from networking

- Find your first job

- Makes you more visible within your field

- Find a suitable mentor

- Aids in your professional development

§ List the different types of networking

- List one-on-one meeting which are planned and usually take place in

someone’s office

- List attending a reception or break time during an association meeting

• Define a reception as a networking event or any type of formal

event.

• Define an association is defined as group of people with a common

purpose or common interests.


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o Note that Concordia has many associations, which are formed

by each faculty. (Ex. Geography Undergraduate Student

Society, Political Science Students Association, Urban

Planning Association, etc.).

o Note that the neighborhood you live in has associations in it as

well. (Ex. Centre des femmes de St. Laurent, YMCA, etc.)

o Note that cultural associations also exist in Montreal (Ex. Casa

d’Italia, Jamaican Association of Montreal, Ukrainian

Community of Montreal, etc.)

- List casual conversations, which occur spontaneously.

v Given a scenario, list 4 networking tips for students

§ Given a scenario, list and explain “play the student card” as the first tip

- Identify alumni as a source of information and feedback due to their

expertise in the field/industry

- Explain that there is less pressure in asking for advice as a student

- Request an informational interview

• Explain that it is easier to interview a professor while you are still

a student as you have increased contact with them

• State that by starting off as a student these contacts are more

likely to help you when you transition to the work force.

§ Given a scenario, list and explain “get an internship” as the second tip

- Explain the value of an internship

• Explain that an internship puts you ahead of other job seekers.


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• Explain that it gives you real-life experience to put on your

resume.

• Explain that it puts you in the eyesight of people who work in

your field of choice.

- Explain what can be acquired through and internship

• Recognize the work skills acquired.

• Recognize the work contacts that are acquired.

§ Given a scenario, list and explain “use your parents’ friends as resources” as

the third tip

- Recognize the decades of experience that their parents’ friends have.

- Explain that parents’ friends are a source of expertise when it comes to

networking as they have their own contacts

- Explain they will be around even after you graduate so it is easy to

maintain contact with them.

§ Given a scenario, list and explain “use Twitter strategically” as the fourth tip

- Use Twitter for connecting with people you may know.

- Explain that Twitter is an easy way to keep in touch while on a busy

school schedule.

- Explain that is an easy way to contact people in the industry/field of

choice.

v Given a scenario, list the steps to prepare for your first networking event

§ Define an interviewee as someone whom you approach at a networking event and

begin to speak to about employment opportunities and feedback


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§ Given a scenario, list prepare a concise one-minute introduction of yourself as the

first step

- State your educational background

- State any relevant skills which you have

- State that it is important to make a good first impression

§ Given a scenario, list prepare a set of questions to ask as the second step

- Prepare questions that gauge job satisfaction

• Ask what they like most about their work

• Ask what they like least about their work

- Prepare question that gauge how demanding the job is

• Ask what a typical workday looks like

• Ask what a typical work week looks like

• Ask how challenging balancing business and family is

- Prepare questions that gauge the success of the interviewee

• Ask what education you need to remain successful in the field

• Ask what sort of experience you need to remain successful in the

field

- Prepare questions that gauge the expertise of the interviewee

• Ask what a young person can do to break into the field

• Ask about future career opportunities in the field

• Ask whom they would recommend to speak to and can they be

used as a reference

§ Given a scenario, list practice your communication skills as the third step


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- Identify learned communication skills that need to be mastered for

effective communication

• Identify “attentive listening” skills

o Define “attentive listening” as recognizing how the speaker

feels about the information they are giving

o State how to “attentively listen”

♦ Focus fully on the speaker

♦ Avoid interrupting the speaker

♦ Show the speaker that you are interested in what they are

saying

• Recognize “non-verbal communication” cues

o Define “non-verbal communication” as wordless

communication, or body language, including facial

expressions, body movement and gestures, eye contact,

posture, and tone of voice.

o State the difference between open and closed body language

cues

♦ Identify open body language cues

Ø Keep your arms uncrossed

Ø Stand with and open stance

Ø Sit on the edge of your seat

Ø Maintain eye contact with the person you’re talking

to.


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♦ Identify closed body language cues such

Ø Look for arms being crossed

Ø Look for legs being crossed at the same time as arms

Ø Identify looking down or away

- Identify skills that help when communication is breaking down

between you and your interviewee

• Identify “stress management” skills to help deal with stress while

communicating

o Recognize you are becoming stressed in order to stop it

from happening. By looking for cues you can recognize if

you are stressed.

♦ Check if your muscles are tight

♦ Check if your hands are clenched

♦ Check if your breath is shallow

o Identify what to do to calm down when you become

stressed

♦ Take a few deep breaths

♦ Clench and relax your muscles

♦ Take a walk outside

♦ Bring your senses to the rescue

Ø Senses are defined as sense of smell, taste, sound,

sight, and touch


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Ø Wearing a favorite cologne of perfume can help

keep you calm

Ø Having a photo of your family nearby can help keep

you calm

• Develop “emotional awareness” to help understand not only

yourself but others as well.

o “Emotional awareness” is defined as knowing your own

feelings and the feelings of others to truly understand the

meanings of messages conveyed.

o Identify that ignoring your emotions will impair your

ability to fully understand others and build strong

connections.

v Define proper networking management

§ Define networking management as prioritizing your contacts and maintaining

communication with them

§ Identify your “weak” and “strong” ties

- Define “weak ties” as ties which are less established

• Include ties with people you just met (ex. new classmates)

• Include ties with acquaintances (ex. neighbors)

• Remember it is about quality and not the quantity of relationships

- Define “strong ties” as ties that occupy your inner circle

• Include ties with family (ex. cousin)

• Include ties with friends (ex. childhood friend)


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- Identify the challenges of having too many “strong” ties

• Identify that it requires a lot of time

• Identify that it requires a lot of energy

- Identify the benefit of newly acquired “weak” ties

§ State the importance of maintaining your network

- Maintain is defined as nurturing your network relationships

- Identify ways of maintaining networks

• Schedule time with your contacts

o Reconnect with your contact in a face-to-face meeting

o Reconnect with your contact over the phone

• Remember to reciprocate, as your goal is to build a beneficial

relationship

o Remember to send thank you notes

o Remember to send thank you emails

Evaluations Satisfaction Survey (Level 1 Kirkpatrick) (Adapted from Training Design Basics, 2015 by Saul Carliner)

Your opinion, Please

1. In a word, how would you describe this program?

__________________________________________________________________

2. Using a number, how would you describe this program?

1 2 3 4 5

Abysmal Average Outstanding


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3. How much did you know about career networking before doing this program?

1 2 3 4 5

Nothing Some A lot

After doing the program?

1 2 3 4 5

Nothing Some A lot

4. How likely are you to use some or all of the skills taught in this program in your

everyday life?

1 2 3 4 5

Not at all Not sure Very Likely

5. The best part of this program was:

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

6. The one thing that could improve this program most is:

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Level 2 – Evaluation


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Main objective 1: Define networking and the role it plays in job hunting

Supporting objectives: Define a network as a group of supporters who serve as

resources for your job search and ultimately your career, state why it is important to use

networking as a practice, state the benefits that come from networking, list the different

types of networking.

Question #1: Which of the following best defines networking?

A. A means of meeting people who will serve a purpose when it comes time to find a job

B. Attending events for the sole purpose of finding a job

C. Contacting a group of acquaintances that you go see to apply for a job

D. Contacting a group of friends that you go to see to apply for a job

Answers:

A. Correct – This is the correct answer because networking is meeting people who will

serve a purpose when it comes time to find a job

B. Not Correct – Networking is not only done to find a job but to make contacts, get

feedback and acquire as much information as possible about the industry/field

C. Not Correct- Once again networking is not done solely for the purpose of finding a

job

D. Not correct – Again networking is not done solely for the purpose of finding a job

Question #2: Which of the following best describes what a network is?

A. A group of friends that work at a company you are interested in working at

B. A group of people with similar interests as your own

C. A group of supporters who serve as resources for your job search

D. A group of people whom you come in contact with from time to time


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Answers:

A. Not Correct – Your network is not only your friends but can be family, faculty and

acquaintances.

B. Not Correct – Your network does not only consist of people who have the same

interests as you.

C. Correct – This is correct because your network is a group that will support you

throughout your job search and career

D. Not Correct – This can be true but it is too vague and there is no purpose stated for

the contact

Question #3: Which of the following is not a benefit that comes from networking?

A. Networking helps you find your first job

B. Networking makes you more visible within your field C. Networking guarantees you a job D. Networking aid in your professional development Answers: A. Not Correct – This is actually a benefit that comes from networking as it does indeed help in your job hunt B. Not Correct – This is also true as you meet many people involved in the field and you introduce yourself to them C. Correct – Networking does not guarantee you a job but it does help your chances D. Not Correct – This is true as it causes you to act more professional Main Objective #2: Given a scenario, list 4 networking tips for students


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Supporting Objectives: List “play the student card” as the first tip, list “get an

internship” as the second tip, list “use your parents’ friends as resources” as the third tip,

list “use Twitter strategically” as the fourth tip

Question #1: Your friend is currently enrolled in a graduate program at Concordia

University. They want to start networking as soon as possible making many contacts,

which will lead to job opportunities later on. Knowing that you have completed a course

on networking they come to you for advice. List and explain the first tip that you would

give your friend.

Answer Rubric:

3 on 3 2 on 3 1 on 3 0 on 3

• Lists “play the

student card” as

the first tip.

• For explanation

lists all sub-

supporting

objectives:

- Identify alumni

as a source of

information and

feedback due to

their expertise in

the

field/industry

- There is less

pressure in

asking for

• Lists “play the

student card”

• Only partially

lists the sub-

supporting

objectives as

explanation.

• Lists only “play

the student card”

• Fails to list the

sub-supporting

objectives as

explanation.


supporting

objective as well

as any sub-

supporting

objectives.


29

advice as a

student

- Request an

informational

interview

Question #2: Bobby is a graduate student doing an M.B.A at the John Molson School of

Business. He is currently in his last semester and would like to start building his network

in order to be ahead of the game when he graduates and needs to start looking for work.

Bobby wants a way to stand out. List and explain what tip you would give Bobby.

Answer Rubric:

Question #3: Jenna is a graduate student of the Educational Technology program at

Concordia University. She is eager to network, and has already tapped into all of her

3 on 3 2 on 3 1 on 3 0 on 3

• Lists “get an

internship” as

the second tip.

• For explanation

lists all sub-

supporting

objectives:

- Explain the

value of an

internship

- Explain what

can be acquired

through an

internship

• Lists “get an

internship”

• Only partially

lists the sub-

supporting

objectives as

explanation.

• Lists only “get an

internship”


sub-supporting

objectives as

explanation.


supporting

objective as well

as any sub-

supporting

objectives.


30

teachers and now would like some secondary expertise but she does not know who to

turn to. She has even asked her parents for advice. With this information, list and explain

the next step that Jenna should take.

Answer Rubric:

3 on 3 2 on 3 1 on 3 0 on 3

• Lists “use your

parents’ friends

as resources” as

the third tip.

• For explanation

lists all sub-

supporting

objectives:

- Recognize the

decades of

experience that

their parents

friends have

- Parents’ friends

are a source of

expertise when

it comes to

networking as

they have their

own contacts

- They will be

around even

• Lists “use your

parents’ friends

as resources”

• Only partially

lists the sub-

supporting

objectives as

explanation.

• Lists only “use

your parents’

friends as

resources”


sub-supporting

objectives as

explanation.


supporting

objective as well

as any sub-

supporting

objectives.


31

Question #4: Robert is a graduate student at Concordia University and is on a very busy

schedule. With his very heavy schedule he wants to take on the task of networking while

he is a student because he will be well prepared for the real world when he graduates

from school. He has class 5 days a week and his field of choice has members who are

spread out all over Canada. Knowing that Robert is on a tight schedule, list and explain

what step Robert should take to network while he is a student?

Answer Rubric:

after you

graduate so it is

easy to maintain

contact with

them

3 on 3 2 on 3 1 on 3 0 on 3

• Lists “use

Twitter

strategically” as

the fourth tip.

• For explanation

lists all sub-

supporting

objectives:

- For connecting

with people we

may know

- Is an easy way

to keep in touch

while on a busy

schedule

• Lists “use

Twitter

strategically”

• Only partially

lists the sub-

supporting

objectives as

explanation.

• Lists only “use

Twitter

strategically”


sub-supporting

objectives as

explanation.


supporting

objective as well

as any sub-

supporting

objectives.


32

Main Objective #3: Given a scenario, list the steps to prepare for your first networking

event.

Supporting Objectives: Define an interviewee as someone whom you approach at a

networking event and begin to speak about employment opportunities and feedback.

Given a scenario, list prepare a concise one-minute introduction of yourself as the first

step, Given a scenario, list prepare a set of questions to ask as the second step, Given a

scenario list practice your communication skills as the third step.

Question #1: Jacob has just graduated from the John Molson School of Business in an

M.B.A program. He sees that the school is holding a networking event for students who

hold M.B.A’s. This event is rather important to Jacob, as it will be his first networking

event. List and explain the first step that Jacob should take in order to prepare for his first

networking event.

Answer Rubric:

- It is an easy way

to contact

people in the

industry/field of

choice

3 on 3 2 on 3 1 on 3 0 on 3

• Lists prepare a

concise one-

minute

introduction of

• Lists prepare a

concise one-

minute

introduction of

• Lists only prepare

a concise one-

minute

introduction of


supporting

objective as well

as any sub-


33

Question #2: Marcel is set to attend his first networking event at Concordia. Marcel is

extremely curious as to what exactly the job entails. This feedback may make or break

Marcel’s decision. Aware on how to engage in conversation with someone, list and

explain the second step Marcel should take in order to prepare for his first networking

event.

Answer Rubric:

yourself as first

step.

• For explanation

lists all sub-

supporting

objectives:

- State

educational

background

- State any

relevant skills

which you have

- State that it is

important to

make a good

first impression

yourself

• Only partially

lists the sub-

supporting

objectives as

explanation.

yourself


sub-supporting

objectives as

explanation.

supporting

objectives.

3 on 3 2 on 3 1 on 3 0 on 3

• Lists prepare a

set of questions

to ask as second

step.

• Lists prepare a

set of questions

to ask

• Only partially

• Lists only prepare

a set of questions

to ask



supporting

objective as well

as any sub-


34

Question #3: Sarah is a graduate student at Concordia University. She has always been a

shy person so to get out there and talk to people can be a little nerve wrecking for her.

She is set on what she wants to get out of the networking event, but is unclear on how to

do so. Given this information, list and explain which step Sarah should take in order to

prepare for her first networking event.

Answer Rubric:

• For explanation

lists all sub-

supporting

objectives:

- Prepare

questions that

gauge job

satisfaction

- Prepare

questions that

gauge how

demanding the

job is

- Prepare

questions that

gauge the

success of the

interviewee

- Prepare

questions that

gauge the

expertise of the

interviewee

lists the sub-

supporting

objectives as

explanation.

sub-supporting

objectives as

explanation.

supporting

objectives.


35

Main Objective #4: Define proper networking management

Supporting Objectives: Define networking management as prioritizing your contacts

and maintaining communication with them, Identify your “weak” and “strong” ties, state

the importance of maintaining your network.

Question #1: Which of the following best defines networking management?

3 on 3 2 on 3 1 on 3 0 on 3

• Lists practice

your

communication

skills as the third

step

• For explanation

lists all sub-

supporting

objectives:

- Identify learned

communication

skills that need

to be mastered

for effective

communication

- Identify skills

that help when

communication

is breaking

down between

you and your

interviewee

• Lists practice

your

communication

skills

• Only partially

lists the sub-

supporting

objectives as

explanation.

• Lists practice

your

communication

skills


sub-supporting

objectives as

explanation.


supporting

objective as well

as any sub-

supporting

objectives.


36

A. Prioritizing your contacts and maintaining communication with them

B. Prioritizing your contacts C. Maintaining communication with those in your network D. Maintaining order of when and how you met everyone in your network Answers: A. Correct – This is correct as it mention both priority and maintaining communication B. Not Correct – This is an incomplete statement C. Not Correct– This is not a definition of networking management but network maintenance D. Not Correct– When and how you met is irrelevant Question #2: Which of the following best describes network management? A. Consulting your network to get a job, send them a thank you note and then never contact them again because they served their purpose. B. Identifying the contacts with the greatest upside and spending the bulk of your time maintaining contact with them. C. Identifying the contacts with the least amount of upside and spending the very little time maintaining contact with them. D. Identify which ties are “strong” and which are “weak” and maintain contact with them in proportion to how strong a tie you have with them. Answer: A. Not Correct – You always want to maintain constant contact with your network B. Not Correct – You contact both weak and strong ties as they serve different purposes C. Not Correct - You contact both weak and strong ties as they serve different purposes D. Correct – This is the correct answer as you must constantly keep contact and you spend more time with stronger ties than with weaker ties


37

Question #3: What are some of the challenges of networking management? A. Requires a lot of time and energy B. Requires a lot of time and money C. Requires a lot of money and energy D. Requires you to know a lot of people Answers: A. Correct – This is the right answer, as networking management takes up a lot of time and energy B. Not Correct – This is only partially true C. Not Correct – This is only partially true D. Not Correct – This is only partially true Sources: Job Networking Tips by John E. Kobara (2015)

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/work-career/job-networking-tips.htm#making

6 Ways to Network While You’re in College by Alexis Grant (2011)

http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2011/09/28/6-ways-to-

network-while-youre-in-college

Networking Tips to Help You Land Your First Job by Miriam Salpter (2015)

http://www.keppiecareers.com/networking-tips-to-help-you-land-your-first-job/


38

Skills – Networking and Information Interviewing by the University of Columbia Career

Education Center (2015)

https://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/resources/tipsheets/skills-networking-

informational-interviewing

Networking 101 by Sakina Rangwala (October 9, 2012)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/jobs_articles/2012/10/09/dbb7d628-121d-11e2-

be82-c3411b7680a9_story.html

Network Your Way to a Job or Internship by Thomas J. Denham of the University of

Maryland (2012) http://www.careercenter.umd.edu/page.cfm?page_id=41

Carliner, S. (2015.) Training Design Basics, second edition. Alexandria, VA: ATD

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