NETWORKING GUIDE
OVERVIEW
Networking is the process by which we build relationships to learn, connect, and give to others in pursuit of mutual success. While networking seems like a transactional concept, it is most successful when it is not. As you read through this guide, keep an open mind about what “networking” really is and remember that being yourself is important! These are some tips that have worked for others, but take what makes sense for you and leave the rest.
PURPOSE
Learn about an industry or function
One of the best ways to grow your network and start your career is to learn about the roles and industries that are interesting to you. Your connections are all over the place! Take advantage of this to learn about something brand new and make a connection. You do not need to be in the market for a job to do this. The request can simply be to learn and people are generally happy to give information and time.
Learn about a company or get a referral
If you are looking for a job or expect to be in the market soon, reaching out to someone at a company, even if they are not in or adjacent to the role you want, can be a great way to get a feel for the company and to learn the language of its employees. Understanding company culture will give you something to talk about and a hint about how to position yourself in an interview. Plus, if there is a job you want, referrals are a great way to get your resume past the screener!
Navigate a new environment
In any new environment, be it college, a new job, or a new city, finding a “friendly face” can make a huge difference for your comfort and success. Finding someone with a shared experience can be a great way to find a mentor, a work friend, someone to help you find the café or understand the performance review process.
Navigate a new environment
Give!
In any new environment, be it college, a new job, or a new city, finding a “friendly face” can make a huge difference for your comfort and success. Finding someone with a shared experience can be a great way to find a mentor, a work friend, someone to help you find the café or understand the performance review process.
Networking is a 2-way street. As much as you are hoping to learn from others, there will be others who want to learn from you. Give your time and expertise generously to those who ask and you will reap the rewards.
Keep In Mind
• Generally, people like to be asked for help and they like to be thought of. It might feel weird to “keep in touch” at first, but authentic outreach every once in a while is usually welcome!
• Give your own time generously when asked
• You never know what may come of a conversation—keep an open mind
TACTICAL TIPS
You’ve broadened your sense of what networking is and how you can take part. Now it is important to actually do it! Networking can seem intimidating at first, but becomes more comfortable when you remember that everyone else is also a person and that it does not have to be transactional. There are a few things you can do to get off on the right foot:
Make your connection known upfront
Find something in common with the person you are reaching out to (e.g., MKA alum) and make sure that commonality appears in the first line (or subject line) of your outreach.
Make it easy for people to talk to you and reach you
• Ask for 15 or 20 minutes to start (this feels low stakes to the person you are asking and if you click, you can usually run over!)
• Take on the task of scheduling / finding the time:
◦ Suggest time windows and/or dates
◦ “Let me know the best way to work with your schedule and I can find time for us to connect”
• Be clear about logistics—if there is a zoom link, calendar invite, phone number make it accessible and make sure you align on who is calling whom
Say thank you!
Some examples below, but what’s most important is to send anything at all within 24 hours. It does not need to be perfect, but it does need to go out. A great thank you will include:
• Say thank you
• Say something that you learned from the conversation
• If there’s a next step or follow up for either of you, mention it
• Bonus points for including any personal details you can remember (e.g., “hope you have a great trip to Miami next week!”)
Best ways to use LinkedIn:
Use filters to search for people who went to MKA, your college, etc. When you add someone on LinkedIn, especially someone you do not know, include a note. This is important! It makes it feel less transactional when you write a note. Plus, many people do not accept invitations from people they do not know, so including a note can be helpful.
Best ways to use the MKA Alumni office:
• Finding people to connect with
• Example: “Hi Gretchen/Madison—I am interested in working at XYZ company. Are there any MKA alumni or affiliates who are currently there? I have looked on LinkedIn, but am having trouble finding anyone.”
• Learning additional context about an alum or affiliate
• Example: “Hi Gretchen/Madison—I see that Jessica Smith works at XYZ company and am planning to reach out. Is she an active alum, do you know her? Anything that might be appropriate to include in my outreach would be so helpful!”
• Hosting an alumni event at your college or city
• Example: “Hi Gretchen/Madison—I noticed that there are quite a few MKA seniors planning to attend BC next year. I’d love to reach out to them to set up something informal and want to make sure I don’t miss anyone. Are you able to share a list of the alumni currently at BC?”
EXAMPLES
Helpful phrases:
• “You may not remember me but…”
• “It was so nice to meet you at…”
• “I saw that you did XYZ, that is so exciting, just wanted to say congrats!”
• “I read this article and thought of you…”
LinkedIn:
Message sent with connection request:
LinkedIn:
Message sent to stay in touch:
Hi [XX]! I'm Julia, a student at [XX college] studying Psychology and Business Institutions. I am really interested in learning about your time at [XX college] and Company A and I'd love to gain insight on your experiences. Excited to connect!
Hi [XX]-- Just wanted to reach out to wish you a happy new year! After graduating from [XX college] last year, I started at Company A in October. I just started on a project in the audio space and it's been really exciting. Hope all is well with you and [your audio startup]!
To an alumni at the company/in the industry I’d like to work at:
RecipientsHello from an MKA alumni Email
Hi [XX],
Hope you are doing well. I am reaching out as a fellow MKA alum (Class of 2024) who is interested in media and entertainment. I am a sophomore at [XX college] studying history and am trying to learn more about M&E as I consider internship opportunities in the next couple of years. I am particularly interested in roles at the intersection of creative and business sides of the industry. If you have a few minutes this week or next, I would love to connect to learn about your experience at PBS and in entertainment and ask your advice about where I might start my search for an internship.
To ask for advice:
Recipients
MKA alumni reaching out about [XX]
Hi [XX],
I hope you’re enjoying the first few days of fall! I saw that your team at AA Gocery recently announced a plan to power all central Ohio locations with renewable energy. So cool! I’m impressed by your true commitment to sustainability.
I just started my second (and final!) year at [School] and am beginning to think about full-time roles. I’m considering whether roles within retail grocery, CPG, or a growth-stage startup would best set me up for success in the food industry. I remember you mentioned you spent time at Company A and Company B prior to joining AA Grocery. I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on whether those years were formative and helped you develop skills that you leverage today, or if a different path could have served you better.
I’m sure you’re swamped but would love to hop on the phone sometime to catch up and hear your thoughts!
Email
To say thank you:
Recipients
Hello from an MKA alumni
Hi [XX],
It was so nice to meet you yesterday! Thank you for taking the time to connect with me. As I think about building a diverse career in the long term, it is so helpful for me to learn from people like you who are doing it! I appreciate your insight and guidance to stay focused and let it happen. Tell Christian and the team that I said hello! Thanks again for your time and I hope to be in touch.
Email
To a peer at my new company (should be adapted to level of seniority):
MKA alumni reaching out about [XX] Email Recipients
Hi [XX],
I am a fellow MKA alum (class of 2014) and just started in the New York office after graduating this summer. There was an alumni event in the city earlier this week and it was great to see lots of MKA faces. I’d love to connect over coffee if you might have a few minutes next week (or beyond). If so, let me know the best way to work with your schedule and I can find a time that works for us both.
By way of background, I graduated from [XX college] this summer. I am very interested in the media practice and noticed that’s where you sit, so would be excited to hear more about your experience.