Networking: Necessary, but Not Evil University Career Services
After today’s session you’ll know: • Networking (what, how, why) • The Stages of Networking • How to effectively Communicate with networking contacts online, on the phone and in-person • Networking Resources • What to do next- Developing a plan for utilizing Networking/ Social Networking in your Internship or Job Search
Networking • What is it?- Building professional or personal relationships with others – – – – –
To develop a mutual support system To tap into a hidden employment market To interact with members of your target field To explore career options To market yourself to potential employers
• Networking is consistently one of the #1 ways NU students find internships or jobs!
Why Network? Where Employers Start
Promote/hire someone whose work they know Referral from Friend/Colleague Referral through trusted organization Online Job Posting Resume Drop
Source: Medill Career Services
Where Job Seekers Start
Who Can You Network With? II don’t don’t know know anyone? anyone?
Neighbors Co-Workers
Family
YOU Religious Groups
Friends
Student Orgs
Roommates
But Wait… There’s More!
Faculty Trade Publications
Employer presentations
YOU Career Fairs
Company Reps
Professional Organizations
NU Alumni
II have have aa great great network! network!
How Do I Network? • Online/Email – Social Media (i.e. LinkedIn, Twitter) – Northwestern CareerNet
Only = Passive Good Start
• Over the Phone – Cold Calling – Informational Interviews
• In Person – Informational Interviews – On Campus Events (i.e. Career Fairs, Company Presentations, Alumni Events) – Job Shadowing/ Externships – At your Internship/ Campus Job
Proactive May Get You the Job
Stages of Networking: Before • Define your goals for networking – Are you networking to learn more about a possible career choice? – To learn about a specific organization? – Or are you networking to find a job or internship?
• Be prepared to talk about yourself – Meet with a UCS career counselor to help you explore your strengths, interests and values – Develop your 30 second “Story”
Example of a 30 Second “Story” “I’m John Scott. I am currently double majoring in Economics and Political Science. I have been involved in a faculty research project this year. I would like to find a summer internship in economic consulting, where I can use my quantitative, research, and leadership skills, as well as learn if economic consulting is a good fit for me”.
Before the Meeting, continued • Have your resume prepared • Prepare a list of potential questions to ask (The Career Guide by UCS has some great sample questions!)
• Know the person and/or company you are contacting by doing research on LinkedIn or their company website
A Great Way to Start Informational Interviews = An interview YOU conduct with a person who currently does a job you think you might want, or who has specific knowledge about an occupation or career in which you are interested. Involves: • Preparing and Asking Questions • Being Tactful about asking if employment opportunities exist • Being Genuine and showing your Passion for the Work they do • Afterwards- sending a thank you note/email
Sending a Message (1) Introduce yourself Hi, my name is Joe Smith. I am currently a student at Northwestern University pursuing a dual degree in engineering and music. (2) Identify interest – organization, position, etc… I came across your Northwestern CareerNet profile when I was conducting research on alumni working in my chosen industry. I was very excited to learn that you are working on the technical side of the music industry. (3) Introduce skills This past year, I realized I wanted to explore working on sound engineering through a course I took at McCormick. I’m working on learning more about that career choice. (4) Inquire I wanted to reach out to you today to see if we could talk over the phone for 20-30 minutes so I could learn more about how you got to
During the Meeting • Dress professionally • Give your 30 second “story” • Guide the flow of conversation by using your goals and questions • Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback • Ask for referrals to other people in the field
During the Meeting, continued • Be genuinely enthusiastic and positive • Listen and take notes • Discuss “next steps” • Make sure you say thank you! • Ask for a business card or way to follow-up
“It is important to stress not only knowledge, but also enthusiasm.” –NU Recruiter
After the Meeting •Write down your thoughts, feelings, reactions to what you learned •Follow up with a thank you email immediately and a letter no less than 2 days after your conversation!
Northwestern Networking Resources
Northwestern Career Net • Click on “Career Network” and then “Search” to Find great Alumni Contacts who have volunteered to help NU students with their Career Development
https://www.nwuconnection.com
Northwestern Alumni Clubs • Local Clubs are in most US Cities & International Clubs in Japan, China, Korea, Switzerland, London & Toronto • National Clubs including the Northwestern Entertainment Alliance Offers Industry/ Common Interest-based Networking Opportunities http://alumni.northwestern.edu/
NEXT Externship Program • NEXT is a one-day externship/ job shadowing program that offers undergraduate students the opportunity to accompany alumni at their place of employment in order to learn about a specific field. Applications go live in January each year.
http://alumni.northwestern.edu/next
Other Networking Resources • Kellogg Mentors ProgramCome to the UCS Resource Library Located at 620 Lincoln for more information • Campus Presentations, Panels and Events • Career Fairs • Professional Associations/ Chambers of Commerce
Social Networking
Social Networking/Media 101 What is it? •Amazing Free Technology that helps you connect to people, research companies and help you market yourself to potential recruiters Why use it? •Creative Industries would expect you to connect to them through social media to show interest •Opens doors by broadening networking opportunities
Recommended Social Networking Sites • LinkedIn: Professional networking site designed to help you display an online profile which is similar to your resume. With over 100 million members you are sure to find alumni and recruiters you can network with. – Tip for LinkedIn: Join Northwestern University Career Services Group to be connected to alumni and recruiters looking to help and hire you!
• Twitter: Micro-blogging social media site allowing you to create a presence online that displays your passions and expertise to a diverse audience. – Tip for Twitter: Follow @northwesternucs to be up to date on recruiting events and UCS workshops. Take a look at who we are following for guidance on what tweets might help you learn how to better network and find employment!
Other Social Networking Sites • Facebook: Many Employers have “Fan Pages” and post recruiting events; Fan/Like “NorthwesternUCS” to stay up to date with on campus recruiting and University Career Services How to use Fb for professional networkinghttp://mashable.com/2009/08/14/facebook-networking/ • WordPress or Tumblr: Often recommended sites for developing your own Blog or Website/Online Resume
Networking Advice • Use Proper Etiquette – Avoid contacting people you do not know without any connection or introduction – Create a well thought-out and error free message when communicating – If requesting a meeting…Remember YOU are the one who must be flexible, not your contact – End conversations with your “verbal handshake” (aka a nice affirming statement of interest)
• Keep in the back of your mind… – Networking should be organic and a part of your everyday life to truly be effective- on-line and in-person – It is Relationship Building
How to Maintain Your Network • Stay organized – Organize both your contacts and notes from each meeting in a notebook or a database
• Make sure to keep in touch – Periodically touch base with your contacts and update them on your progress – Avoid long lengths of non communication – Show Appreciation- Thank You Messages – Profile/Resume Updates = Perfect time to send an Email
Let’s Review •
Take advantage of all the great resources offered to Northwestern Students/alumni in regards to Networking
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If you haven’t already, create LinkedIn and Twitter (+others) Accounts to expand how you network
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Utilize Multiple Networking Strategies- Don’t just email and wait
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Attend Company Information Sessions, Conferences, Alumni Panels and Career Fairs to Network in Person
Add these to your To Do List •
Meet with UCS to develop goals for networking and to learn ways to be effective
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Choose a few connections/alumni on LinkedIn or Northwestern CareerNet to request an informational interview
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Look for Blogs and Articles about networking and social media to fuel your internship or job search
Be Proactive and Innovative in Your Networking!
University Career Services Main Office 620 Lincoln Street To Schedule An Appointment: 847-491-3700 Career Lab Core Reserve Main Library, 2nd Floor North Web www.northwestern.edu/careers Facebook www.facebook.com/northwesternucs Twitter http://twitter.com/northwesternucs LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=1926036 Blog http://northwesternuniversitycareerservices.wordpress.com