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Networking
Most jobs are found through networking. The following tips and suggestions are aimed
at helping you gain information about a career and the job opportunities within that
field. The same procedures are useful for gaining information about graduate schools
and relocating to different cities.
How Do I Get Started?
- Tell people, whenever prudent, that you are looking for an internship or job in a particular career field. While these people may not personally know about the career or about job opportunities, they may have friends with that knowledge.
- Obtain the names of alumni from the soon-to-be released Sagehen Career
Connection online alumni career advisor database. (Currently, please contact the
CDO to
request alumni contacts for career search purposes.)
- Send an e-mail to these "Contacts" and follow up with a telephone call. Be sure to let them know that you will need a short amount of time to talk, usually about 15-20 minutes. You may find it helpful to write a "script" to practice discussing who you are
and why you are calling.
- Attend the programs which bring alumni to campus to chat with you. The
CDO's annual Career Week brings many alumni to campus to discuss their career
fields and experiences every February. This is an easy way to network with alumni.
- Attend meetings of professional organizations in your field of interest. If you decide to join, take advantage of these groups' often reduced student membership fees. Take a look at the
Encyclopedia of Associations, which lists thousands of professional associations. A copy of this
can be found in the Reference section of our Career Resource Library.
What questions should I ask in a networking session:
- Can you describe a typical day?
- What training and education does your occupation require?
- How would you describe your work environment?
- How competitive is it to obtain an entry-level job in your field over the next few years?
- What is the job outlook for positions in your field over the next few years?
- What qualities do employers look for in job applicants who want to enter your occupation?
- Can you recommend the names of other people I can contact to find out more about your field? May I use your name to introduce myself?
Even though a networking session usually does not turn into a job interview, it would be a good idea to prepare for questions that you may be asked. For example, be able to discuss why you are pursuing a particular career and what you want to know about it. Remember, you should focus on obtaining advice rather than asking if there is a job opening in your contact's organization. If the person is aware of an available position, she will let you know. You can bring a resume to your meeting but only offer it to the contact if requested. Finally, as with every professional connection you make, send thank you letters to all individuals who helped you (whether you spoke on the telephone or met in person).
Networking With Alumni
Once you have located alumni in the occupation or geographic location that interests
you. Call, e-mail or write them to ask for advice on ways that you can get into the
field. Make sure you do not ask them to help you get a job, but do make sure that you tell them a bit about yourself.
Many alumni will ask for your resume.
You might ask the following:
- How did you get into this field?
- Are there certain areas that are growing fast?
- How should I present myself on a resume and in person to get into the field?
- What are some of the pitfalls of working in this field?
- What skills/experience are most important for success?
- Who else should I call to learn more? Can I use your name?
Make sure that you send a thank-you letter and that you continue to remain in touch with them.
Note: You can and should use networking with friends, relatives, neighbors and anyone else with whom you come into contact.
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