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Finding a Job
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
CDO alumni database. The database has listings of over 1600 alumni who
have agreed to assist students with their job or internship search.
- Write a letter or 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 are and why
you are calling.
- Attend the programs which bring alumni to campus to chat with you.
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 book can be found in the reference section (section 80) of
our 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
Use the Alumni Database to find alumni in the occupation or geographic location that interests you. Call 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:
1. How did you get into this field?
2. Are there certain areas that are growing fast?
3. How should I present myself on a resume and in person to get into the field?
4. What are some of the pitfalls of working in this field?
5. What skills/experience are most important for success?
6. 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 faculty, parents of friends, relatives, neighbors and anyone else with whom you come into contact.
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