Preparing for Networking Events Standing out in the crowd for all the right reasons Kerry Kidwell-Slak Associate Director

Networking Events: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly Good: Makes it easy for companies to meet lots of students at once. Makes it easy for students to meet lots of companies at once May unearth surprising interests or leads Can lead directly to interviews and jobs Great place to practice networking and communication skills

Networking Events: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly Bad: Conversations are usually brief and can be superficial The majority of attendees will not get a position directly from the event Can be discouraging for job seekers if the recruiters in attendance are not good fits

Networking Events: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly Ugly: Crowded Loud Hot Exhausting

Strategy for Success 1.Prepare 2.Be Present 3.Follow Up

Prepare 2 weeks before the Event –Know details: Where, When, Who & What to Wear –Investigate Attendees Find out who is attending Conduct web research –Mission Statements –Open Positions –Position Requirements –LinkedIn Profiles Write down specific questions you have Learn about new companies –Update your resume and have someone review it

Research Companies / Industries Vault: The Career Insider The Baltimore Business Journal Buzzfile Researching Companies

Prepare 1 week before the Event –Get your suit cleaned –Develop your 30 second commercial –Brainstorm questions for employers Just like an interview, be prepared when someone asks, “Do you have any questions?”

30 Second Commercial What is the most important thing the employer should know about you? What makes you unique and separates you from the competition? Why are you interested in their work?

30 Second Commercial My name is Brianna Johnson, and I am a junior mechanical engineering major at UMBC. I am passionate about engineering design, as shown by my 3 semesters of experience as an AutoCAD designer in UMBC’s 3D Printing lab. This past summer I had an internship with GE Aviation where I worked on a team to develop a more efficient turbine blade. My resume also shows my extensive leadership experience through serving as an officer of UMBC’s Society of Women Engineers and as a campus tour guide. I think my interest in innovation and commitment to quality aligns well with your company’s mission. Can you tell me more about what you look for in candidates for your summer internship program?

Prepare 1 day before the Event –Print copies of your resume Nice paper doesn’t hurt! Have a portfolio or other way of organizing your resume and the materials you will collect Bring a pen –Practice your commercial –Review any online materials for the event

Prepare Day of the Event –Look Employable Wear comfortable, professional shoes Neat clothes, hair and jewelry –Plan to arrive early –Silence your phone –Review any printed materials before you begin networking

Be Present Approach your targeted employers –Provided you are well, offer a firm handshake and clearly state your name in your commercial –End your intro with a question about the organization –Smile!

Be Present Engaging in Conversation –Be cognizant of the traffic around you –Gain a clear understanding of the person and their role within their organization –Ask for business cards and pick up relevant information –Thank the employer

Be Present Take breaks –Periodically stop, take notes on your recent interactions and give yourself action items –Look at other opportunities at the event People are often relieved if you make the first move Practice your small talk

Follow Up Within 24 hours –Send Thank You notes via to individuals you connected with –Follow up on any action items –Allow 2 weeks for any requested responses Within 1 week –Organize your contacts –Submit applications online

Follow Up Linked In –Use it judiciously –Personalize requests for connection –

Stand out

Next Steps Develop your 30-second commercial Practice verbally Research industries of interest Develop your LinkedIn profile ( Have a strategy/organization system to follow up with contacts

See you at an event soon! UMBC – Career Center P: F: Math/Psychology, Room Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD