How To Build A Professional Network Luke Zeigler, Career Advisor Abdelis Vega, Chi Upsilon Sigma, OMA

Outline Career Development Center and job futures information When and where does networking take place? Networking– the basics Social media and networking as a student Networking Event!

November 8th Seniors Only EVOLVE – College to Careers In order to help graduating seniors prepare for the next step, the Career Development Center invites all graduating seniors for a program designed to help them make the most of their spring term and prepare for life after college. Seniors will be informed of best practices on how to increase their chances of success during an interview, money management and transitioning to a new community. Become informed of what soon to expect in life after graduation.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER Our Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Tuesday 8:00 am – 6:30 pm Drop in: Wed & Thurs 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Located on the TOP FLOOR University Center

The Future There will be 55 million job openings through 2020 24 million new jobs 31 million due to baby boom retirements 35% of job openings will require a bachelor’s degree Fastest Growing Industries - STEM, Healthcare Professions, Healthcare Support and Community Services Will require high levels of post-secondary education The U.S. will fall short by 5 million workers with postsecondary educations by 2020 at the current production rate

Networking?

Professional Networking Networking: A process that fosters the exchange of information and ideas among individuals or groups that share a common interest 2 Types – Business and Social Goal: Building of relationships Business: Objective is to form relationships that will improve organizational success or become employed

So What? NETWORKING is the single most powerful marketing tactic to accelerate and sustain success for any individual or organization! “Where job boards have a 3-10% effectiveness rate, and probably less now that Applicant Tracking Systems (the software that will rank your resume) are becoming prevalent, networking has a 30- 60% effectiveness rate. Referred people are less risk and have a higher retention rate – that’s why companies offer referral bonuses to employees who recommend someone who has been hired.” – Don Goodman It is not about who you know, but WHO KNOWS YOU (clutter of advertising example) We will be helping you to understand the basics of networking, as well as how you can begin to build a strong network as a student.

How Important is Networking? Hope College, Office of Career Services career.opcd.wfu.edu

When and where does networking happen? Career Fairs Conferences Religious group gatherings Community Events Chamber of Commerce Events In reality…all the time – Planned Happenstance

How to prepare for networking events Ask yourself the following questions: Who am I? If you don’t know, how will you show or tell some one else? What have I done up until this point? Being able to describe this is essential to establishing credibility What do I want to do in the future? Having clearly defined goals provides context as to why you are networking What do you need or want from those attending the event? Establishing a purpose for your engagement gives structure to your conversations

Practice! Develop and improve your “Elevator Pitch” - What is this? Most successful pitches are simple and quick Consider your audience Individual? Company? Industry? Know yourself – REFLECTION Educational background Key Strengths What do you want them to know about you? Why are you giving this speech? Write it down – Approximately 90 words

Key Components of an Elevator Pitch Introduction Name and a Firm Handshake Who are you? What’s your major? Class? What are your strengths? What do you offer? What are you looking for from the person your speaking to? Information? Internship? Job? – Be Specific Tell the person why you are interested in them/their company/their school

Conversation Starters Go fishing at the food table “Everything looks so good, I don’t know what to get. What are you going to have?” Find someone who is alone “These networking events can be so crazy. Would you mind if I joined you over here where it’s a bit more quiet?” Give compliments “I love your shoes!” Just say hello “Hi, my name is….”

Do’s and Don’ts of Networking The thank you’s Listen!!! Develop lasting relationships Always look for ways to reciprocate in the future Remember to ask “what is your story?” and “what advice do you have for me as I enter this field?” DON’TS Brag or exaggerate Spend too much time on unrelated topic Gossip Let your relationship become one sided Ask personal questions about salary Don’t just ask for a job Forget to keep in touch

After you leave a networking event…

Networking & Social Media extensions of, but NOT replacements for personal networks reiaofmacomb.com

What’s the Difference? PERSONAL IMAGE Play games Share photos, videos, stories Provide relationship status Entertaining and informal PROFESSIONAL IMAGE Maintain business contacts Get introduced Recommend and endorse Find, post, or forward jobs

Using Social Media as a Networking Tool Twitter Blogging Form a creative bio Generate the conversation Follow people in the industry Retweet and interact Shout people out– get noticed! Write about relevant topics in the industry Become a guest blogger Ask to interview professionals Write reviews on related products Be interactive in your comments sections

Networking as a Student Clubs/Organizations Greek Life Reach out to alumni networks Stay informed about regional/national events Connect with brothers/sisters in the field you are interested in Take advantage of connections other members may have Be an active member Reach out to other schools with the same/similar club Take advantage of conferences Aim for leadership positions

Campus Resources Attend on campus events Find a mentor at school Make faculty/staff aware of your interests Volunteer to assist at functions where important people may be Look at advertisements for campus happenings that may benefit you

Build a Personal Brand Figure out what you want others to know you for Understand what you are best at and maximize on that Create your own reputation so that people look for YOU Treat your personal brand as something important and valuable

Practice!

CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER Our Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Tuesday 8:00 am – 6:30 pm Drop in: Wed & Thurs 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Located on the TOP FLOOR University Center