Introduction to Networking Building your professional community!

Networking It has a bad wrap.

Networking People say “I can’t do that. That is for sales people or corporate climbers. Old fashioned. It is not me.” Others say “It is out of my comfort zone”. Or “It is distasteful to me”.

Networking But it has a new image now. A very favorable image! It is smart. It is modern. It is a warm way to meet people! It is a very important career tool.

Networking It is simply talking and listening to people and developing relationships around common interests & experiences.

Networking It is a meaningful way to develop your career, meet great people, and enjoy your professional life to a greater extent.

What is not to like about the new image? Networking What is not to like about the new image?

Networking Could lead to an interesting APE/practicum! Could lead to an internship during school! Could lead to a job down the road! It will bring you satisfaction by meeting new people, and they will expose you to broad knowledge in the filed of public health.

Give it a try – it works. Give it time – it does produce results. Networking Give it a try – it works. Give it time – it does produce results.

Why is networking so stressful? Meeting people can be intimidating – it seems scary! But it does not have to be. Start slow. Be open to it.

Why do we do it? We want to create a community – individuals who are “advocates” in your professional development. It gives you the opportunity for someone to get to know you in-person, rather than relying on the resume.

Why do we do it? 15% of available jobs are advertised through company webpages and online resources (Indeed etc) 85% are found through word of mouth. (ie) Networking!

Why is networking important? Before jobs are posted online they’re often filled internally, or through a “referral” from a trusted source…. Sometimes, referred candidates don’t need to be a “perfect fit” to be hired for these jobs. Being a “known quantity” gives confidence to the hiring manager.

Why is networking important Networking makes you more likely to get noticed. If you know people in various organizations/fields, they might put in a good word for you with the people who are going thru resumes and selecting whom to interview for an MPH job. 9

Networking Mistakes It is not all about you. This is your time to be an active listener. It is not the time to ask for a job. You don’t send a resume until you are asked to send one, or asked for more information about yourself.

Networking TIPS Be sincere. It is a time to make a good impression. It is a time to “share your why” and show passion for PH. Remember, you are setting the stage for future help. The way you communicate with your contact is an indicator on what it would be like to work with you as a colleague.

Getting Started with Networking Informational Interviewing is a great “first step” into networking!

Informational Interviewing –How to do it? Become a detective – find a person of interest in the field. Perhaps it is someone who works in a field you are interested in learning more about, or at an organization you want to learn more about. Start with an email – the simplest approach! Take a look at suggested e-mail format on next slide….

Informational Interviewing –How to do it? Subject line: Questions from a current UNE MPH student Dear [first name of desired contact], My name is (insert full name), and I’m a (second year?) graduate student earning my Master’s Degree in Public Health, at the University of New England. I’m reaching out because I came across your information in my search of professionals who work in (insert field) or at (insert name of organization). I am hoping you might have time for an informational interview so I can learn more about how you got started in this field, and your career journey. Would it be possible for us to find a time to speak by phone for 20 – 30 minutes? I would be happy to send you more information about myself, or what I am currently doing at the University of New England’s Graduate Program in Public Health (MPH program). I’m very flexible, and even just 15-20 minutes of your time would be invaluable to me, and greatly appreciated. Thanks for considering my request, and I look forward to hearing from you soon! Sincerely, your name

More TIPS Hello (insert first name), Timely follow-up to any response is important. Reply within 24-48 hours. Offer to call them at the phone number they suggest. Confirm with a reminder 24 hours beforehand. Example of response: (keep it brief, do not go into details or questions you have for them. Save all that for the discussion.) Hello (insert first name), It is so great to hear from you. I would be thrilled to speak at the time you provided – 3 PM next Monday the 12th is perfect. I will call you at the number you provided. Looking forward to speaking next week. Sincerely, your name

Informational Interviewing –What to ask? Select questions in advance and have them ready. See examples of questions included in the “Informational Interviewing” document posted in our career library. Some quick suggestions include: What was your career trajectory? What ways do you use your MPH training in your current position? What advice would you give to a student preparing for their transition from school to working? What is it like to work at your organization?

After the meeting, now what? Write a brief thank-you within 24 hours. Follow up in the future with any relevant news or important status updates. (Perhaps you obtained a practicum in their field, found an interesting internship, or graduated. You can send a very brief email letting them know – and thanking them for their support in your journey.

The Power of Linked In

Tips for Using LinkedIn Complete a profile – LinkedIn will guide you with each step. Don’t forget a professional photo. Use the contacts you already have in your address book. Join UNE and other PH LinkedIn groups. Before you connect with someone - do your homework. Where do they current work? Where did they use to work? Send invitations to connect, but add a brief message to the invitation.

Tips for Using LinkedIn An example of a brief message for the person you want to connect with on LinkedIn is as follows: Hello (insert name), I am interested in the (insert) field, and noticed you work in the field now. I bring experience with (insert) and am earning my MPH. Your career journey is very impressive. I hoped I could connect with you? Thank you! (your name)

Who makes up your network? Alumni Co-workers and former co-workers Former supervisors Classmates (current & past) Professors/Advisors Your contacts from your community People you don’t know …… yet!

The strength of weak ties New connections can help you meet people you wouldn’t otherwise know or know how to connect with them. They can take you to new places in your career. Take a look at an interesting article on connections: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/strength-weak-ties-network-theory-revisited-research-bhosale/ I hoped I could connect with you?

Thank you for inspiration and tips: References: LinkedIn APHA Johns Hopkins University