The Bill and Susan Lhota Office of Alumni Career Management Marilyn Bury Rice Jonathan Wray Natalie Fike

Career Management Programs/Resources Lhota Office of Alumni Career Management go.osu.edu/AlumniCareerManagement Career Management Programs/Resources Web resources, job board, webinars, programs, career fairs, individual career advising (in-person and remotely). Career Changes: Launching Transition Underemployment Unemployment Encore Career A Lifelong Process: Assessment Exploration/Research Personal Branding Networking/Job Search Professional Development

https://blacksociety.alumni.osu.edu/ Lhota Office of Alumni Career Management go.osu.edu/AlumniCareerManagement Network in the New Year https://blacksociety.alumni.osu.edu/ Agenda: Why network Where to network How to network Myths and best practices Alumnifire demonstration

Why Network? Gather info about new careers Lhota Office of Alumni Career Management go.osu.edu/AlumniCareerManagement Why Network? Gather info about new careers Uncover the hidden job market Further your professional circle Learn of the power of referral

Where to Network OSU alumni clubs/societies OSUAA virtual networking Lhota Office of Alumni Career Management go.osu.edu/AlumniCareerManagement Where to Network OSU alumni clubs/societies OSUAA virtual networking Well known networking groups in your city Professional association meetings Community volunteerism and social activities The OSU Buckeye Network / “Find Alumni” on LinkedIn

How to Network Develop your 30 second pitch Lhota Office of Alumni Career Management go.osu.edu/AlumniCareerManagement How to Network Develop your 30 second pitch Identify potential contacts “warm” contacts - people I know “lukewarm” contacts -people open to networking “cold” contacts - people I want to get to know Identify key organizations and individuals

Myth: Networking is an obligation. At times, Lhota Office of Alumni Career Management go.osu.edu/AlumniCareerManagement Myth: Networking is an obligation. At times, it’s bound to feel forced. Be selective in events that you attend Present yourself as someone who is approachable, professional, appreciative, and generous Be prepared to articulate relevant experience and follow-up with contacts

Quality vs. quantity…know what’s important Connect thoughtfully online Lhota Office of Alumni Career Management go.osu.edu/AlumniCareerManagement Myth: A high number of connections is a measure of my networking abilities. Quality vs. quantity…know what’s important Connect thoughtfully online When introductions are made, repeat the contact’s name to commit it to memory and be prepared to initiate dialogue

Myth: Networking is for extroverts. Lhota Office of Alumni Career Management go.osu.edu/AlumniCareerManagement Myth: Networking is for extroverts. Create your own events Balance schedule with loud and quiet time Approach networking authentically, well rested, and at times of day when you feel energy Set reasonable goals for the number of contacts to make and maintain

Myth: My network should focus exclusively Lhota Office of Alumni Career Management go.osu.edu/AlumniCareerManagement Myth: My network should focus exclusively on my industry. Build a horizontal network. Reach those outside your orbit for a fresh perspective. Acquaintances (weak ties) are more likely than family or friends (strong ties) to build a bridge to new information and opportunities. Granovetter, M. S. (1973). The Strength of Weak Ties [Abstract]. American Journal of Sociology, 78(6), 1360-1380. doi:10.1086/225469

Alumnifire https://osu.alumnifire.com Lhota Office of Alumni Career Management go.osu.edu/AlumniCareerManagement t Alumnifire https://osu.alumnifire.com Connect with OSU alumni online for career advice, informational interviews, or shadowing experiences Find a mentor or networking contact in your field Seek an internship or permanent job through fellow Buckeyes