Using Columbia Career Connections (CCC): A Guide to Networking

Overview What is networking? Why is it effective? Building a network Online networking Using CCC Next Steps

What is Networking? Making ‘informal’ contact or building relationships with others to gain: knowledgeadviceinformation inside information further contacts

Why is networking effective? Provides invaluable information, support and advice throughout the career exploration process Gives you effective job search tips from an insider perspective Allows you to gather feedback on job applications from someone who may actually hire for the job you want Gives you further contact names who might know of opportunities

Building a network Preparation- research yourself and/or an industry of interest; Awareness- What are you looking for? A job? To learn more about a career path or industry? Company information? Action- Who will be the best help to get you the information you need?

Building a Network Develop a networking strategy –What questions should you ask? How will these differ depending on who you talk to? –How will you use the information you get? –What are your goals from the networking process?

Benefits of working with Columbia alumni Share existing connection (i.e. Core Curriculum; dorms; etc) Alumni want to maintain ties to alma mater, often want to give back Alumni have volunteered to be a resource for you

Online networking- how is it different? Greater access to a wider variety of people “Break the ice” before meeting someone in person Not as intimidating as face-to-face contact

Online networking- Protocol Identify: - how you found them - your school and year of graduation - your current status (career search) - what you are asking for - how you would like to move forward Do not send resume right away Request a follow-up to this , via phone or

Typical Pitfalls Not doing your research beforehand Sending your resume too early in the communication Forgetting that proper etiquette still matters when networking online

How to avoid common pitfalls You feel uncomfortable You feel uncomfortable Rude responses Rude responses You ask for a job and the conversation ends You ask for a job and the conversation ends Failing to send thank you letters and/or follow-up Failing to send thank you letters and/or follow-up Poor record keeping Poor record keeping Networking cannot replace research Networking cannot replace research

Appropriate Online Networking Always maintain professionalism and remember your purpose for using CCC - Risk removal from the system if “appropriate” networking is not adhered to Respect in communication -Alumni preferences Specific features of online networking- searchable database, direct communication, eliminates traditional form of “schmoozing”

Following Up Respect the time and effort your networking contacts have made to assist you. Thank you letters and follow-upThank you letters and follow-up Be gracious, respectful and do not call them too frequently, late at night (past 8:00PM) or early in the morning.Be gracious, respectful and do not call them too frequently, late at night (past 8:00PM) or early in the morning. Develop an efficient method for keeping records of your networking efforts.

Final Tips Taboo subjects (politics, the war etc.) Do not ‘over share’ Treat it as an interview Try to address people by their name *Studies repeatedly show that over 50% of all jobs are found through networking.

Accessing CCC

Using CCC

Center for Career Education East Campus, Lower Level (212) Mon – Fri, 9am-5pm Wed (term time), 9am–8pm Walk –Ins, 1pm – 4pm