1. MGLC Workshop: Networking at Career Fairs and Conferences
Brett Boettcher & Elysse Longiotti
May 30, 2017 EL

2. Approaching a Stranger
The Plan
Practice
Networking Skills
Introductions
Approaching a Stranger
Asking Questions
Ending Conversation EL

3. Icebreaker Partner with someone you don’t know well.
In 90 seconds, how many things can you find that you have in common? EL

4. Networking
"Networking is not the process of reaching out to people. Networking is the process of thinking about whom to reach out to, why, with what goal, and how to do so in a manner that minimizes the negative emotional states that both you and the other person experience and that maximizes the benefit you gain."
- Barber, Joseph. "A Networking Rule to Live By," Inside Higher Ed. 22 May   BB

5. Networking Why? Where? When? Knowledge sharing Collaboration
Connections beget connections
“Hidden job market”
Where? When?
Conferences
Formal networking events
Career Fair
Around NU
Everywhere, always BB

6. Conference vs. Career Fair
Who?
Industry Professionals, Panelists, Presenters, Moderators, Faculty, Peers
Recruiters from companies and organizations
Why?
Knowledge sharing, collaborations, connections
Face time with a recruiter, learn more about specific organizations and positions, set up a conversation/interview
Where?
During sessions, reception, breaks, the elevator, hallways, volunteering, etc.
Specific forum (tables, pre-scheduled interviews, etc) BB

7. Tools and Tips Don’t just stick with people you already know
Be comfortable talking about at least one (appropriate) non-work subject
Name
PhD Candidate, IBIS
How to use LinkedIn BB

8. A comprehensive resource for job search and career management information. Online resource contains:
80+ Downloadable Vault Career Guides and Employer Profiles
3,500+ Company Profiles
1,100+ Vault Career Advice Articles
Industry and Occupational Profiles
Insider intelligence on salaries, hiring information, and company culture Bb

9. Wet Feet offers the following resources:
Company Profiles on over 1000 companies
Company Interviews with leading firms from diverse industries
Industry Profiles of over 30 major industries
Career Profiles of over 40 careers and functional tracks
Real People Profiles on a "day in the life" of dozens of career professionals
City and Country Profiles
Hundreds of Career Advice Articles offering expert tips and consultation for job seekers Bb

10. Build a list of companies based on
A business research company that maintains a database of over 80 million companies worldwide.
Review company and industry profiles and discover trends and new opportunities
Find new leads
Build a list of companies based on
Industry
Location
Size

11. Research trends in job titles, key skills, and other keywords
Observe hiring cycles BB

12. Introducing Yourself
Elevator Speech: An audience-specific professional introduction to your interests, experiences, and future plans
Develop your 60-second (or less) elevator speech
Name and current position
How did you get to your current position? For academics, educational history
Describe your research for a generalist audience
Topic?
Why is it interesting and important (“so what”)?
Define technical terms (e.g., “Are you familiar with ____?”)
End with questions, next steps EL

13. Practice Introducing Yourself
Find a partner you don’t already know
Take turns giving your elevator speeches
After each person speaks, listener should provide feedback in the following way
Repeat main take-away of research back to the speaker
Note when the speaker seemed most engaged
Note when the speaker seemed most unsure of her or himself
Ask one question EL

14. The Art of Conversation
Build relationships with strangers by engaging them in conversation
Ask thoughtful questions
Find areas of commonality
Listen EL

15. Connections and Questions
Who might you speak with at a conference?
Industry professionals, panelists, presenters, moderators, faculty, peers (graduate students and postdocs)
What kinds of questions would you want to ask at a conference?
What’s you area of expertise?/Tell me about your research?
Where do/did you go to study?
Which institution/organization are you affiliated with?
What you attended this conference before?
What sessions are you planning on attended later?
What’s the most interest session you’ve attended?
Are you presenting or on a panel? EL

16. Approaching a Stranger or a Group: Fundamental Strategies
Smile and make eye contact
Say “hi”
Shake hands
Enunciate your name
When you hear a person’s name, repeat it
If you forget a name, ask
When approaching a group, say “excuse me” before introducing yourself
Begin conversation with your tailored elevator speech or a question

17. Ending Conversation
Whether you have to say “goodbye” because you are in a hurry or because you feel the conversation has run its course, leaving a positive impression can help you cultivate the possibility of future conversations Bb

18. Ending Strategies Situation examples: In a hurry
I’m sorry to interrupt, but I just realized I should leave in order to be at the next session in time.
I have to run, but I would like to talk with you further about this – would you mind if we connect on LinkedIn?
Conversation has dwindled:
Well, it was good to meet you and learn a little more about you – would you happen to have a business card?
I have to excuse myself but I hope to see you at one of the sessions later.
It was really a pleasure speaking with you. I’m going to take a look at some of the other exhibits (etc), but if I don’t run into you later, I hope to see you at another event soon.

19. Put It All Together
Red Group: position yourself around the room in groups and alone
Blue Group: approach a person or group and introduce yourself
Move around the room and strike up conversation
Listen for a cue to end conversation El

20. Additional Resources ECD NCA
NCA
Brett Boettcher
Elysse Longiotti
Career Advising and Counseling by appointment, sign up via CareerCat
Express Advising, M-F, 2 – 4pm, Main Library, 2 North Core EL