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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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), doi: /225469

11. Alumnifire https://osu.alumnifire.com
Lhota Office of Alumni Career Management go.osu.edu/AlumniCareerManagement t
Alumnifire
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