| Academics | Admission | Athletics | Alumni | News/Calendars | Giving to OC | Resources | Student Life | Home |
|
|
Resources > Center for Career Planning > Networking |
NetworkingMost college students realize that networking is important, but are unsure about what networking is and how it actually works. Here are some typical networking FAQs. The answers are below.
What do I need to know about networking and why is it important? One thing to remember is that networking is not a self-serving, one-sided activity. It is a process in which both parties benefit from a mutual exchange of information, advice, and support. How does this work for the college student who is exploring career options and looking for a job? What you get from networking: What you give when you are networking: How do you "do" networking? Other networking is much more strategic. You can start by making lists of people you know. Include anyone on your list with whom you are friendly, and then make a separate list of your relatives. Then think of other groups with whom you have something in common: co-workers, classmates, social or sports groups, professional organizations, church members, etc. You may not know these people well, but most are willing to help you. Most students can create an initial list of at least 25 to 100 people. Don't forget that Otterbein alumni can be great resources as well; contact the Career Center for names in your field of interest. Before you begin contacting people, be sure of your goal. Your goal may be to solicit information about a career field or a specialization within that field, or to learn about a particular organization. This type of information gathering is usually called an "information interview." Decide who might be able to help you meet your goals best and contact them in a systematic way. You can phone or e-mail them, or you may seek them out in person. Develop a short "script" to introduce yourself and become familiar with this script so you can communicate it easily and concisely whenever needed. Also develop lists of questions you want to ask. Sample introductory scripts and information interview questions can be found in the Career Center. Another goal may be to solicit help in finding your first job. If this is your goal, make sure to present yourself well from the start. Begin with friends and relatives. Tell them you are looking for a job and need their help. Be as clear as possible about what you are looking for and what skills and qualifications you have. Ask them for job leads, for someone else who might have job leads, or someone who knows someone who might have job leads. Sometimes you can simply ask if they know someone who knows a lot of people. Contact these referrals and ask the same questions. When doing a concentrated job search, set specific goals each day or week (for example, whom you will contact, how, and when) and follow through. Keep careful records of your completed contacts. Decide how to organize your network information. This step is crucial to your success. If you have continued access to a computer, the best method is a database or spreadsheet where you can enter key information such as names, titles, company names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and dates of contact. Keep notes about what you talked about. Another alternative is to keep this information on index cards or in an accordion file. For each original contact, you can potentially extend your network of acquaintances by hundreds of people. Eventually, one of these people will hire you or refer you to someone who will. If used thoroughly, networking may be the only job search technique you'll need. What are some good tips for the beginning networker? Get involved. Joining groups of any kind helps develop needed networking skills. Taking a leadership position, even a small one, is even more valuable. Attend professional conferences. Most professional organizations have annual conferences. Ask your professors which conferences would be worthwhile, and check to see if they have student rates. Make your classes count. Choose projects and research that involves connecting with people off campus and use these research opportunities to develop contacts. Connect with people on campus. Faculty, administrators, advisors, and coaches can be valuable sources of advice, guidance, and contacts. Use them! Get to know alumni. There are ready-made contacts in the Career Center's alumni network who will help answer your career questions. Use the Career Center. Find out what kind of information we have available. You will be surprised to find resources you didn't know existed. Shadow. Observing someone for a day is a great way to get information about specific career fields. Once again, the Career Center and faculty can help you find people who might be willing to be shadowed. Get an internship. What better way to make connections? Help out in your community. It can be an excellent way to meet people who could be valuable supporters, role models, and contacts in your networking efforts while you are making a contribution to the community. Go on a fact-finding mission. Any interaction with one or more people in which you seek information that you need in order to make a particular decision about your career can be a great way to build connections. Don't hesitate to enlist the help of relatives. It's o.k. to let a relative help pave the way to a job connection. Once you get an interview it is up to you to land the job. Use the Internet. Explore web sites, join newsgroups, and use the web's people and business directories. Have a resume on hand whether you think you'll need it or not. You never know when a casual encounter can turn into a potential networking situation, so keep copies of your resume handy. Get a business card. Think of it as a calling card. When someone asks you for your name and numbers, you'll have your contact information ready in a professional-looking form. Don't forget to thank everyone in your network who has been helpful to you. Get in the habit of writing thank-you notes. Acknowledging people who do you a favor, provide an opportunity, or inspire you is not only common courtesy, but also keeps them an active part of your network. They will remember your good manners. What kind of people can I approach to be in my network? Your Network of Personal Relationships Your Network of Professional Relationships Your Network of Organizational Affiliations Opportunistic Networks Online Networks Are there some special networking tips for introverts? Don't try to become a master networker overnight. Try a small number of networking activities per week and let your confidence build slowly with each positive experience. Don't assume you're being a pest. Most people are glad to help. Also remember that about 75% of the American population is extroverted! Rely on your supporters. When you need encouragement and sympathy, don't hesitate to turn to them. Keep in mind all the successes you have had in life. These recollections help you face networking situations. Don't try to do it alone. If attending a big event it too intimidating, take a friend along. Enlist a spokesperson. If making a call is too intimidating, ask the person who has given you the contact name to make a call first to prepare them to expect your call. In groups, start with the person who looks uncomfortable and approach them. After you "get your feet wet," you can talk to others you would like to meet. Rehearse! It is perfectly o.k. to rehearse your side of the conversation before you make a networking call. You can even use a written script as long as it doesn't sound like you are reading it. Also decide what you will say if you need to leave a voice mail message. Start with a letter. Sending a letter of introduction first can make a follow-up phone call less nerve wracking. |
