​Professional Networking

​Online Networking using LinkedIn

Building a professional profile on LinkedIn can be a great way to get connected and stay connected with professional contacts, find jobs, follow colleges, learn about employers, and research the paths others have followed to achieve success.  Use the resources below to create your professional online profile for free and start networking today:

• LinkedIn Profile Checklist
• Start Your Career | LinkedIn for Students
• LinkedIn Tips for Students​
  
• How to Network on LinkedIn​
  

But don't stop there!  Face-to-face networking is often considered to be far more effective than simply connecting online, so be sure to utilize your online network to pursue in-person opportunities and make the most of your connections.

How to Prepare for a Networking Event

Job fairs and networking events are great places to learn about career opportunities in the area, apply for jobs / internships, establish industry contacts, and practice communicating your skills to employers.  You can prepare for such events by following these simple steps:

1. ELEVATOR PITCH.  The most important thing to do before any networking event is to practice your “elevator pitch", which is a brief summary of you as a professional.  You can use the Career Center's Elevator Pitch Wor​​ksheet and watch the video below to prepare:
   
   
    
2. ​​TAKE NOTES. Have a pen, notepad, and folder ready. Write down important information you learn and be prepared to collect flyers, business cards, and other materials in a professional folder.
   
3. RESEARCH EMPLOYERS ONLINE. Who are they?  What do they do?  Is there a connection to your career goals?  Plan to conduct this research BEFORE the event, but if necessary, step aside during the event to learn about an organization using a mobile device before approaching them.
4. START A CONVERSATION. Walk up (waiting your turn if necessary), smile, make eye contact, and shake hands. Remember to include the following (and be N.I.C.E.): 
• Name: Introduce yourself. 
• Information about you: Mention relevant information such as your major, college, work experience, skills, strengths, etc. 
• Connect with the employer: Show interest in what they do and tell them what you are looking for, such as career / industry information, an application for a job or internship, or if you just want to connect with them for the future. 
• Explore with questions: 
• Job Seekers: ask about current job openings, the application process, what they look for in candidates, and what it takes to be successful in such a company. 
  
• Career Explorers: ask about how your major fits into the industry, what is most rewarding about the career field, and what you can do to prepare while in college. 
  
5. SAY THANK YOU. When finished, thank them for their time, smile, shake hands, offer your résumé, and collect information, business cards, or other materials.
6. ​FOLLOW-UP AFTER THE EVENT. Apply for jobs online and send follow-up or thank you notes to new contacts.