1. Networking Strategies Tuesday, October 6th, 2015 www.shpeucf.com

2. Upcoming Events Study Lock Down Date: Wednesday, October 7 th 2015 Time: 6:00 pm Location: Library - Room 433 Hispanic Heritage Month – Cultural Potluck Day Date: Friday, October 9 th 2015 Time: 6:00 pm Location: Student Union – Egmont Key (Room 224) Tailgate Date: Saturday, October 10 th 2015 Time: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm Location: UCF Memory Mall

3. Upcoming Events Conference Checklist Overview – MANDATORY Date: Monday, October 12 th 2015 Time: 6:30 pm Location: NSC 114 NASA KSC Meet & Greet IGNITE Social Date: Monday, October 19 th 2015 Time: 5:30 pm Location: HEC 101

5. Learning Outcomes  Benefits of Networking  Networking Sources  Networking Goals  Networking Strategies  Networking Fears  Plan and Prepare for Networking Events

6. What is Networking?  Networking is building alliances and relationships with people.  Networking is a powerful tool that will assist you with your job search.  Networking starts long before a job search.  View networking as an opportunity to get to know others and for them to get to know you.

7. Networking Fears  Fear of coming across as disingenuous  Fear of meeting new people  Fear of not making a good impression  Fear of not having anything to talk about  Fear of not fitting in

8. Benefits of Networking  Networking is often more efficient and effective than looking for posted job openings.  Helps people develop an active contact network that can help professionally, personally and in future job searches.

9. Open Market vs. Hidden Market  80% of time  20% of available jobs  20% of time  80% of available jobs

10. Hidden and Open Job Markets  Hidden job market  Open job market General Public Referrals Decision Maker Job Seeker directly known to Decision Maker Job Seeker indirectly known to Decision Maker Job Seeker unknown to Decision Maker

11. Your Turn  Name some potential networking sources that you could use to get into your field.

12. Networking Sources  Family and their contacts  Friends, classmates, co-workers  Fellow clubs, organization, sports team members  Professional Association meetings and conventions  Contacts made at trade shows  Alumni networks  Class speakers  Information sessions  Career services events  Volunteer endeavors  Religious organizations  Past professors/advisors  Former bosses or internship supervisors  Professional mentors  Informational Interviews  Social networking sites (LinkedIn)  Remember----networking contacts don’t have to be people you’re close with

13. Networking Strategies  Build networking into your daily and weekly schedule.  Make developing a relationship your primary goal.  Approach networking in a flexible manner.  Tactics:  Business Cards  Social Networking  Infomercial  Informational Interviews  In-person Meetings

14. Business Cards  Create a business card with e-mail and telephone  Options: include LinkedIn profile or online portfolio Full Name Name of College Name of University Home Address Address 1 City, State, Zip (cell) 888-888-8888 (home) 111-111-1111 E-mail address

15. Social Networking  Employers and other potential networking contacts are looking at social networking (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter).  Use this as an opportunity to create a professional, polished image for yourself that will be of benefit, not a liability.  Internet postings are never deleted – avoid things that will come back to haunt you.

16. Your Infomercial  Introduction statement: 30 – 60 seconds long.  Highlight 2-3 key ‘sell points’ that make you unique/qualified, like major and experience.  Must be relevant to the position you seek.

17. Infomercial Example “My name is John Smith and I am graduating this May with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central Florida. This past summer I completed an internship at Siemens where I was able to put the skills I have learned in the classroom to practical use. I am currently seeking a full-time position in my field with a company that will provide me with the experience and professional development tools I will need to succeed in my career.”

18. Informational Interviews  Meetings with people who can provide industry information and contacts.  Usually 20-30 minutes.  Non-threatening way to speak with people who are working in your field of interest.  Allow you to develop contacts, gain industry knowledge, meet potential mentors or possibly get a job.  Easiest to obtain if you get a referral from someone, but ‘cold calls’ can work too.

19. Networking Events: Prepare  Approach networking with a good attitude  Know the purpose of the networking function  Have a sense of who will attend the event  Find out what is the appropriate attire  Have business cards  Prepare your infomercial / elevator speech

20. Beginning Practicalities  Name Tags  Purses/Backpacks  Business cards  Managing plate and/or drink

21. Networking in Social Settings  Develop simple conversational skills by:  Listening for facts, feelings, free information and implied statements  Identifying commonalities  Asking open-ended questions  Sharing common experiences or feelings  Introducing others, bringing them into topic

22. Finding Commonalities  Family or place of origin  Where are you from? How do you like Orlando?  Recreation  What do you like to do with your free time? You say you’re a basketball fan, did you catch the Magic game last Tuesday?  Event or Occurrence  What did you think of the keynote speaker? What other breakout sessions are you going to attend?  Environment  What do you think of the music/play/game? What kinds of hobbies do you enjoy? Where have you traveled?

23.  Jellyfish  Finger squeeze  Knuckle breaker  Covered hand  Proper handshake Handshakes  Spineless/faint-hearted  Don’t get too close  Power play/power trip  Power play or warmth  Firm, lasts a few seconds, keep eye contact Type of HandshakeMessage Conveyed

24. Entering and Exiting Groups  Introducing yourself to one person can be less intimidating  Introduce yourself to people who are alone  Don’t be afraid to excuse yourself and meet other people  If someone gives you their business card, look at the card before you put it away. This might be a good time to ask questions about employer or position.

25. Networking with Groups  Observe groups, make eye contact with someone in the group and see if there is space for you to enter the circle.  Once you enter the circle – extend your hand to the person across from you and then to the other members of the group.  Firmly shake hands and say your name. Make sure that you listen to the names of the people in the group.

26. Follow Up and Stay in Touch  When meeting someone you’d like to connect with again, simply say:  “I’ve really enjoyed meeting you, and I’d like to keep in touch. What’s the best method to reach you?”  Your goal is to keep your relationships active  Preferred Methods:  Thank you notes (send within 24 hours after first meeting)  Send them a copy of your resume for advice, if appropriate  Provide them with status updates  Send them information of interest

27. Important Reminders  It’s not just what you know or who you know, but really it’s WHO KNOWS YOU  Don’t make people feel used  Networking is about giving not getting  Make time to socialize. Networking doesn’t only occur within professional organizations  Contacts are not relationships  Take time to build relationships However, don’t be afraid to let others know your needs. If they don’t know your needs they can’t help.

28. Connect with Us! Call 407.823.2361 or Visit www.career.ucf.edu

29. Email shpe.ucf.chapter@gmail.com Website www.shpeucf.com LinkedIn Group (Public Search) Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers – University of Central Florida Chapter Office Hours Engineering Building 1 Room 149 Facebook Page (Public) www.facebook.com/shpeucfchapter Group (Private) www.facebook.com/groups/SHPEUCF/ Twitter www.twitter.com/shpeucfchapter @shpeucfchapter Instagram www.instagram.com/shpeucf/ #shpeucf YouTube www.youtube.com/user/shpeucfchapter