NETWORKS AND NETWORKING Carl Gilleard Chief Executive AGR

AGENDA n What is networking? n Why is it useful? n Networking and employer liaison n The benefits n The rules of networking n Which networks?

WHAT IS NETWORKING? n Any activity designed to create, maintain and utilise interpersonal connections n Connections are at the heart of any business - business to business and individual to individual n An essential business skill in to survive and prosper - to meet the needs of bosses, clients and customers

SOUNDS FAMILIAR? n Universities are businesses in an increasingly competitive market n Under increasing pressure to meet the needs and expectations of others. n Outcomes are important including graduate employability and destinations n Universities must be external facing n Reputations count for a lot n Employer liaison should be at the core of external facing business strategies

WHY NETWORK? n To build up the institution’s profile or brand n To better understand external expectations and needs n To create better lines of communication n To influence, encourage, cajole n To listen and learn and respond n To work collaboratively With the aim of:  Improving the career prospects of your students  Making your own career more rewarding and successful  Gaining a business advantage

STANDING OUT FROM THE CROWD

THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT n Be Brave n Know why you are doing it – what’s your goal (objectives can change depending on the activity) n Be clear about your messages and intentions n Don’t sell!!!!!!!! n Be prepared – business cards, marketing materials, patter n Be conscious of what others can gain from your relationship n Listen and learn n Always follow-up

WHO TO NETWORK WITH? Depends to some extent on what you are hoping to achieve: n Employers – international, national regional and local n Employer organisations – national, regional and local n Professional bodies n Student Unions n Alumni n Media

WAYS OF NETWORKING n Face to face (121) n Meetings and forums (leader – follower) n Casual and niche networking n Social media

SOCIAL MEDIA - The way the 21 st Century communicates today

SOCIAL MEDIA AND GRADUATE RECRUITERS Penna Barkers Social Media Audit (2010) n Employers fall into 2 camps - ‘advocates’ and ‘reticents’ n Personal use of Facebook and Linked In is high n Tweeting, blogging and You Tube are more likely to be corporate tasks n Time and responsibility remain biggest barriers to monitoring and managing reputation online n More than half of employers do nothing to manage their reputation

THE AGR NETWORK n Annual Conference n Master Classes n AGR Standard n Sector Focus Groups n Recruiter/Advisor meetings n Graduate Development Networks n Members only discussion forum n Linked In Community

AND FINALLY …….. Give first and you shall receive