Networking Tips and Strategies Penn State Career Services Career Planning for Life

Networking Definition… Examples of networks… The art of building alliances that are mutually supported and beneficial to the parties involved Examples of networks… Student organization participation Laboratory groups / project teams Departmental List Serves, Career Fairs How students network every day… Ask for recommendations from friends, peers Seek information from faculty, advisors, employers, and alumni Meet new contacts through friends at lunch, class, or Facebook

Barriers to Successful Networking Feel like we’re bothering people Uncomfortable asking for something (Schmoozing) Believe that we don’t have a network Unsure what to say and do Lack of preparation, practice

Keep in Mind… People like to give advice People like to be helpful You will have an opportunity to provide a networking contact to someone else Networking opportunities exist every day

Networking Involves Establishing Goals Analyzing the type of help you need in order to reach those goals Practicing and developing your people and communication skills A commitment to building and nurturing your network over time

Understanding Networking Networking Goals Learn Information Ask for advice Gather another person’s perspective Request a referral Networking Sources Events, Faculty Members, Employers, Peers, Student & Professional Organizations, Alumni, Friends, Family

Preparing to Network Self Reflection Preparing to talk about me Researching Networking Contacts and Organizations Connecting Yourself to the Organization Developing Questions for your Networking Contacts

Self Preparation Define networking goals Identify relevant info about me Career Interests and Goals Academic highlights Major / Specialization (why I chose it) Projects and Courses Experience Highlights Co-Ops and Internships Learning Factory, Senior Design Projects Research Opportunities

Researching the Contact Mission of the organization Products and services Unique interest (Organizational Culture, Location, Training Programs) Range of relevant positions Needs and goals ** Basis for your questions and requests

Finding the Common Ground Connect you to the Organization Consider what you offer (what makes you stand out) Experience Education and Projects Goals Leadership (and other) Activities Personal Qualities Referrals (from faculty, current employee, alumni)

Questions to Ask Please tell me more about ____ opportunities within ABC. What type of projects are recently hired Engineering graduates working on? What advice do you have for me as I pursue…? What can I share with you about PSU? Mechanical or Nuclear Engineering? Would you be willing to discuss your experience working at ABC? What qualities and skills do you seek in candidates for ____ position?

How to Network Initiating the Conversation Welcome, Thank You, Glad you are here Introducing yourself (Practice) Nonverbal Communication Ask for information about the contact. Connect with the Contact Listen actively Give Contact a reason to invest time in you. Ask your question(s) (Practice) Offer to share information, resources, or assistance with the contact if applicable (practice) Close the conversation (Practice)

Networking Follow Up THANK your contacts (telephone / email) Act on suggested action items Applying for positions Contacting other individuals Delivering information Your follow through will distinguish you from your peers!

Networking Record Keeping Record Networking Contact Information: Contact Name Title Organization Telephone Number and Email Address Content of discussion (Summary) Future Direction and Plan Date (range) to follow up

Building the Network Consider what you can offer your contacts Keep contacts informed about relevant opportunities, news items, and progress you make toward your goals Introduce your contact to new individuals or groups who share a common interest

Summary… Networking is a life-long skill and requires practice and commitment Networking is a 2-way interaction – remember to ask what you can offer The audience is eager to meet and learn about you (potentially wants to hire you) You have valuable skills, experiences, and areas of knowledge to share This is a starting point, an opportunity to learn, build a foundation to reach goals

LET’S NETWORK Matt Ishler Assistant Director, Career Counseling Career Services 101 Bank of America Career Services Center University Park, PA 16802 (814) 865-2377 mwi100@sa.psu.edu

Networking Musts… Believe in yourself Ask questions Be a good listener Present yourself as knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and prepared Demonstrate non-verbal communication which emphasizes interest (SMILE) Show interest in assisting / developing others

What Will I Say? May I ask your advice? Develop a brief (10-second introduction) Practice a 30-second description of your goals and related experience Ask questions Practice, Practice, and Practice

Career Services Office Penn State Berks 10 Perkins Student Center http://berks.psu.edu/career-services