BUILDING YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK Former Student Career Services Texas A&M Career Center Koldus Building Room 209 www.AggieNetwork.com/careers

Creating Your Professional Network KNOW WHY YOU ARE HERE UTILIZE THE RESOURCES YOU ARE BUYING MANAGE YOUR TIME….WELL BE DELIBERATE, AND OPEN TO THE POSSIBILITIES

The Top-10 Candidate Skills/Qualities Employers Seek Core Competencies The Top-10 Candidate Skills/Qualities Employers Seek From “Job Outlook 2013, National Association of Colleges and Employers” 1) Ability to verbally communicate with persons inside and outside the organization 2) Ability to work in a team structure 3) Ability to make decisions and solve problems 4) Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work 5) Ability to obtain and process information 6) Ability to analyze quantitative data 7) Technical knowledge related to the job 8) Proficiency with computer software programs 9) Ability to create and/or edit written reports 10) Ability to sell or influence others

What is ‘Product You’ Be honest assessing and showcasing who you are and what you bring to their Team. Identify your Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Can you back them with Experience, Perspective and Attitude? Think Metacognitively… Be job focused and interview ready.

HELP THEM SEE Reinforce Your Points Why did I do that? Managers are more interested in how you performed that action better, faster, cheaper than your competition. HELP THEM SEE Why did I do that? How did I do that? WHAT impact, value or results you deliverED?

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS EVERY JOB DESCRIPTION IDENTIFIES THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT THE REQUIRED INGREDIENTS THE REQUIRED QUANTITIES HOW YOU SHOULD HAVE PUT THIS EXPERIENCE TOGETHER TO BE PREPARED

Creating Your Professional Network Employers are not focused on a list of your prior tasks and responsibilities… They have 4 key questions: Can you do this job? What can you add to my Team? Can we stand working with you 10hrs/day? Will I have to explain you to my boss?

Marketplace Realities How do you identify and confirm needs on A Shopping List THAT IS NOT PUBLISHED? IT IS YOUR JOB TO HELP THEM SEE HOW YOU MATCH THEIR NEEDS Network

Creating Your Professional Network NETWORKING SEEKS WIN – WIN OPPORTUNITIES The objective of effective networking is to meet with contacts and identify opportunities to meet their needs so that you can meet your needs.

Networking Requirements Your must initiate the conversation Find Them Research Them, Their Organization & Industry Pursue opportunity to serve them Listen more than you talk Under-Promise Over-Deliver value Follow-up to create more/greater opportunities

(Good Morning/Good Afternoon) Mr/Ms/Dr____________ My name is ____________. I am student at Texas A&M completing my ____________ degree.  While exploring career options and Aggie Network resources I saw indications that you are also in this line of work. Would you have a moment to share some of your perspectives and help me understand existing and evolving needs regarding your occupation and industry so that I can best prepare to compete in the marketplace? Thank You for your assistance Your Name Phone #    Informational Interview Questions 1. How did you get to where you are today? 2. If you were starting your career today, what would you do differently? 3. Where do you see opportunity areas, needs? 4. What characteristics/skills make for a good _________? 5. How would you describe the culture of your organization? 6. Do you know anybody that needs help?

Does your Portfolio Photo Show You At Work?

Creating Your Professional Network Texas A&M Former Students on your team have resources through the Career Center to help them: Prospect and identify potential industry customers and key contacts Identify vendor contacts to manage/improve the supply chain Understand business culture and protocols for international companies For more information Paul Pausky '78 Former Student Career Services Texas A&M Career Center ppausky78@tamu.edu www.AggieNetwork.com/careers

Aggienetwork.com Search by Company, Job Title, Occupation, or Location

TURNING KEY SELECTION TRAITS INTO JOBS Integrity Initiative Each trait rated on a Enthusiasm scale of 1 to 10 Involvement to select top prospect Confidence Motivation Leadership Technical Skills

Go to HireAggies.com , select Current Students, and log in with your Network ID and Password

This is the HireAggies Homepage INTRODUCING HireAggies Job Board CareerShift GoinGlobal Mock Interview

Ag Economics Graduates Links to Access Profiles

The database will identify matches The database will identify matches. Each return links to a job description to see how you align with the company’s needs and to help you target your resume before submitting through the links provided on the job listing details page. Differing listings provide insights to the variety of entry points in your field of work. Don’t forget the link to find contacts at each company. The contact details will amaze you! CAREERSHIFT search results in My Jobs Section

Learn how business is conducted in other cultures in the Global Marketplace

You are paying for these services… Why not utilize their assessment resources?