Professional Networking Michael Wirthlin Brigham Young University, CHREC Provo, Utah, USA

What is “Networking”? 2

Professional Networking 3 Networking is establishing and maintaining informal relationships with people whose acquaintance or friendship could bring advantages such as job or business opportunities. In its simplest form, networking is talking to people, becoming acquainted or friendly with them, and building relationships by getting to know more about them. In professional networking, people want to learn more about others and their jobs and career experiences. “Developing a Strong Professional Network”, Penn State Alumni Assoc.

What is a “Network”? 4

5 “A set of friends who are willing to help each other professionally.”

Difference between “Professional” and “Social” networking Professional Networking  Look for and advertise jobs and career opportunities  Interact with professional contacts  Post resume and career qualifications  Share opinions and knowledge about ones expertise Social Networking  Connect with family and friends remotely  Share opinions and information with other people  Find and build new friendships  Share common interests 6

Benefits of a Strong Network Access to new job opportunities  50%-80% of all available jobs are never advertised Access to important information  Which class to take, which professor to take it from  Industry trends or inside news  Good advice  What is the best neighborhood to live in? Access to potential clients Access to employees  It can be very difficult to hire qualified technical people Companies that can hire “better” people are more successful Access to important/influential people 7

How do you build a professional network? Maintain relationships with those you know  Keep track of the people you know Address book, addresses, online networking contacts Keep some notes on the people you know (you will forget!)  Keep in touch with the people you already know , facebook, instagram, Christmas cards  Send updates on changes in your profession (new job, etc.) Develop new relationships  Go out of your way to meet new people (even if it is hard)  Participate in the “social” aspect of technical workshops  Follow-up with those you meet Quick, simple (thank you, it was nice to meet you, etc.) 8

How do you build a professional network? Participate in Web/Online activities  Open source projects  Contribute articles  Provide well-written, thoughtful comments and responses  Participate Volunteer in community activities  Talks Accept invitations to talk about your expertise  Volunteer Work Volunteer to help in outreach activities (Chip Camp!)  Participate in community, non-professional activities 9

Who should you include in your network? People you meet in school  Your classmates, Faculty/Staff  Visiting speakers, research collaborators  Roommates People you meet at work  Boss, management, colleagues, salespeople, competitors  Workshop attendees, speakers/presenters, experts Church members  Mission companions, home teachers, home teachees, ward members BYU Alumni Neighbors and friends outside of your professional activities 10

Reciprocity in Professional Relationships Professional Relationships should be reciprocal  You provide something of value to your relationship  You gain something of value in your relationship One way professional relationships do not last  You consistently take more than you give Go out of your way to help those in your network  Provide recommendations, job advice  Introduce relationships to others 11

Networking Don’ts Do NOT burn bridges  Avoid bad relationships at all costs The professional world is much smaller than you think  Use tact and diplomacy when leaving a job or addressing difficult circumstances Do NOT “exploit” your network  Multi-level marketing (“network” marketing)? Do NOT be fake or insincere Do NOT “Take” more than you “Give” Do NOT damage your network with poor “online presence”  Inappropriate posts/images/comments` 12

Networking Tools Business Cards  Easy, convenient way to share contact information physically A bit old-school, but still very useful  Bring a stack of cards when you travel Online networking  LinkedIn : Business-oriented social networking site Create an account and start adding “connections”  Facebook/MySpace, social network sites Less useful for professional networking but is used by professionals for “background checks” Keep your social networking professional or private 13

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Questions 15