E FFECTIVE N ETWORKING S TRATEGIES

 - Understand the importance and value of networking  - Identify a current network of contacts to build upon  - Leave with a specific networking action plan LEARNING OBJECTIVES

‘A process where you develop long term relationships with others for mutual benefit.’ WHAT IS NETWORKING?

 It is truly all about WHO YOU KNOW!  You can meet people with similar interests  There could be 100’s of applications for 1 opening  Some open positions are never posted  It can help you professionally and personally  People know people who know people Anyone you meet at any time of day is an opportunity to network! WHY IS NETWORKING IMPORTANT?

1.You have a need 2.Find contact(s) who may be able to help 3.Reach out to ask for GUIDANCE, ADVICE or HELP 4.Tell the contact how you are connected 5.Provide more details about what you need 6.Hopefully you receive a response! 7.Follow through on the guidance given 8.Thank the contact(s) and stay in touch WHAT NETWORKING LOOKS LIKE

 Your dream is to work with a sports team in a big city  You know a grad from your school who works as an accountant in Chicago  You to ask if he knows of anyone in the sports field  You mention the two of you were in the same marketing class a few years ago  You provide more about the sports-related positions you think would be fun and some orgs of interest; ask if he has advice about where to start  He replies and says that his cousin works for the Chicago Bears and he can connect you by  You follow up with his cousin once he makes the e-intro  You thank him for his help and keep him updated! AN EXAMPLE

Professional networking can take place in several ways:  One-on-one meetings  You reach out to meet or talk individually  Research company and prepare questions in advance to ask  Be ready to provide the contact some background information about yourself and what you are looking for  Networking or social events with a group of people  Social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) WHERE IT HAPPENS

 Know how to properly reach out to some one using professional communication.  Ask for ADVICE or GUIDANCE for your internship/career search (don’t ask for a job).  Start with the people you know first.  Use resources such as family, advisors, career center staff, mentors, alumni.  Know yourself/your interests, what you are good at; go in with some knowledge about what you like and how your skills fit. BEST STRATEGIES FOR NETWORKING

 Keep a spreadsheet to help you organize and track who you have talked to and any follow up.  Find events to attend and go with a goal in mind, take friends if you need the support but be sure to spread out.  Use social media to help you!  Have a fresh resume that you can easily make changes to and send upon request.  Be genuine in getting to know the person and offering to help him/her as well.  Use an you check often.  Don’t overwhelm yourself. BEST STRATEGIES FOR NETWORKING

 What if I am shy or the thought of going to a networking event makes me cringe?  What if I reach out to someone and I never hear back?  Is it better to the contact directly or ask someone to do an introduction?  What if someone gave me more people to talk to and I just got offered a position?  What if I spent all this time networking and it led nowhere? TROUBLESHOOTING

 Let’s get to work! Networking Worksheet  Set goals & identify current network  Set networking goals  List who you know  List who knows who you know  Action plan for connecting  Highlight one you plan to work on this summer See example and fill out your own! HOW CAN YOU NETWORK EFFECTIVELY?

Learning Objectives of this Session:  Understand the importance and value of networking  Identify a current network of contacts to build upon  Leave with a specific networking action plan IN CLOSING…

THANK YOU! Julie Schrader Manager, Employer Development Butler University Internship and Career Services Atherton Union Sunset Avenue Indianapolis, IN (317)