How to begin building your Network

Objectives Learn what Networking consists of Identify who you can network with Learn how to execute an elevator pitch Learn how to effectively use LinkedIn Practice your Networking skills

What is Networking? According to the UIUC Career Center, networking is simply a process of building connections to others. It works best if you try to focus on getting advice from the individual rather than asking for something like a job or internship It’s not what you know, it’s WHO you know! Networking never stops; it is an ongoing process

Why Should I Network? According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers fill the majority of job openings through the unadvertised, or hidden, job market. According to LinkedIn, 70% of jobs are filled through Networking Meet others with similar interests Lead to potential career opportunities Get references for potential jobs

Who can I Network with? Family members and friends Students in the same classes/major/minor/RSO/clubs as you Those that are professionals in your desired career field Those that teach skills and information needed for your desired career field Co-workers

How can I Network? You can use the network you already have (parents, aunts/uncles, classmates, coworkers) to connect with the people they know Example: Bob is considering going to medical school to become a doctor. His cousin, Mary, is a nurse at a local hospital and works closely with Dr. Smith. Bob can ask Mary to arrange a meeting between Dr. Smith and himself so Bob can learn more about becoming a doctor.

Your Network

Making Good Impressions A good first impression is very important because it could be the deciding factor if someone will take you seriously or not

Making Good Impressions Greet someone with respect Smile Firm handshake Good posture Maintain eye contact Clean dress and grooming Be prepared to ask/answer questions Have a prepared and practiced elevator pitch Do your best to avoid verbal pauses (“um” or “like”)

Elevator Pitch Quick second speech of: Who you are What your future plans are What you know about the person/company you are talking to/about Why you are interested about career field/industry/company Why you stand out from the rest (provide examples)

Elevator Pitch The goal of an elevator pitch is to make an impression It is NOT to ask for an interview/job End an elevator pitch by asking to continue the conversation another time Example: “I would love to learn more. Could we continue talking about your career field/company over lunch sometime next week?” Ask to exchange contact information (business cards), and ask if there is anyone else to contact who may have more information

Elevator Pitch Practice Name and Education “Hello, I am (name). I am a (year) studying (major).” Your Action and Interest “I am really interested in learning more about, which I found on.” Your Qualifications Your Question

Business Cards

UIUC Student Business Cards Vista Print

The Kids in the Hall RKgE RKgE

Why is LinkedIn Important? According to the Career Center, 94% of job recruiters use LinkedIn to search for candidates LinkedIn is used to market yourself to employers Allows you to Upload a detailed resume online Provide more information than a normal resume Keep in contact with network connections Connect with job recruiters Upload any work samples (presentations, proposals, etc.)

Creating a LinkedIn Profile FREE! Very similar to creating other social media profiles Name, , password, confirm password Check your for the confirmation from LinkedIn Click on the link provided in the

LinkedIn Profile Consider your LinkedIn profile as your online resume Sections for your: Work experiences Organizations/clubs you participate(d) in Professional skills Education Volunteer experiences Languages Any additional information

Profile Picture Only head and shoulders should be in the photo Professional dress/grooming Solid background color is ideal Smile! Want someone to be able to recognize you after they view your profile

Profile Picture YES NO

LinkedIn Networking Tools Toolbar allows you to search people, jobs, companies, universities, and groups Job search allows you to search jobs in specific industries and locations University search allows you to find alumni in your major and see what careers they are working in Homepage that keeps you updated with posts from your Network

LinkedIn for Students LinkedIn Student Resources

Connect with Us Campus Recreation LinkedIn My LinkedIn

Networking Activity Take a few minutes to write down three or four short-term Networking goals Share your goals with those around you and see if someone has the same/similar goals and NETWORK with that person! Continue creating (and reaching) short-term goals throughout the year!

Recap Networking is a process of building connections to others You can connect to a wide range of people through the network you already have LinkedIn is an extremely useful Networking resource with many tools and features to help you connect and stay connected to those in your network Networking never stops Keep in touch with your connections

For more information about Networking and/or other professional tools, please visit the Career Center: 715 S. Wright St. Open M-F from 8:30-5:00 1(217)