1. Career Management Services Florida Institute of Technology
Build Your Network
Career Management Services
Florida Institute of Technology

2. Prepare Ahead
Spend time preparing a brief introduction about your background, experience, skills and goals
Practice the introduction so you can deliver it with confidence
Talk with professors, classmates to prepare your conversation skills
Complete a list of potential contacts
What Are Your Goals:
What industries are you targeting?
What positions interest you the most?
What are your specific career goals?
What skills are you marketing to potential employers?

3. Where to Network Online: In person: Linked In Career Fairs Facebook
Google+
Online professional groups/boards
In person:
Career Fairs
Conferences/Workshops
Internships/ Jobs
Clubs/Events
Volunteer activities
Professors/Alumni/Friends/ Family

4. Formal Conversation
Introduce Yourself (Your name, Workplace/School, Shared Memberships)
Mention your common interests or your relation to what they are doing (it’s often helpful to research who you are talking to)
Show interest in their workplace/project/agenda by asking OPEN ENDED questions (Who, What, Where, When, How)
State specifically what your current goals are (employment, referral, info)
Thank them for speaking with you and if you had a helpful conversation ask for their contact information (possibly schedule a meeting)

5. SMILE!
Be engaging, not everything needs to be formal, ask people about themselves
Avoid talking about yourself too much
Use the 80/20 rule! Speak 20%, listen 80%
Avoid clichés, politics, off-color remarks
Socialize!

6. Examples
Currently, I am a sophomore in Computer Science with experience in C++, HTML and Java. I have taken courses on these subjects and designed several effective scripts. I have worked as a help desk support person in the Florida Tech computer lab and I plan to obtain Project Management Training in Six Sigma. I am now looking for a position in CIS where I can continue to develop and use my computer skills.
I am a junior majoring in Finance and Investments and have done well in my Finance courses, such as Options, Future Markets, and Investment Analysis. I am also a member of the Finance & Economics Society, and I enjoy doing day trades in my spare time. I’ve actually been a successful investor on my own behalf by following industry trends and company reports. I hope to gain an internship in a brokerage firm to translate my passion into.

7. Helpful Tips Do’s Don’ts Be Respectful & Genuine Shake their hand
Offer ways you could help the person or company
Be impolite or overbearing
Be too personal
Exaggerate or make things up
Ask for a job in the first sentence
Forget to follow up

8. Follow-Up Preferred: E-mail (within 24-48 hrs)
Linked In request/message
If Planned:
Phone
In Person
Send Resume
Dear Mr. Smith, I enjoyed meeting you at yesterday's breakfast meeting and talking with you about international trade. Since our conversation, I visited your website. I am very impressed by the work your company is doing, and would enjoy talking with you about the opportunities being created. I think you may be interested in some research projects I have done at FIT, particularly related to global forces (attached). Please let me know if you are available to schedule a meeting. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Your Name

9. Follow Up Always send a thank-you letter after someone has helped you
Organize your efforts by tracking who you’ve contacted, the date of contact and the outcome or action step which resulted
Notify your contacts when you have found a position
Be helpful to others when they ask to network with you

10. Social Media Networking
FIT Linkedin
FIT Facebook
FIT Google+
FIT RSS
Proof Read Everything!!

11. https://university.linkedin.com/linke din-for-students
LinkedIn Resources
din-for-students

12. Linked-In Networking Need a professional photo and complete profile
Follow companies in your fields and interests (check recent departures)
Check your contacts for new connections in their lists
Connect with highly visible people (search speaker, author, writer)
Make sincere comments, no spamming!

13. Career Management Services
Contact:
Services:
Handshake
Resume Reviews
Mock Interviews
Job Search Assistance
Employer Events, Fairs, & Interviews
Harris Commons, Room