Networking

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Networking

• Your Way to Success!

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What is Networking?

• It is not bothering or using people.
• It is not about being pushy.
• It is not a contest to see who collects the most
  business cards.
• It is not a one-sided, selfish activity.

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Networking

• is based on relationships that are cultivated and
  nurtured so that a mutual exchange of
  information, advice, and support is given and
  received.

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Use Networking to

• Generate career options
• Advance in career or leadership positions
• Make a career decision
• Open up opportunities to try out career
• Locate job or internship leads
• Provide emotional support during the ups and
  downs

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Skills you are Learning in College while
Networking

• Research
• Writing
• Oral Presentation
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Global Thinking
• Diversity Awareness

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Developing your Network

• Personal Contacts
• Work Contacts
• Education Contacts
• Professional Group Contacts

• Multimedia Contacts
• Personal Professional Services Contacts

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Divide Your Network List Into

• People who can help plot your goals
• People closely linked to your career goals
• Professionals with expertise, i.e., career
  counselors

• Mentors who set a good example can offer advice
• People who can provide emotional support

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Where to Network

• One-to-one meetings with network contacts
• Conferences
• Career/Job Fairs
• Training Sessions
• Networking Groups
• Social Settings

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Creating a Personal Pitch

• Introduces yourself
• Includes who you are in terms of education,
  roles, and work situation
• Highlights strengths
• Explains what you are looking for

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Establishing Rapport

• Speak clearly
• Convey enthusiasm
• Dont speak too fast or slowly

• Remain poised and relaxed
• Minimize distracting body language
• SMILE

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Networking by Telephone

• Rehearse what you are going to say
• Be energetic positive
• Make sure the background is quiet
• Disable call waiting
• Remember the time difference

• Stand up while talking
• Have pad pen handy
• Dont have a personal, cutesy message on your
  answering machine

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Networking Tips for Students

• Get involved
• Attend professional conferences
• Be a leader
• Make classes count
• Connect with people
• Get to know alumni
• Use Career Services
• Find role models
• Job shadow

• Get an internship
• Volunteer in your community
• Broaden your horizons
• Use the internet
• Develop a resume
• Take advantage of public speaking opportunities
• Send thank you notes
• Start a portfolio

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Final Tips on Successful Networking!

• Networking is important even when you begin your
  career.
• People who are successful continually cultivate
  and maintain rewarding relationships within and
  outside the workplace.

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References

• Bolles, Richard. (1998). What Color Is Your
  Parachute?
• Tullier, L. Michelle. (1998). Networking for
  Everyone.

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Careers.slu.edu977-2828