What is Networking?
Networking is a way to make contacts not get jobs. These contacts may eventually lead to job opportunities. Contacts may be a way to learn about careers, industries, or jobs.
Everyone you know is a potential networking contact; your parents, friends, friends parents, doctor, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, etc.
Benefits of Learning to Network
Networking will:
- Introduce you to a wide range of people with different skills, knowledge and links to further contacts
- Extend your circle of business and personal acquaintances
- Provide you with sources of information and a forum for sharing ideas
- Give you access to advice on a wide range of subjects
- Reveal new career opportunities
- Support you in professional and personal challenges
Create Your Elevator Speech
What is an elevator speech?
An elevator speech is a 30 second personal introduction. This gives you an opportunity to provide everyone you come in contact with the most important information about you.
What information should I include?
Your college, major, and your academic interests.
Your area of interest and what type of career you are looking for.
Example: "Hi my name is Kate and I am a Global Studies student at UW Bothell. I am in my junior year and looking for an internship in a non-profit that does work in Africa or South America. Last summer I worked for Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans and I hope to join the Peace Corps after graduation."
Kate has given a introduction to who she is and what she is looking for; the primary goal is to start a conversation that leads to a connection with that person or someone they know.
Effective Networking
The more people who know you are looking for information, a job, or a resource, the more effective your networking will be.
Ways to Network
- Conduct an Informational Interview with an alum or professional currently working in the field
- Look at Husky Career Network featuring more than 5,000 UW alums and friends worldwide who have volunteered to assist fellow Huskies with career exploration
- Attend a Career Fair and talk to employer representatives about jobs available in their organization and opportunities for you
- Join a Professional Organization
- Volunteer
- Career and Social Sites such as FaceBook and LinkedIn can provide professional networking opportunities
- Through your internship
- Visit your professors office hours and ask for contacts and connections