Hide Notes 

Slide 1: Graduate Student Professional Development Rebecca Cody, Senior Assistant Director
Slide 2:         Brainstorm: what networking is and what it isn’t Assessing your network (who is in it?) Building your network Talking to people Working your network Managing your network Networking breakers Questions and Answers
Slide 3:      Asking someone to do you a favor Sneaky or dishonest, all about schmoozing, mingling or cold calling A one-way sales-pitch A one-time conversation with no follow-up Just a strategy for extroverts
Slide 4:      The exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions Being friendly and showing interest in people Establishing and cultivating personal relationships Meeting people for the mutually beneficial purposes of building your contacts and being known by potential employers and buyers An strategy that extroverts and introverts can master
Slide 5: Classmates Parents, relatives Club or church members Co-workers Teachers, staff, administrators Structured networks People who provide and/or sell you services: mechanic, landlord, hair stylist, insurance agent
Slide 6: Write out a list of 20-40 people you know. rule anyone out! Don’t
Slide 7:     Greek organizations Academic honor or interest societies Social networks (LinkedIn especially) Professional associations – many have graduate student membership rates
Slide 8:   Write your profile with great care (for some of your contacts, this will be their first impression of you). Make sure all relevant information is provided:  Employment status, industry, goals, work history, affiliations, interests, professional photo     Make your connections visible to others. Join of form groups of people with whom you have something in common. Take advantage of search features that allow you to locate people by company, industry, and location. Ask your contacts before attempting to reach theirs.
Slide 9:  One of the challenges of joining networks is deciding which groups to join will be the most valuable to you. What is the group’s mission?  What’s the size of the membership? What kinds of professionals join?  What professional development opportunities does the group provide?  Does the group have a professional journal and/or other publications for members?  Does the group host a job board? 
Slide 10:   National Trade and Professional Associations of the US Institute of Management Consultants (example listing) Members are individual management consultants  2800 members  $75 annual student membership v. $150-$300 regular  Membership directory, Journal of Management Consultants provided with membership  Information on annual meeting/conference   Ask faculty/mentors for their recommendations on groups that are most beneficial in your field.
Slide 11:    Make eye contact Smile Shake hands Introduce yourself with your name and a brief statement about your professional goals – concisely enough to complete the exchange while on an elevator. “Hi, my name is ... I’m studying … at UNC Charlotte. This summer I’m looking for an internship with … I’m taking a class in … to develop my … skills …”  
Slide 12:  I am a new member of ABC organization. Have you been a member long?  What have you enjoyed most about your membership?   I hear the speaker for today is an expert on the topic.  Have you heard Mr. Last Name speak before? Have you attended meetings before?  This is my first time attending a XYZ meeting.    At social functions, look for others who are also standing alone – they may be relieved when you start a conversation. Focus on conversation starters that connect the two of you.
Slide 13: mile pen posture orward lean ouch ye contact od
Slide 14:   A business, quasi-business, or social situation in which you have opportunities to develop valuable contacts Before you attend, determine what you want to accomplish and make sure the event is the place to accomplish it: To gain visibility?  To meet someone in particular?  To learn something?   Is there a time set aside for networking?
Slide 15:      Charlotte Business and Networking (eventful.com) Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Charlotte Business Journal University Career Center Online Events Calendar Campus Events Calendar
Slide 16: 1. Contact the 20-40 people you identified earlier by phone or e-mail over a 4-week period. Begin with the people you know best! 2. Explain your objective. 3. Ask if they can help identify potential openings or other people you should contact. 4. Repeat with additional contacts suggested by the original 20-40 people contacted.
Slide 17:      Dress professionally Research registered attendees of interest Prioritize your contacts and visit their tables first Distribute your resume and/or business card Always follow up!
Slide 18:  If you create a business card, include: Identification, 2 ways to make contact (but not a personal address), position desired  BRIEF statement of education and training, length of experience, job-related skills, performance, and/or results    Use 2 separate pockets at events Don’t exchange immediately! Farr, M. (2002). Seven Steps to Getting a Job Fast. Jist Works.
Slide 19:  Provides an opportunity to meet people working in your chosen career field. Also can help you Learn valuable information about the positions of interest within the company.  Make a good first impression.    Know or have an idea of what you hope to do once you have completed your degree. Interview in person or by telephone  People employed with companies or interest, people employed in the type of job that interests you, or SOMETIMES hiring managers.
Slide 20:           What do you do and how do you do it? What do you like about working here? How do people get hired here? What types of opportunities exist here? What do you enjoy most about this work? What is most challenging? What are the skills and qualities that make a person successful in this line of work? What is the best piece of advice you can give me? What relevant groups in town do you know of? Who else would you suggest that I talk to?
Slide 21:     Takes initiative on your part for keeping in touch / staying connected on a regular basis Requires expressing appreciation Means that you give back Stay connected through Occasional e-mails or brief phone calls  Lunch/coffee get-togethers  LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter status updates  News article links of mutual interest?  Reconnecting at professional events 
Slide 22:     Volunteer with on-site registration for an event Serve on a committee Hold an office Present/participate in a poster session at a professional conference
Slide 23:  Be empowering, not demanding. Demanding: I need you to give me …  Empowering: I am looking for … and thought you might …   Be straightforward, not hesitant. Hesitant: I know you’re busy and may not have time, and I don’t want to bother you, but …  Straightforward: I would like your assistance if possible. Any amount of time you can give me will be appreciated. 
Slide 24:  Be specific, not too broad. Too broad: I am looking for a job. Who can you recommend that I talk to?  Specific: I am looking for an opportunity with a … company the can use my knowledge of … Who do you know who …  Fisher, D. (2000). Power networking: 59 secrets to personal and professional success. Bard Press.
Slide 25:        The Networking Survival Guide, Diane Darling Make Your Contacts Count, Anne Baber & Lynn Waymon A Foot in the Door, Katharine Hansen The Fine Art of Small Talk, Debra Fine How to Talk to Anyone, Leil Lowndes Connecting with Success, Kathleen Barton Seven Days to Online Networking, Ellen Sautter & Diane Crompton
Slide 26: YOU
Slide 27:          Individual Career Advising Mock Interviews/OptimalInterview Software NinerJobNet Database (jobs, internships, co-ops, resume referral) Experiential Learning Resume Assistance and Critiques/OptimalResume Job Fairs (Public Service Career Fair Oct. 5) Career Resource Library Career Workshops FOLLOW US on Facebook and Twitter
Slide 28:  Fall and Spring  MWRF: 8am-5pm, Tuesdays: 8am-6pm  Summer  M-F: 8am-5pm MTF: 10am-2pm, Tuesdays: 5-6pm, WR: 11:30am-3:30pm  Drop-in Hours (no appointment needed)  150 Atkins www.career.uncc.edu 704.687.2231