Help Your Students Help Themselves:

Communicating the Art of Networking

Sarah RodriguezProfessional Development Day 2011

Introductions Sarah Rodriguez

Higher Education Administration, PhD program GRA

Gates Millennium Scholar

Experience with career counseling

Objectives Attendees will understand and be able to

communicate the art and impact of professional networking with the students that they work with

Attendees will learn relationship-building techniques and be able to access networking resources that they may share with the students that they work with

Attendees will become a valuable resource for their students in regards to professional networking

What is Professional Networking?

Networking - No. 1 way most people actually find a job or internship

ART of gathering helpful information from personal contacts and professionals in student’s field of interest Learn about career paths, job leads

It’s a way of life - Not just when looking for a job

Regular practice Realizes the value in building and maintaining a strong

networking relationship throughout their career

Examples of Professional Networking

Informational interviews

Face-to-face contact

Introduction by mutual acquaintance

Online connections, social media

Volunteering, part-time

Significance of Professional Networking to College

Students Need to fight for jobs!

Unemployment Rate – 9%

Gives students an edge 80% of job market is NOT POSTED

More networking connections, more opportunities

Why this is our problem, not someone else’s

Not JUST Career Services issue

Work closely with students

Students trust us

We have very large networks!

Obstacles to Professional Networking for College

Students Lack of emphasis placed on professional

networking

Limited knowledge of techniques, soft skills

Confusion on how to maintain professional networks and relationships

What we can do to help… How to present professional networking

Techniques for professional networking

Resources for professional networking

How to Present Professional Networking

Present networking as an ART No one’s process the same Not just about getting the job Students will develop their own style, process

Believe in the process Kick the negativity – “It’s not what you know…” Have them visualize it, draw it Not just for business students

Encourage general “professionalism” A word on giggling, dress, handshakes etc.

And…more. Mention it early, often. Expect it from your

students Starting…YEAR 1 Building in networking everywhere you go!

Networking as relationship building Can’t just meet people Help students see networking as a 2-way street

where BOTH benefit

And some more… Demystify networking – not some back

room, wheelin’ dealin’ or cosmic force

Give Handouts 5 must haves for each student

Be blunt, constructive criticism Don’t sugar coat it. If it’s broke, let’s fix it now. Help them set up goals for improvement Invest in them!

Techniques for professional networking

Start off well Firm handshake – demo Eye contact “Hello. My Name is ___. It’s a pleasure to meet you (their

name).”

STUDENTS MUST RESEARCH Know about field – What Can I Do With This Major?

http://career.utk.edu/wcidwtm/wcidwtm.php Salary Key people

Let people know their interests, plans

Techniques… Maintaining relationships

Not enough JUST to meet them Try to connect, at least every 3-6 months Voice, email, Facebook, Twitter, conference

WHATEVER

Utilize connections, not just for themselves Student look at themselves as a networking

instrument

Resources for Professional Networking

The Five Must Haves for Every Student

30 Second Commercial

What is Networking?

Networking Contact Sheet

Informational Interview

Connecting Experience with Career

Group ActivityHow might YOU help a student with their

professional networking skills?

Student Example: University with limited resources Sophomore High achievement Timid, scared of people Wants to do education, but not sure what… No professional experience or internships