Networking is an important activity to engage in whether you are looking for a job or wanting to advance in your career. It is an on-going activity that can be done both in-person or virtually, that needs to be nurtured and allowed to develop over time. Having a network of people allows you to share ideas, develop new connections, contribute your talents and expertise, and can act as a repository and resource of information.
Benefits of Networking
There are many benefits to building and maintaining a professional network. Networking allows you to grow your professional brand or identity, generate new business and contacts, and elevate your professional profile so that you stand out and become noticed.
Having a network through social media or platforms like LinkedIn allows you to stay current and remain relevant by learning about upcoming trends in an industry. Attending in-person or online networking events also helps you build confidence in talking about your specific skill sets, which helps you prepare for interviews.
Networking Etiquette
Your main focus when initially building your network should be how and what you can contribute to the network versus what you can gain from your connections. When networking or attending networking events, no one should ever be considered as “unimportant.” As people network to advance within their respective careers, you truly never know when someone you meet might be in a position to become a reference for you or even offer you a future job opportunity.
Always stay positive! It is important to remember to thank someone for their time after speaking with you. If you are at an in-person networking event and a person you want to connect with is speaking with someone else, wait patiently for that person instead of interrupting an existing conversation.
Keys to Effective Networking
It is important to convey your value and what you have to offer when introducing yourself when networking. This information can be constructed in 3-4 sentences. To create an introductory networking pitch, start with your name and indicate what academic major you are pursuing and/or degree you’ve earned. State one thing that you are professionally passionate about, and provide 2-3 relevant skills and why you want to work in a specific industry. This will get the conversation started and may lead to even deeper dialogue with your new connection.
Get Started!
Start building your network now by connecting with UMGC students and UMGC alumni on LinkedIn. You can also check out the resources on InternPlus for volunteer positions, career launch opportunities, or part-time or temporary jobs that can increase your network. Follow-up with employers and recruiters that you interact with at UMGC events, like webinars and Career Fairs, as a starting point to build or increase your network.
Stay Connected
Connect with other colleges, universities, previous employers, and even possible future employers to stay current with their trends and employment opportunities. Check back frequently with the Events tab within CareerQuest to find additional opportunities to network. Remember that patience is key in building a network as it is not something that can be crammed into a weekend.
Dr. Raelynn F. Grasso is a Career Advising Specialist at the University of Maryland Global Campus. She has experience leading and providing individual, group, and career counseling, as well as executing and developing programs to enhance college student enrichment. Dr. Grasso’s area of research includes career decision-making, epistemic cognition, self-efficacy, and college student development. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Utah, an M.S. and a PhD in Educational Psychology, both from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
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