Networking Made Easy
Online Workshops
Related Handouts
Related Links
Watch the job search video above to follow a graduating senior as she gets tips from career services staff on finding a position after graduation. For more videos visit our YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/user/StPaulCareerCenter
Three Ways to Network
Over 75% of employers say that they use employee referrals as the #1 tool for finding candidates for open positions in their organization. Below are three easy ways to do more networking:
Tell People About Your Career Plans
Make a list of family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances and faculty members that you know, even if they are not in your field.
Contact each person, tell them about your career plans and simply ask if they have any ideas or advice for you on reaching your goal. Many students find job leads from this simple question.
Talk to Professionals
If you come in contact with a professional through a class visit, event or company tour, simply approach the person and ask two questions about his/her job or organization.
This simple interaction often leads the person to tell you about opportunities in their organization.
Help Others
An important part of networking is being willing to help others, and it doesn’t have to be job related. This can be as simple as giving a computer tip to a peer who is having problems with a laptop in class.
The bottom line is that when you help out other people, they typically will go out of their way to help you too. This can lead to job or internship ideas in the future.
Other Tips
For additional networking tips and strategies, check out our online Networking Workshop and our handouts under related links.