Networking

What is networking?

Networking is building relationships with people to exchange information and develop professionally. Your professional network can include your friends, classmates, professors, coworkers, supervisors, and even your family and family friends or neighbors. Don't forget that your career advisors at UD are also in your professional network!

Why network?

When you start looking for opportunities, your professional network can help you find opportunities by telling you where to look or keeping you in mind when they see new opportunities. Your network can even vouch for you when you apply. 

Use LinkedIn when you network.

• LinkedIn is like social media but for professionals! You can connect with people, find jobs/internships and apply for them, find UD alumni, and more.

• Fill out your profile as completely as you can. Ask your career advisor to help you or to provide you with recommendations for improvement.

• Headline: State your goals, career interest, highlights, and/or accomplishments.

• Photo: Use a professional headshot that shows your face clearly.

• Search for jobs or connections by industry, job title, location, school, etc. 

• Message people! Don’t be shy about reaching out.

• Follow up if you haven't heard anything (roughly 2 weeks).

Job Fairs

• Research - look into companies of interest and don’t discount those that aren’t in your field. 

• Elevator pitch - customize your pitch for the job/internships offered in the industry. 

• Ask questions - ask about things that can’t be found on the website. 

• Smile! - Maintain eye contact and smile. This will communicate that you are engaged and interested. 

How to Write an Elevator Pitch

• An elevator pitch should encapsulate who you are, what you have to offer and what your goals or interests are. It should be brief - imagine that you’re on a quick elevator ride and only have a few seconds to tell someone what you’re all about.

• Example: “Hi, I’m Jessica. I’m a junior English major. I’m interested in editing and publishing. I’m currently interning at the World Affairs Council where I do social media for all of their events. I saw that your company is looking for a marketing intern. Can you tell me a little bit about what kinds of projects your past interns have completed?”

Informational Interviews

An informational interview is an informal conversation you can have with someone who is working in a field of your interest. Talking with people allows you to learn about different career paths and increase your connections. A lot of jobs and internships are gained through these connections. 

How to Prepare

• Research the professional and their company.

• Research their industry.

• Review your experiences, interests, and skills. 

• Develop a list of questions. 

Arrive a few minutes early and dress in formal or business casual attire. If the meeting is virtual or over the phone, identify a quiet location beforehand and ensure that your roommates know to be quiet. If you need a quiet place, reach out to our office if you’d like to reserve a private room on campus.

Send a thank you note: 
Within two days, send a thank you email or note highlighting the value of the meeting and referencing something specific the professional suggested. This keeps the door open for future exchanges. 

Develop a plan to stay in touch:
It is important to stay in touch with these contacts. Follow up every few months, but this depends on whether or not you have something substantial to say. Substantial updates can include: an update on your professional life, an interesting article, or even a season’s greeting. Not everyone will reciprocate, so do not take it personally if someone does not reply. Also create a database to keep track of contact information; include: name, date of conversation or follow-up, outcome and any relevant notes. 

Additional Tips!

Beware of Social Media

No one should judge you based on what’s on your Twitter or Instagram; however, people will judge you based on your Twitter and Instagram. To ensure that you put your best foot forward, we’ve compiled a list of social media tips for you to utilize. 

• Adjust your privacy settings and be aware of what is and is not public.
• Know what comes up when you search your name on Google.
• Proactively untag yourself from photos you do not want public. 
• Never complain about your job, boss, coworkers, or school on public or full-name affiliated social media accounts. Be wary of sharing your personal views on social media, especially about hot button topics.

LinkedIn

Why Use LinkedIn?

Regardless of your major, LinkedIn is a necessity in today’s world. It helps you establish a professional presence and begin building your professional network. This is incredibly important for getting jobs, internships and even volunteer opportunities while in college and beyond. In basic terms, it is an online resume that allows recruiters and connections to find you based on your skills and experience. 

How to Succeed on LinkedIn

• Join professional groups
• Join alumni groups
• Engage with your connections
• Explore companies and look for people you have connections with
• Talk to recruiters
• Apply for jobs
• Follow companies of interest and influencers in your field of interest