Student Affairs

etworking

WHAT IS NETWORKING?

A network is a “group of people who exchange information and contacts for professional or social purposes" (Oxford

Dictionaries). So, professional networking is the act of deliberately building and maintaining relationships with people in

your field for the mutual benefit of both parties.

ADVANTAGES OF NETWORKING WHEN LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT

• You will be exposed to the hidden 70-80% of jobs in your field.

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63% of all workers use informal job search methods (U.S. Department of Labor)

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94% of successful job hunters claimed networking made all of the difference (The Wall Street Journal)

• You may be exposed to higher-level positions.

• You can go directly to the people who have influence on the hiring process.

• You may be considered when a contact hears of a job, and may be referred as a result.

WHERE?

• Classes

• Internships and Co-ops

• Part-time jobs

STEP ONE

Prepare a list of people you know who might be helpful in the networking process. The average person usually comes up

with 50 or more names - set your goal even higher.

• Student organizations

• Conferences, meetings and events

• Career fairs

• Employer information sessions

• Workshops

• Anywhere you meet someone!

STEP TWO

Call or email the people on your list outside of the field you are interested in and ask them if they know anyone in the

career you are considering. At this time, stress to them you are NOT looking for a job. Your contacts may be more willing to

give you names if they understand you are requesting advice on what this field is really like and whether it is appropriate for

you. Your goal is to interview experts to get information and build a network of professionals.

STEP THREE

From your general contact list, develop a targeted list of contacts who work in the field you are considering. Then, call or

email people on your target list and utilize your elevator pitch as an introduction. State you are seeking advice on breaking

into your desired field(s). Tell them who referred you and ask for about 15 minutes of their time to gather information on

your chosen career. Sample scripts can be found on

clemson.edu/career .

STEP FOUR

Conduct your informational interview. See Pages 15-16 for instructions and resources related to an informational interview.

What should I do if they decline?

Simply ask if they can refer you to someone else and always thank them for their time and consideration.

WHO?

• Friends, relatives and neighbors

• Teachers

• Past employers

• Current employers

• College alumni

• Health professionals

• Bankers and lawyers

• Clergymen and politicians

HOW?

• Small business owners

• Anyone who does something you find

interesting!