The opportunities to network are endless…networking can be as simple as striking up a conversation with your coworker after your shift. On a university level, your specific college will host career fairs and other opportunities that allow you to meet with people from an industry you’d like to be involved in one day.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR IN-PERSON NETWORKING:
- Mingle, mingle, mingle! Do not pigeonhole yourself to one person or company. It is important to broaden your horizons and network, especially when you begin thinking of your professional career. Talking to one person is great, but talking to five people and really learning about their work and industries as well can provide you with even more rewarding information.
- Know your elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a short speech (around ninety seconds to two minutes) in which you can describe yourself, your work experiences, and your educational pursuits to an interested employer and/or industry representative.
- Have questions ready to go. You’re not just networking to make connections and hopefully find an internship or a long term position. You are also networking to learn more about a person, industry, or a specific role and you can easily do that by asking questions. These are not questions such as, “What is your job?”, but rather thought-provoking questions, such as, “What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on?” or “What have been some challenges in your role and how have you overcome them?” Ask a question that cannot be explained in an introduction or in a single sentence. But don’t be afraid to ask questions about opportunities like internships, part-time work, or full-time positions! The employers and representatives at career fairs and other networking opportunities are people, too, and they want to help their audiences, not intimidate them.
- Come prepared! Business attire is often the norm for career fairs and other networking opportunities, but what good is a professional outfit if you’re not professional as well? Coming prepared often means giving undivided attention to whomever is speaking, actively listening, appropriately engaging, and being approachable. You want to be remembered for being [professional and having genuine interest. You do not want to be remembered for being sullen, disinterested, and snarky.
- Follow up! Like receiving a gift, it goes a long way to express appreciation in the form of a message. Because of our digitized world, dropping a quick, thankful email is an excellent and efficient way to thank your new connection for taking time out of their day to meet with you. LinkedIn allows you to send a quick message after requesting to connect.
STAYING SAFE DURING IN-PERSON NETWORKING
Networking during the COVID-19 pandemic is not as easy as it used to be. For instance, social distancing is strongly encouraged, some in-person opportunities get switched to virtual meetings, and cancellations are more likely and frequent. But there are easy ways to make the most out of in-person networking, even during a pandemic.
Masks are still required in many places and in-person networking opportunities are no different. But masks also cover up your smile, the one thing that you wear to show others that you are friendly, eager, and ready to learn. Even with this obstacle, you can still make a great impression and show future connections that you are a friendly person. You can do this by making eye contact, greeting, waving, nodding your head, giving air hugs, and showing the peace sign. And it’s still a great idea to smile…because even if a connection cannot see your mouth, they can see the smile in your eyes anyway.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
In-person networking is slowly coming back to life and you should be prepared. Putting yourself out there can be frightening, but if you know what to expect, then career fairs become easier and not nearly as daunting. If you keep these hints in mind, dress appropriately, and go to each career fair with a smile on your face, then you will be the most successful version of yourself when going out and looking for a new position. Attending a career fair gives you the chance to find an internship that can change your life or finding a job that will mean the world to you. You may also click here to learn more about upcoming events. Do not pass these up and keep moving forward!
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