4 Weeks to Building a Network: Step 3

Image courtesy of Detanan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of Detanan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Today, we continue with step 3 in a series on networking that Cassie Thompson, a practicum student in Career and Professional Development, is sharing with us.  Please find step 1 here and step 2 here.  Thanks so much for sharing your insights with us, Cassie.

Okay, by now you have lunches and coffee dates set. So what in the world will you talk about?

When you meet with each person, tell them again what types of job you are interested in and ask them for advice. A number of things could happen. They may have names of others working in the industry to refer you to. They may know of an open position that is not yet on their company’s website. Or they may tell you about their day-to-day work and you realize that isn’t a job you would be interested in!

Also, it is pretty likely that they will ask you questions about what you want to do. Tell the truth! If you aren’t sure, say you are still exploring, but this industry is very appealing to you. If you know, share why you want to work in that field or for that company. By being open about what you want, it will help guide their advice to be more specific to your needs and challenges.

As you meet with each of these ten people, you will gain new information to help solidify what paths you want to keep walking down and which ones to stop and turn around! Hopefully you will begin some great relationships to help you for your future.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *