Networking
What Is It?
- Contacting People you know (and don't know) in order to find a job
- Gathering information, advice and support
- A two-sided relationship that helps both parties
Who do you contact?
- Relatives
- Friends (especially those in the workplace)
- Parents' friends and friends' parents
- Professors and deans
- Former employers and co-workers
- Neighbors and acquaintances
- Alumni through the Career Development Center
How do you network?
- Make a list of anyone you know who might have information that will help in your search.
- Set up informational interviews
- Decide what you are going to say. Explain who referred you, your status (graduating senior, alumnus, etc.) and your interest (hiring trends, names of others who might help you, etc.)
- Know as much as you can about your contact and the company before contacting him/her.
- Always ask your contact if he /she can recommend someone else for you to talk to.
- Make developing a friendship your primary goal, rather that getting something out of it.
- Join professional organizations where you can easily meet people who work in the industry you hope to enter.
- Send a thank you note after a successful exchange whether it was in person or over the telephone.
- Contact the person every month or so to report progress and ask for new leads.
Example Phone Call
M & M - A student completing the final year in WPI, double major: Computer Science & Music
Mozart - Owner of major Music Conglomerate
Mozart: Good morning, Music R Us
M & M: Yes, may I speak with Mr. Mozart please
Mozart: Speaking, how can I help you?
M & M: My name is M & M. Slim Shady and I received your name from WPI's Career Development Center Alumni Networking Database.
Mozart: Oh yes, what can I do for you?
M & M: I know you schedule is busy so I will not take much of your time. I am pursuing a career in the music industry and would like to arrange a time for an informational interview with you. My schedule is very flexible.
Mozart: Well this week is bad, but if you hold on I will transfer you to my assistant and he will check my schedule for next week.
M & M: Thank you, sir. Next week is fine. Have a good day.
Example: The Meeting
Mozart: Hello, Mr. Shady. Nice to meet you.
M & M: It's a pleasure to meet you sir. I want to thank you again for taking the time out of your busy schedule to sit down with me.
Mozart: Oh anything for a fellow WPIer. Who got the goat head this year?
M & M: Dr. Dre, keeping it for the sophomore class I believe. It is nice to see an alumnus so eager to help students in their job search.
Mozart: I know how tough and stressful it can be getting started. Remember, I was a student once too. Please, have a seat.
M & M: Thank you, sir.
Mozart: Well, how can I help you?
M & M: Well sir, I found your name in WPI's Career Development Center Alumni Networking Database binder and I was wondering what steps I should take towards getting started in a career in music. My majors are computer science and music and I will finish school in May...
A Few Final Tips
- Set networking goals: Know who you want to meet and what you want to find out from them.
- Build networking into your daily schedule.
- Don't get discouraged. Be Persistent! Remember that you have to do most of the work in networking and most opportunities are found this way!
See also, Networking Your Way to a New Job.
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: November 20, 2006 12:27:08