Networking Prepared by Salem State University Career Services

Networking Prepared by: Salem State University Career Services

Please Introduce Yourself • • • Name Major Year Career Objectives Interests

What Is Networking? • The development of relationships with industry professionals who can offer advice, guidance, information, job leads, resources and additional contacts

What Networking Is Not • Networking is not only for the well connected • Networking in not only for extroverts • Networking is not bothering people • Networking is not asking for a job

Why Network? • • Help you focus your career choice and major decision Provides advice about your job search Validates your choices Develops your interview skills Uncovers hidden jobs – 85% Provides industry and employer information Strengthen credibility when interview Helpful at all stages of your career development process

Starting Your Network • • Develop a list of contacts (exercise) Decide on your networking purpose Research yourself – Self assessment Create self introductions – your soundbite, your commercial

Networking Contact Sources • • • Classmates Alumni Parents & family Neighbors Classmates’ parents & family Professors & advisors Former employers Professional associations Speakers & career fair representatives Student clubs & activities Other people you know

Linked. In • Learn more about Linked. In • Register in Linked. In

Purposes of Networking • Major or concentration change? • Gather information about jobs, industries, and careers • Gain advice about your job search

Know Yourself – Research You • • What skills do you have? What interests you personally and professionally? What values are important to you? Take self-assessment instruments through Career Services Getting Started

Introducing Yourself • Sound bite – Sound bite: Hi, my name is Jimmy Salem. I’m a theatre major at Salem State University and I’m interested in learning more about theatre management field. • Commercial – Commercial: “I became interested in acting during high school when I performed in a number of productions. Then, this past summer I interned at a community theatre near my home. It was during this time that I came to realize that I wanted to make theatre my career. I am interning with the Blue Man Group this semester and am enjoying learning more about arts management. While I love performing I am finding that I have a strong attention to detail and really find arts management interesting and challenging. ”

Contact Your Network • Person to Person • Telephone Calls • E-Mail

Informational Interviews • • • What is an informational Interview Structured conversation How do I prepare? Should I bring a copy of my resume? What should I wear?

Questions to Ask • • General questions about the career Questions about the employer Questions about your contact’s job Questions about career preparation Questions about contact’s career path Questions about culture Questions about advancement Questions about advice & referrals Questions You May be Asked • • • How did you become interested in this career/job? What do you know about this career? What have you learned from your work or courses that is relevant Closing the Informational Interview • • Be considerate of contact’s time Ask for other contact names Offer to stay in touch Express appreciation

Conclusion • Networking is for everyone • Networking is essential for career success in Communication industries • Networking helps you choose the right career and uncover hidden jobs • Networking pays dividends throughout your career

Employer Relations: Making Connections Between Students and Employers The Employer Relations Team is building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with employers for all departments that will provide opportunities for students, recent graduates, and alumni. The Initiative generates creative ways for employers to engage with our campus and maintains an open line of communication with those employers. Internship and Career Fair Class Presentations Guest Speakers-Career Prep Week Company Site Visits On-Campus Interviews Student Club Presentations Resume Collection Company Information Tables Boston Celtics First Investors Corporation Holdings Genzyme Boston Partners Financial Group NEW YORK LIFE Bridgewell Melanson, Health & Company PC Cell Signaling Technology State Street Corporation Enterprise BROAD Institute Microsoft Hilton Essex County Sheriff’s Dept. Target Stores Walgreens

Contact Information Salem State University Career Services 105 Ellison Campus Center (ECC) Career Services Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8: 00 am-5: 00 pm Phone: 978. 542. 6406 E-mail: career@salemstate. edu Website: www. salemstate. edu/careersvs CONNECT WITH CAREER SERVICES Log on to CSO: https: //www. myinterfase. com/salemstate/student Connect with us on Social Media Sites: Twitter: @SSUCareer Linked. In: Salem State University Career Services