Networking
Networking is tremendously important in all areas of business. The more time and energy you put into networking, the more you will get out of it. Don't wait until you need a job to start the process; to reap the benefits of networking, you must develop longevity in your networking relationships. Here on campus, we host a number of events designed to allow you to network directly with employers, but you can also actively network through student and professional organizations, as well as sites like Handshake and LinkedIn.
Develop your elevator pitch to networking effectively, and check out the networking resources below!
Have an elevator pitch
Elevator Pitch Handout & Worksheet (pdf)
LinkedIn Profile Development Guide (pdf)
Informational Interviewing Packet (pdf)
Networking offers many benefits:
- Since 60%-80% of jobs are filled through networking, the process may directly or indirectly contribute to success in your job search.
- Networking helps you obtain information on specific industries, companies, and career fields.
- It can help you get advice and also provide you with referrals for jobs, mentorships, job shadows, and much more.
- Networking can also help you gain confidence in talking about yourself and discussing professional topics.
- If you network effectively, it can allow you to make a great first impression quickly when you deliver a strong elevator pitch or personal introduction.
Here are the basic steps in the networking process:
- Identify your internship/job target.
- Identify companies that might offer the type of job you are targeting.
- Seek contacts at those companies. (LinkedIn is a great place to start!)
- Reach out to request a conversation.
- Conduct informational interviews.
Here are 10 Steps to networking at employer events
13 Ways to network
1. Handshake and LinkedIn
- Optimize your profile: Ensure your Handshake and LinkedIn profiles are up-to-date and professional.
- Participate in events: Attend Handshake recruiting and professional development events.
- Connect with industry professionals: Send personalized connection requests.
- Engage with content: Comment on and share relevant industry posts.
- Join groups: Participate in industry-related LinkedIn groups.
- LinkedIn messaging: Reach out to recruiters, colleagues, or alumni in your field.
2. Networking events
- Job fairs: Attend virtual or in-person job fairs to meet recruiters.
- Conferences and seminars: Join industry-specific events to network with professionals.
- Alumni events: Connect with the Ilitch School Alumni Association to network for job leads.
- Meetups: Explore local or online meetups in your industry.
3. Informational interviews
- Reach out for coffee chats: Ask for brief, informal meetings with professionals in your field to learn more about their careers and company.
- Prepare questions: Show genuine interest in their career path and advice, rather than directly asking for a job.
4. Social media
- Twitter/X and Instagram: Follow industry leaders, engage with their posts, and join conversations.
- TikTok/Instagram stories: Participate in discussions on relevant hashtags or even post professional content.
- Facebook groups: Join career-focused or industry-specific Facebook groups to connect with people.
5. Professional associations
- Join a business school association: Become a member of student organizations related to your field (e.g., AMA for marketing, SHRM for HR).
- Attend workshops and webinars: These offer networking opportunities with professionals who share your career interests.
6. Online communities
- Reddit and Discord: Participate in career-related subreddits or Discord communities.
- Slack groups: Many industries have dedicated Slack channels for professional networking.
7. Networking through volunteering
- Join volunteer projects: Volunteer for events or causes related to your field to meet like-minded professionals.
- Nonprofit boards or committees: Involvement in nonprofits can lead to valuable professional connections.
8. Referrals from friends and family
- Leverage personal connections: Let friends and family know you're looking for job opportunities.
- Internal referrals: Employees often refer candidates to their companies, increasing the chance of getting hired.
9. Networking within your company
- Internal job opportunities: Keep track of openings and projects within your current organization.
- Cross-departmental relationships: Build relationships outside your immediate team.
10. Attend industry webinars and podcasts
- Engage with hosts and guests: Follow up with webinar speakers or podcast hosts via social media or email.
- Join live chats: Participate in the Q&A or comment sections to engage with other attendees.
11. Career counselors or coaches
- Ilitch School Career Services: Attend employer-hosted events at the Ilitch School or previous institutions.
12. Cold outreach via email
- Personalized emails: Reach out to professionals in your field with well-crafted, personalized messages.
- Follow up: Keep in touch after the initial contact, maintaining an ongoing conversation.
13. Internships and micro-Internships
- Acquire an internship or micro-Internship: Use internships as a platform to grow your network and gain job leads.
Each of these methods offers a way to build meaningful professional connections that can lead to job opportunities.
Have questions about networking or want to practice? You can schedule an appointment with a Career Services advisor by simply calling (313) 577-4781 or emailing ilitchcareers@wayne.edu.
