Networking for college students18-04-24.pptx

Education College students

1. Networking Beyond Classroom! Sampath Samudrala Gaucr Consulting

2. What is Networking- Ongoing Learning Networking is the process of making connections and building relationships. These connections can provide you with advice and contacts, which can help you make informed career decisions. Networking can even help you find unadvertised jobs/internships. Networking can take place in a group or one-on-one setting. Is an ongoing process that takes time and attention; it is  not  something you do only when you are looking for a job Remember, when you network, you are asking for information and advice— not  a job. It’s not just what you know; it’s also whom you know… or can connect to

3. Why Networking? Networking is the way 70-85 Jobs are secured You get first hand advice Will be able to discover hidden /unadvertised opportunities Explore new career options Build Industry contacts

4. Why Networking Gain exposure to potential employers Networking can help you learn about job opportunities that might not be advertised through traditional channels. Networking can help you gain valuable insights and advice from experienced professionals. Build confidence Find mentors Networking can provide you with advice and contacts, which can help you make informed career decisions. Networking can help you improve your social skills and make new friends.

5. Start Networking? Brainstorm to think about who your connections are and who they might know.  Write down the names of people already in your network. Consider people you know: Your professors and staff members Parents’ friends Classmates and club/organization members Recent alumni Then look for Speaker & network events Industry experts and Future employers Career fairs Employer events

6. Networking with your Faculty /Staff Be an Active Participant:  Demonstrate your interest by asking meaningful questions and contributing to class discussions. Seek Deeper Understanding:  Utilize office hours to discuss topics and explore concepts beyond the classroom lectures. Showcase Your Passion:  Express enthusiasm for the subject matter to stand out and build a positive relationship with your professors. Tap Into Their Network:  Respectfully seek career advice and introductions from professors who have valuable industry connections.

7. Beyond Formal Settings Dive into Campus Events:  Volunteer at campus happenings – connect with organizers, speakers, and like-minded students for unique opportunities. Master Teamwork:  Learn leadership, communication, and diverse problem-solving skills by collaborating on group projects. Connect Where You Live:  Build a support network and find potential mentors among peers and seniors in your residence hall. Go Beyond the Surface:  Make the most of any interaction by proactively seeking to help others and learn from them, not just casually hanging out.

8. Your Ticket to Success: Industry Events & Networking Knowledge Expansion:  Access cutting-edge information, expert insights, and the latest trends in your field. Skill Development:  Learn from workshops, seminars, and interactions with professionals to enhance your skillset. Network Building:  Connect with potential mentors, collaborators, and future employers. Career Advancement:  Discover new job opportunities, internships, or pathways for career progression. Visibility Enhancement:  Raise your profile as a knowledgeable participant in your field. Business Insights:  Gain valuable market knowledge and identify potential partnerships or funding sources for future ventures. Participate in virtual networking events

9. Small Talk and Conversation Starters Be a Curious Interviewer:  Prepare thoughtful questions to understand their job and the overall industry. Listen Up:  Pay close attention to the answers so you can ask relevant follow-up questions. Go Deeper:  Avoid simple 'yes' or 'no' questions. Get them talking with open-ended prompts. Know Your Goals:  What do YOU want to learn about their career? Let that guide your questions.

10. Develop your online presence Strong LinkedIn Profile - Your Digital Resume: Craft a headline that highlights your student status and goals (Ex: "Aspiring Software Engineer | Seeking Internship Opportunities"). Optimize Your Summary: Use this space to showcase relevant coursework, projects, and skills that make you stand out. Keywords are Key: Include in your profile the types of jobs you're interested in. Recruiters search using these words. Tap into Alumni Power: LinkedIn has specific tools to find alumni from your school - reach out for advice and potential leads. Join Relevant Groups: Look for groups related to your field, where professionals share insights and sometimes job postings. Engage Thoughtfully: Contribute to group discussions with informed comments, showcasing your knowledge and interest in the field.

11. What is LinkedIn LinkedIn is an online network  for business professionals (that includes students, too! It's different than other social networking sites  because it's designed specifically for professional networking -- finding a job, discovering sales leads, connecting with potential business partners.  

12. Why LinkedIn… LinkedIn can be Powerful Job Search Tool Your LinkedIn profile is… Your first impression Your virtual handshake Your professional online presence First and foremost, ensure your profile is strong and effective! 92% of job recruiters have been using LinkedIn since 2015 to find the right candidates,  according to AdWeek No attention to your profile unless you put the same kind of effort that you do on Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram That means sharing updates and  more importantly, sharing original content

13. Your LinkedIn Profile Having a Professional profile picture Good to have “ Call to Action” as your follower should know what are you up to Good Head line instead of just Qualification Using the right keywords in your profile/posts is critical to your visibility on LinkedIn. Keywords are the words and phrases found in job descriptions, and they’re the words recruiters will take from their job descriptions and use in their LinkedIn searches.

14. What on LinkedIn? Write posts articles on relevant topics learning about your industry Your perspective on the subject Repurpose your old articles Search for new topics, enhance your awareness and present in your posts just document the journey of your professional career Your experiences and learning can be the content to post

15. What on Linkedin The content you're creating is eventually going to lead to conversations with your future employer through their comments. Ideally, they will also start sharing your content with their colleagues Generating conversation s with your future employers . Messages, mails and finally meetings The key is to never ask for an interview!

16. How To Use LinkedIn To Find A Job The best job search advice you ever get is—  develop your personal brand.   92% of job recruiters used LinkedIn  to find quality candidates You've heard of LinkedIn and have used it just to set up your profile but, that's pretty much all you've done so far. You have no idea how the platform can help you generate interview opportunities and want to find out how. You won't see results overnight!

17. The Job search Journey on LinkedIn

18. Defining Your Professional Goals Clearly define your goal:  Identify your top 5 dream companies to target your job search. Research potential positions:  Explore different roles within your target companies, keeping a realistic view of your current qualifications. Prepare for flexibility:  Create a list of 5 secondary companies as well, ensuring you have a broader range of options. Analyze successful profiles:  Study the work history of individuals currently employed at your dream companies for insights on desired experience. Tailor your profile:  Craft a resume and online presence that aligns with the skills and background sought by those 10 target companies.

19. Setting Up A Tailored Profile Define your unique value proposition:  Clearly articulate the skills and experience that make you an asset to potential employers. Study successful profiles:  Analyze how similar professionals at your target companies present their value and position themselves. Content as a differentiator:  Use articles, presentations, or other formats to showcase your expertise and thought leadership. Compelling summary for action:  Craft a summary that highlights what you offer, what you seek, and how to connect with you.

20. Engaging Your Future Employers In LinkedIn Groups Join LinkedIn Groups:  Access industry experts, relevant content, and networking opportunities within your field. Engage Actively:  Start by commenting on posts at least 3 times a week to build visibility within the group. Find Relevant Groups:  Use LinkedIn's "Discover" feature, the search bar, or other members' profiles as resources. Leverage Shared Groups:  Build credibility and expand your network strategically within groups where you have mutual connections .

21. Smart Networking Strategies : Respectful & Effective Focus on relationships:  Prioritize genuine connections over immediate gains. Frame interactions for mutual benefit:  Offer to help or seek knowledge, not just favors. Show genuine interest:  Ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate you were paying attention. Express gratitude:  A brief, personalized thank-you note goes a long way. Adapt to cultural norms:  Demonstrate respect by using titles and understanding communication preferences.

22. Be Active & Check-In Active! Having a strong and effective profile is your first priority and may bring recruiters right to you, but, experts say that you should check “in” with LinkedIn 3 times a day: 8:00 – 9:00, noon, and 4:00 – 6:00. Many check late evening, as well. Check-in! Personal, genuine engagement is key to professional success throughout your career Industry focused for career development (but not limited to!)

23. Expanding Your Network On a Consistent Basis Socialize Strategically:  Connect with others on LinkedIn through comments and personalized messages. Focus on Conversations:  Ask insightful questions about company culture and industry trends, not about job openings directly. Utilize Conversation Starters:  Use templates and LinkedIn's built-in prompts to initiate meaningful connections. Nurture Connections:  Follow up with engaged contacts, requesting introductions to expand your network organically. Consistency is Key:  Dedicate time to this strategy regularly for a steady stream of opportunities and recruiter attention.

24. Having Elevator Pitch Ready In 30 seconds, intro conversations you should easily explain your career interests Skills Demonstrate the knowledge of Organisation Industry Individual you are speaking with

25. Maintain Network Nurture, Don't Collect:  Focus on building real relationships, not just adding names to a list. Follow Up:  Express gratitude after networking interactions – it shows you value their time. Stay Connected:  Maintain contact even without an immediate job need, demonstrating genuine interest. Your College Network is Powerful:  Start building relationships early for lasting benefits. Practice Makes Perfect:  Step out of your comfort zone, networking will get easier. Start Now, Reap Rewards Later:  The earlier you begin, the larger your network can grow.

26. All the Best!