Networking: In-Person & Online - Sites @ WCNR · • LinkedIn (Alumni Tool) Developing Your...

Networking: In-Person & Online

Leanna Biddle & Lisa Stright

Geosciences Professional Development Workshops

What pops up?

Googleyourself.

Personal BrandRethink “branding” as more than selling yourself:

• Think of “branding” as the story you write with your life.

• Be intentional in making connections that matter to you.

• Be intentional in choosing experiences of value to you.

• Be purposeful about the social networks you join.

• Be purposeful about what you share.

With this mindset, do you see a pattern? Strategy.

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

What is Networking? • Exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions

• Cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business

Why network?

• Make yourself visible.

• Learn of and get opportunities i.e., jobs, internships, research, etc.

• Keep up-to-date with professional information

• Build a support network of mentors, professional partners, etc.

Who could you connect with?

Who Do I Connect With? • Faculty

• Academic Advisors

• Peers

• Others in existing social networks:

– Current/Previous Employers

– Current/Previous Clubs and Organizations

• Professional organizations

• LinkedIn (Alumni Tool)

Developing Your BrandWhen networking:

• Highlight your skills, strengths, and goals in thirty seconds.

• Focus on the why: Why do I enjoy the work I am doing?

• Be natural and comfortable.

• Leave them wanting more.

• Make plans to reconnect i.e., exchange business cards, follow-up, etc.

What is an elevator speech?

An elevator speech is a “very concise presentation of an idea or yourself covering all critical aspects, and delivered within a few seconds”.

But why prepare and practice?

Create Your Pitch

Example:

Hi, my name is [insert], and I am currently a student at Colorado State University studying [major, minor]. My current interests include [insert]. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to [insert] and I am interested in further exploring [insert] in a laboratory setting. With a goal of continuing research once I graduate, what advice if any do you have for me?

Brainstorm…

Your Online PresenceWhat is an online presence?

It is your reputation, your brand, your credibility as a human. It is what people see who may not know you, so you want to be sure your presence is easy to find, affirmative and speaks to who you are and what you do.

www.linkedin.com/

Let’s Navigate!www.linkedin.com/

Informational InterviewingInformational Interview (n.)

“An informational interview is an informal conversation with someone working in an area that interests you who will give you information and advice. It is an effective research tool in addition to reading books, exploring the Internet and examining job descriptions. It is not a job interview, and the objective is not to find job openings.”

Hello [Name],

My name is [First, Last Name], and I am a current student majoring in [Insert] at Colorado State University. [This is going to be a space for you to go in-depth of how you came across the organization, met that specific individual, etc.] I.e., In meeting, we discussed [elaborate on discussion]. Upon graduation, I hope to [elaborate on long-term goal, if desired.]

I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you, as I am very interested in learning more about your company and specific role within the organization. [Indicate here what options are available in terms of meeting i.e., via phone, in-person, etc.]

Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Questions?Leanna Biddle

Career Education Manager, Warner College of Natural Resources

leanna.biddle@colostate.edu

Lisa Stright

Assistant Professor, Geosciences

Lisa.Stright@colostate.edu