SOU CG 2024-24 DM Accessible - Flipbook - Page 8
Networking: Importance & Strategy
Networking is an important skill to develop–
and you’ve already been working on it! You
network every day with your peers, faculty,
advisors, and co-workers. You’ll continue to
grow your network at SOU and beyond.
Simply put, networking is meeting new people and
maintaining those relationships. It’s all about showcasing
your professional self and making authentic connections. The
people you meet will help you learn more about different
fields, companies, and cities, and you never know when they
may point you toward the perfect position.
Networking Tips
Be Specific: Network with a goal in mind. Know your interests
and skills, and identify questions you would like answered.
Explain why you would like to connect with someone, and if
you already have common ground, be sure to highlight it.
Talk to Everyone: Some of the best networking is informal. It
can happen anywhere, from coffee shops to the bus. Ask the
people you meet about their careers. You never know who
you might encounter, and you should be ready to seize the
opportunity!
Be a Good Listener: Networking is a two-way street. Make
sure you’re not doing all the talking! Ask questions and listen
actively.
Developing an Elevator Pitch
When you’re networking, you will be introducing yourself to plenty
of people, so it’s important to make sure you can effectively relay
information about yourself and your career goals. Your elevator pitch
is the jumping off point for your conversation. Be sure to include:
■
Your name
■
Your major and year in school
■
The position and field you are interested in
■
1–2 relevant experiences that showcase your skills
Develop a Strong Professional
Reputation: Your coworkers can be
some of the most important members
of your network. They have had a
front row seat to your professional
life, so they can vouch for your skills
as a reference or maybe even a future
employer. Therefore, it’s important
to always establish yourself as a
reliable, hardworking, and positive
coworker—even if you don’t think
you’ll stay in this job or industry longterm.
Attend Networking Events:
Networking events can range from
formal career fairs and professional
conferences to Raider Network alumni
meetups to simply grabbing a coffee. Be
proactive; use these events as opportunities
to meet new people and deepen existing connections.
Maintain Relationships: Just talking with someone once
doesn’t make them a part of your network. Send a followup email, add them on LinkedIn, schedule an informational
interview (more info on page 10), and/or update them on
your career. You don’t want to overwhelm a new connection
with constant contact, but it’s important to maintain the
relationship over time.
Utilize Professional Social Media and Networks: The
internet has made us more interconnected than ever, and you
can use that to your advantage. Professional social media like
LinkedIn and Career Launch (powered by 12twenty), as well
as your online Raider Network, can get you in contact with
people who you haven’t had a chance to meet in person. Use
these platforms as a way to make connections, and don’t be
afraid to reach out directly. We’ll discuss more on page 9.
