Networking: Your Secret Weapon for Success

In today's competitive job market, networking is no longer just a nice-to-have; it's a necessity. It's your secret weapon to unlocking hidden job opportunities, exploring different career paths, and progressing in your career after graduation.

Career Exploration Beyond the Classroom

Networking allows you to delve deeper into industries and companies that interest you. By connecting with professionals in your field, you can gain valuable insights into their daily work, challenges, and career paths. This firsthand knowledge can help you make informed decisions about your future and identify potential career paths you may not have considered.

Unveiling the Hidden Job Market

A significant portion of job openings are never publicly advertised. These "hidden job markets" are often filled through referrals and personal connections. By building a strong network, you increase your chances of discovering these opportunities and gaining a competitive edge.

Progressing in Your Career After Graduation

Networking doesn't stop after you land your first job. It's an ongoing process that can help you advance your career. By maintaining relationships with mentors, colleagues, and industry professionals, you can stay updated on industry trends, receive guidance on career development, and explore new opportunities.

Networking is more than just exchanging business cards; it's about building genuine relationships that can open doors to exciting career paths and long-term success. So, start building your network today and unlock your full potential.

Why is networking important?

Expand Your Network: Connect with professionals in your field, and learn about their experiences.

Gain Insights: Get valuable advice on career paths, industry trends, and company cultures.

Discover opportunities: Find internships, jobs, and other professional opportunities.

Build Relationships: Create lasting connections that can benefit you throughout your career.
Boost Your Confidence: Networking can help you feel more confident in your abilities and increase your self-awareness.

Networking Strategies for Students

Networking isn't just for professionals; it's equally important for students. Here's how, when, and where to start:

How and When to Network

Start early: Don't wait until graduation to start networking. Begin building relationships during your college years.
Leverage your campus resources: Attend career fairs, industry events, and alumni gatherings. These events offer great opportunities to meet professionals in your field.
Join clubs and organizations: Participating in clubs and organizations related to your interests can connect you with like-minded peers and mentors.
Utilize online platforms: LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking. Create a professional profile, connect with people in your field, and join relevant groups.
Practice informational interviewing: Informational interviews allow you to learn about different careers and industries from professionals. They can also provide valuable insights and potential connections. (see below for more information!)
Practice Your Elevator Pitch: Before you attend any event, create a clear and memorable statement that highlights your skills, experience, and career goals. Adjust your pitch to fit the specific person you are speaking with or situation you're in.

Where to Network

Reach out to acquaintances: Begin by contacting friends and family. Ask for referrals. Request recommendations from people you know who work in your desired field, or from professionals who have attended campus events or who have been guest speakers in a class.
Attend Industry, Showcase and College Events: Before you attend events, take some time to learn about the purpose of the event, who will be attending, and what topics might be discussed. Introduce yourself to people, ask questions, and exchange contact information. Send thank-you notes or emails to people you meet within 24 hours.

How to Follow Up Effectively

Send a personalized thank-you note: Express your gratitude for the conversation and reiterate your interest in the person's field or company.

Offer to help: If appropriate, ask if there's anything you can do to assist the person or their organization.
Request a follow-up meeting: If you're interested in learning more, politely ask if the person would be willing to meet again.
Maintain contact: Stay connected by liking their posts on social media, sharing relevant articles, or commenting on their work.

Networking Make You Anxious? We've got tips!

For many people, the idea of networking can be daunting. However, with the right strategies, it can be a rewarding experience. Start small by attending events where you feel comfortable, such as major-specific meetups or RSO gatherings. Prepare by researching the event and practicing your elevator pitch. When at the event, focus on quality over quantity. Remember, networking is about building relationships, not selling yourself.

Strategies for Starting Conversations:

Choose Your Events Wisely: Select events that align with your interests and comfort level. Smaller, more intimate gatherings can be less overwhelming.
Find Common Ground: Look for shared interests or experiences to break the ice.
Practice Icebreakers: Prepare a few open-ended questions or conversation starters to help you initiate conversations.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage conversation by asking questions that require more than a simple yes or no answer.
Active Listening: Show genuine interest in what others are saying by making eye contact, nodding, and asking follow-up questions.
Be Yourself: Authenticity is key. Don't try to be someone you're not.

Maximize Your LinkedIn Profile

How Do I Create a Good LinkedIn Profile?

Rock Your LinkedIn Profile (video)

For a lot of recruiters these days, if you aren't on LinkedIn you don't exist. Developing a stellar profile and a strong presence will build your professional credibility and help you to get noticed. Once you get your LinkedIn page up-to-date and packed with relevant keywords, you'll likely be surprised at how much more attention your profile will get.

Let's take a look at the elements of a standout profile. Keep in mind that this should be an extension of your resume and cover letter—not a carbon copy. Don't forget to maintain your presence so you appear active—you can do it in 15 minutes a week.

LinkedIn Profile Must Haves

Features a professional profile photo (preferably a headshot with a simple background)

Has an engaging headline (not just "student at U of I", for example, "Experienced Marketer with Operations Management Experience")

Has a customized URL (i.e., www.linkedin.com/in/namehere)

especially if you have a common name

Highlights your knowledge and interests through relevant articles, posts and career updates

Features an engaging summary and descriptions of your relevant experiences, projects, work and organizations that highlights your skills!

Is keyword optimized

LinkedIn is for more than just finding jobs.

Here are the top strategies to help you make connections:

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for students to connect with alumni and professionals in their field. By building relationships on this platform, you can gain valuable insights, explore career opportunities, and expand your professional network.

Are you looking for the easiest way to research and find alumni on LinkedIn? Read this article for the best tips on connecting with Gies Alums!

1.Why Connect with Alumni and Professionals on LinkedIn?

Career Guidance: Gain valuable insights into different career paths, industry trends, and company cultures from experienced professionals.Informational Interviews: Set up informational interviews to learn more about specific roles, companies, and industries.
Informational Interviews: Set up informational interviews to learn more about specific roles, companies, and industries.
Mentorship: Find mentors who can offer guidance, support, and advice throughout your career.

2. Using LinkedIn to connect with Alumni

To connect with alumni, start by going to the University of Illinois page on LinkedIn or to the Gies College of Business LinkedIn page.
Next, visit the "alumni" menu item, from here you can narrow the alumni that you see
Try using the search bar to select your criteria (such as company name, industry or position title), review the alumni that match your criteria and identify people that you'd like to connect with to learn about their careers
Send the alumna a brief, 2-3 sentence message. Introduce yourself as a U of I student, express your interest in their career and request to learn more about their career path. The best way to get to know someone? Conduct an Informational Interview! See below for more more information and sample LinkedIn messages!

3. Join Relevant Groups: Participate in industry groups and alumni associations to connect with like-minded individuals.

4. Engage in Discussions: Share your thoughts, ask questions, and contribute to conversations to demonstrate your knowledge and interest.

How to Connect with Recruiters on LinkedIn

Use LinkedIn's search function: To connect with recruiters, start by typing "Recruiter" with your industry, target company and location in the search bar. Bonus: notice that you can see mutual connections for each search result. If a recruiter is already connected to somebody you know well, take note and use this in your introduction later on!
Filter your search: Use filters to narrow down your search based on location, industry, and company size. If you'd like to focus your search on specific job titles, you can also search "recruiting for [Name of Position, Location]" and change the "People" filter on the left side to "Content". You may find posts advertising openings for the exact job you want.
Look for recruiters with open positions: Check recruiters' profiles to see if they have any current job openings.
Send Personalized Connection Requests: Send the recruiter a brief, 2-3 sentence message. Introduce yourself and explain why you're interested in connecting and how your skills align with their needs. See below for more sample LinkedIn messages!
See below for more sample LinkedIn messages!

LinkedIn Connection Request Samples

Informational Interview Request Sample Text

Dear Ms. Smith,

I am a currently a Gies College of Business student at the University of Illinois and am exploring accounting as a possible major. One of my goals is to conduct informational interviews with alumni who are in occupations that I am considering. When I came across your profile on LinkedIn, I was excited to see how you were using your accounting degree as an International Tax Partner at PWC. I would love to learn more about your career as a tax accountant, particularly because of my interest in international practice. I would like to arrange a brief 15-20 minute phone or video call during the week of October 10th or 17th.

I know that you are very busy, so I will follow up with you next week if I do not hear from you.

Thank you!

____________________________________

LinkedIn Request Sample Text

Someone You've Never Met: Whether a professional from a LinkedIn Group, someone you admire, recruiter, or alumni, finding common ground should be your primary goal. Get their attention and quickly validate yourself.

Dear (insert name),

I am a current student at the University of Illinois and I have been reading your blog on LInkedIn for six months and really appreciate the insights you share. I would love to spend twenty minutes hearing how you got started and learn more about where your career is headed. Please let me know if you would be willing to chat.

Thank you, —(Insert name)

______________________________________

Recruiter that You've Never Met-

Dear (insert name),

I am a current student at the University of Illinois and will be graduating in May. I am very interested in your Supply Chain position. I have had experience leading a team as intern last summer at Coyote Logistics. I'd love to connect and learn more about the opportunity at your company.

Thank you, —(Insert name)

______________________________________

Someone from Your Past: Even if you worked together previously, this contact might not remember you right away. Therefore, stress the capacity in which you worked together.

Dear (insert name)

I enjoyed working with you as an intern at (insert company) last summer. In fact, I still use some of the Excel workarounds you taught our team! If you are free sometime in the next month, I would love to hear more about your role at (insert company) since this is a career path that I'd like to explore.

Best, —(Insert your name)

___________________________

Someone You Know: Even close acquaintances appreciate positive vibes. When connecting with current or former friends/co-workers/classmates, compliment them on projects, interests, or strengths.

Hi (insert name),

It was great to work together last year on (project name), you were such a great project manager, I learned so much from you! Congratulations on your new role at (company name). I'm thinking about taking my career the same direction. I'd love to catch up and learn more about your role.

Best, —(Insert your name)

___________________________

A friend of a friend

Hi (insert name),

My close friend, Elli Stevens suggested that I reach out to you. She interned at your company last summer and raved about your leadership skills. I'm a current sophomore at U of I and am interested learning more about career paths in brand management. I'd love to speak with you about your career.

Best, —(Insert your name)

____________________________

Someone You Met at an Event

Hi (insert name),

I really enjoyed the recent Gies CEO event that you participated in as a panelist. I'd love to connect and learn more about how you decided to work as Consultant for PwC.

Thanks, (Your name)

Informational Interviews

How to Conduct an Informational Interview

An informational interview is a meeting to learn about the real-life experience of someone working in a field or company that interests you. It's not a job interview, so it's important to keep focused on getting information, not a job offer. You may feel awkward reaching out to people you don't know. However, most people actually enjoy taking a few moments out of their day to reflect on their professional life and give advice to someone with an interest in their field.

Benefits of Informational Interviewing

Get firsthand, relevant information about the realities of working within a particular field, industry or position. This kind of information is not always available online.
Get tips and insider knowledge about how to prepare for and land your first career position.
Learn what it's like to work at a specific organization.
Initiate a professional relationship and expand your network of contacts in a specific career field; meet people who may forward job leads to you in the future.

Arrange the Interview

Either call or e-mail to make contact. The introduction could be: "Mrs. Smith, Brad Johnson suggested I speak with you. My name is Steven Olson and I am interested in the ________ field. I could use advice from someone who is in this field. Do you have time in the next two weeks to meet for about 20 minutes? I would really like to learn more about your company and the ________ field from someone with your experience."

Hold the Meeting

Develop a brief introduction of yourself and your hopes for the meeting. After introductions, give a brief summary of your career goal, or what you want to learn from them. Prepare plenty of questions to make good use of the time. Respect their time. Ask the person if you may contact them again in the future with other questions. Ask for names of other people to meet so as to gain different perspectives.

Follow up (MOST IMPORTANT STEP!)

Send a thank-you note within 1-2 days to express your appreciation for the time and information given. Based on whether the informational interview was relatively informal or more businesslike, this may be a brief handwritten note, an email, or a business letter. Keep records. Write down what you learned, what more you'd like to know, and what your next steps should be. Follow up on any actions that you said you would take based on their recommendations (i.e., reaching to a colleague). Keep in touch with the person, especially if you had a particularly nice interaction; let them know that you followed up on their advice and the outcome. This person could become an important part of your network.

Sample questions include:

What is a typical day like in your job?
What do you like most / least about this career?
Is your job typical of others in this field?
What are current job prospects like?
Are there related fields I might want to look into?
What makes a resume impressive in your field?
Is my resume appropriate for this occupation?
How do you stay current in your knowledge?
What are employers looking for in this career (skills, education, experience)?
What's the best way to find out about jobs in this field?
What is the career ladder for this position?
What would you recommend I do at this point to get into this field?
What are the future trends for this field?
Is there anyone else you would recommend I talk to in this field?

Questions to build Rapport:

What was your favorite UIUC restaurant?
What RSOs did you belong to?
Where did you have internships at when you were a student?
How do you like living in your current location?

To learn more about a specific company, ask questions like these:

What's the corporate culture like here?
How do you normally hire for this occupation?
What is the average turnover in this type of job?
Which firms do you think are your toughest competitors, and how do they differ from your company?