Networking

What is networking? Why should I network?

Networking is building relationships with people to exchange information and develop professionally. Your professional network can include your friends, classmates, professors, coworkers, supervisors, and even your family, family friends, or neighbors. Don't forget that your career advisors at UD are also in your professional network!

When you start looking for opportunities, your professional network can help you find opportunities by telling you where to look or keeping you in mind when they see new opportunities. Your network can even vouch for you when you apply. 

Networking Tips

Use LinkedIn

• LinkedIn is like social media but for professionals! You can connect with people, find jobs/internships and apply for them, connect with UD alumni, and more.

• Fill out your profile as completely as you can. Ask your career advisor to provide you with recommendations for improvement.

• Message people. Don’t be shy about reaching out.

• Follow up if you haven't heard anything (roughly after 2 weeks).

Attend job fairs (UD hosts four per year!)

• Look into companies who are attending beforehand and do some research. Don’t discount those that aren’t in your field. 

• Craft a quick elevator pitch (see below) and customize it toward the job/internships offered in the industry. 

• Ask recruiters questions - ask about things that can’t be found on their website. 

• Smile and maintain eye contact. This will communicate that you are interested. 

How to give an elevator pitch

• An elevator pitch should encapsulate who you are, what you have to offer and what your goals or interests are. It should be brief -- imagine that you’re on a quick elevator ride and only have a few seconds to tell someone what you’re all about.

• Example: “Hi, I’m Jessica. I’m a junior English major. I’m interested in editing and publishing. I’m currently interning at the World Affairs Council where I do social media for all of their events. I saw that your company is looking for a marketing intern. Can you tell me a little bit about what kinds of projects your past interns have completed?”

Conduct informational interviews

An informational interview is an informal conversation you can have with someone who is working in a field of your interest. You've probably already done these without even knowing it! Talking with people allows you to learn about different career paths and increase your connections. A lot of jobs and internships are gained through these connections. 

If you want to seem extra prepared for an informational interview, do the following:

• Research the professional, their company, and the industry.
• Review your experiences, interests, and skills.
• Develop a list of questions. 

Arrive a few minutes early and dress in formal or business casual attire. If the meeting is virtual or over the phone, identify a quiet location beforehand and ensure that your roommates know to be quiet. 

Send a thank you email
A "thank you" goes a long way! After any interaction you have with a professional, whether it's after a job interview, coffee chat, or an informational interview, within two days, send a thank you email highlighting the value of the meeting and referencing something specific the professional suggested. This keeps the door open for future exchanges. 

Develop a plan to stay in touch
It is important to stay in touch with your contacts. Follow up every few months, but this depends on whether or not you have something substantial to say. Substantial updates can include: an update on your professional life, an interesting article, or even a season’s greeting. Not everyone will reciprocate, so do not take it personally if someone does not reply. Create a spreadsheet to keep track of contact information including name, date of conversation or follow-up, outcome and any relevant notes. 

Social media

Tread carefully on social media and be aware of your online presence. 

• Know what comes up when you search your name on Google. Tip: Search your name using incognito mode.
• Adjust your privacy settings and be aware of what is and is not public.
• Never complain about your job, boss, coworkers, or school on public or full-name affiliated social media accounts.
• Be wary of sharing your personal views on social media, especially about hot button topics.

LinkedIn

Why Use LinkedIn?

No matter your major, LinkedIn is essential today. It helps you create a professional presence and build your network, which is crucial for securing jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities in college and beyond. Essentially, it serves as an online resume, enabling recruiters to find you based on your skills and experience.