Networking Opportunities

One of the many networking opportunities available to students is through internships for corporations that could be their long-term employers.

Networking is vital for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students to develop. Contrary to common belief, networking isn't solely about self-promotion. Instead, it entails recognizing how your distinctive skillset can provide value to other professionals.

What is the Networking Process?

Networking entails actively identifying how your unique skill set can benefit other professionals. It's not just about seeking job opportunities; it involves listening to advice, exchanging ideas, and seeking referrals. Industry contacts can provide valuable insights into hiring needs and reveal opportunities not publicly advertised, often called "The Hidden Job Market." Research indicates that over 80% of job openings are filled through networking. Conversation with professionals in your desired field helps you tailor your application to specific job requirements and preferences.

Developing Networking Skills

Building strong networking skills is achievable for anyone. Begin by initiating conversations with peers and faculty within your department. Attending conferences and symposia provides valuable opportunities to connect with professionals in your field. Effective networking involves mutual interaction: initially seeking information and advice about potential careers and gradually sharing insights that can benefit others.

Networking Through Informational Interviews

Engaging in informational interviews is a valuable networking strategy. These interviews involve speaking with academic or industry contacts to seek advice and gain professional insights. They can occur in person, over the phone, or via video chat. Focus solely on gathering information and advice during these discussions. After the interview, remember to send a thank-you message to your contact, expressing your appreciation.

Keeping Track of Your Contacts

Maintain a networking log to keep notes on the contacts with whom you have interacted. Most people use an Excel spreadsheet or Word document for this purpose with entries in a format like this:

• Name:
• Company or Organization:
• Address:
• Referral Source:
• Date of Meeting or Contact:
• Key Points I Learned:
• Suggestions from Contact:
• Thank You Letter Sent:
• Suggested Contacts:
• Next Steps (research contact's employer or area of research; send contact information; follow-up date with updates on suggestions received, etc.):

LinkedIn for Networking

LinkedIn is the largest professional networking site globally, boasting over 738 million members as of June 2021. According to Alexa Internet rankings, it ranks as the 39th most popular website worldwide. Ninety-two percent of Fortune 500 companies utilize LinkedIn, and 77% of recruiters actively use the platform, making it a favored hub for both job seekers and recruiters.

Why LinkedIn?

For college students, LinkedIn is an essential tool for connecting with professionals, exploring job openings, and cultivating a professional network in their chosen field. Given that 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to scout potential candidates, establishing a presence on this platform is crucial.

Creating a Professional LinkedIn Profile

Crafting a professional LinkedIn profile is essential for leaving a positive impression on potential employers. Be sure to include a high-quality profile picture, a comprehensive summary, detailed education and work experience, skills, and relevant projects or coursework. A fully completed profile is 40 times more likely to attract views.

Check out this brief video on LinkedIn Learning to learn how to create an outstanding LinkedIn profile!

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Best LinkedIn Profile Practices

Here are the steps to optimize your LinkedIn profile:

• Treat your LinkedIn profile as your comprehensive resume and optimize it for search visibility.
• Personalize your LinkedIn URL to make it professional and easy to share.
• Use a background image that reflects your career aspirations or personal brand.
• Aim for a professional and approachable headshot that fills ¼ to ½ of the circle.
• Create a descriptive headline with relevant keywords so recruiters can find you easily.
• Start your About section with an engaging statement to capture attention.
• Incorporate relevant keywords throughout the section to highlight your skills, experience, and achievements.
• Use specific job titles in the Experience section and include keywords for SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
• Include all work experience, including internships and volunteer roles.
• Showcase both hard and soft skills in the Skills section, focusing on industry-relevant skills.
• Follow companies in your industry to stay updated on trends and job opportunities.
• Join LinkedIn groups in your field to network, stay informed, and access job postings.
• Remember, recruiters are active in these groups, so ensure you make a positive impression.

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile with these steps will enhance your visibility and attract attention from recruiters and professionals in your industry.

Additional Steps for Evaluating Your Online Presence

Taking Care of Your Social Media

Employers frequently review candidates' social media presence during the hiring process. Therefore, exercising caution when sharing information online is essential, as much of it may remain publicly accessible indefinitely. Here are the types of content you should avoid sharing online:

• Publicly complaining about your job, boss, coworkers, or customers
• Negatively mentioning an organization by name
• Oversharing details about your intimate relationships
• Posting or associating yourself with bad habits
• Writing or taking pictures of yourself skipping classes, playing games, and sleeping at school or work
• Discriminating or making rude and inflammatory comments
• Posting confidential information, whether personal or professional

Maintaining a professional online presence is essential when job hunting or advancing your career. It's crucial to carefully review all your social media profiles and eliminate any unprofessional content or posts that might be deemed offensive. If you encounter any negative information about yourself online that you cannot delete, consider reaching out to the poster directly and kindly requesting they remove it on your behalf. This proactive approach can help safeguard your professional reputation in the digital realm.

Avoid excessive self-promotion or bragging on social media. Instead, focus on sharing posts that showcase your professional interests and experiences. For instance, share photos of your research group, highlight conferences you've attended, showcase posters or presentations you've delivered, and highlight your involvement in student organizations and community outreach activities. This approach demonstrates to recruiters that you are a team player with a genuine enthusiasm for your field.

Remember, potential employers can view everything you post online, so it's crucial to maintain a positive and professional online image. Take the time to review all your social media profiles and ensure they present you in the best possible light. This proactive step can enhance your professional reputation and strengthen your candidacy for career opportunities.

Take Control of Your Online Presence With These Simple Steps

• Google Yourself: Conduct a search using your name along with identifying details such as your location, school, or organization affiliations. Additionally, search for your name on all social media platforms you've used.
• Set Up Search Alerts: Establish a search alert using your name to receive notifications whenever new information about you appears online. This proactive measure helps you monitor and manage your online presence effectively.

By following these straightforward steps, you can maintain a positive online image that aligns with your personal and professional brand.