Career Architecture | Career Opportunities

Networking Guidance
Success isn't based on who you know or what you know — it's how you leverage the "who" and the "what" that can make the difference in your career development. That's what networking is all about. The resources in this section can provide you with information you can use to help build, grow, and expand your networks.

Networking: Just do it!

Suggestions to get you started

So you've heard that networking can help you as you build your career, and you've decided to take the next step. The first thing is to remember that you can do it-you have the power. The next time you're at an event, use some of these easy-to-implement, no-nonsense ways and practice your networking skills.

Establish a Stretch Goal: Decide how many people you want to meet, and make that your goal. Be realistic; your goal should be achievable, but also should require you to push yourself and really try.

Introduce Yourself:

Engage them by being curious about them; ask something about who they are, what they do, who they work for, who they know, what they hate about these types of parties-strike up a conversation!
Ask for business cards so that (a) you can remember their names, (b) you have a record of who you talked to and how to reach them, and (c) you can use the back of the card to write down what you want to remember about them, and any next steps you'd like to take.

Establish a "Relationship" Stretch Goal:

What new information do you want to share with them? Think creatively.
What specific questions would you like to ask them? Get interested and let the conversation flow.
Decide on a good next step for both of you (a meet, a meal, a phone call, etc.).
Give the people you talk with your undivided attention. Get engaged by asking questions you don't already know the answers to!

Keep It Going:

If you run into someone you've already met and can't remember their name, simply say, "Hello again. Remind me of your name." And remind them of your name.
If you find yourself back with someone you didn't particularly care for, ask if they've met anyone especially interesting whom you might like to meet. Or point out someone you found interesting. Or do both. And then move on.
Strangers include new friends you haven't met yet. So find someone who looks interesting and tell them so.

Check Your Progress: When you don't know what else to do, check your Stretch Goals and see how you're doing.

Remember, networking is always easier when you're feeling fresh, so don't put it off until the very end of the event. Most importantly, have fun! Enthusiasm is contagious, and if you play your cards right, you'll soon be the one who everyone else wants to meet!