Strategic Networking

Networking starts with positioning yourself as an emerging professional in your field. This involves two key steps:

1. Branding: Build a strong online presence, especially on LinkedIn, to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers.

2. Learning: Acquire the cultural knowledge (e.g., industry jargon, key experiences, and symbolic achievements) that helps you present yourself as a rising professional in your career niche.

As you connect with people in your field, keep refining your branding and deepening your learning.

Quick Links:

• Do your homework first. For example, peruse this government database of careers: O*NET web research
• How to Pepare for a Job Fair
• The Best Question to Ask at Networking Events: "What brought you here today?"

Informational Interviews

This is my top recommendation for students who have a field in mind but haven't narrowed their options. Talk to people who do the work you're interested in!

An "Informational Interview" (also known as a "Coffee Chat") is a conversation with someone experienced in a career, industry, or company. The goal is to gain insights, not a job offer. It’s an essential strategy for both exploring career options and building connections.

Below is a starter list of interview questions. Feel free to customize it based on your interests and include industry-specific questions:

• What are some of the day-to-day tasks you do in your role?
• How did you start your career in this industry?
• What skills are essential for success in this field?
• Are there specific experiences or projects that significantly advanced your career?
• What advice would you give someone looking to enter this field?
• How important is networking in your industry, and what approach do you recommend?
• What changes do you foresee in this industry in the next few years?
• Can you describe the culture of your organization?
• Have you faced any significant challenges in your career, and how did you overcome them?
• Based on our conversation, what steps would you recommend I take next?
• Is there anyone you know that you think I should talk to, to learn more?

ChatGPT Prompt: Here is an example prompt to generate industry-specific questions based on your  particular interests. Edit as you see fit:

"Based on my interest in [insert industry or role] and aiming to learn more about [insert specific goals, e.g., career paths, daily responsibilities, industry trends], please generate a set of insightful informational interview questions. I'm particularly interested in advice for newcomers, essential skills for the role, how to navigate career advancement, and understanding the impact of industry trends on future opportunities."

Finding People to Interview on the LinkedIn Alumni Tool

The easiest way to find people for informational interviews is with the LinkedIn alumni tool. While many people are willing to talk with a college student interested in their profession, alumni are even more likely because you already have something in common. Plus, most people remember their college days with fondness and empathize with the feelings of just getting started on the career journey.

Start by looking for people 5-10 years into their careers. You can always interview people who just started, but they may not have as much to teach you and may feel slightly more threatened by up-and-comers. You can also interview more senior-level people, but they typically have less time to offer and would be better interviewed once you have learned more about their industry. 

Tips for Using the Tool:

1. Filter by your interests: region, company, job type, skills, or major
2. Look at the profiles of the alumni matching your results to see what their career paths were
3. Connect with potential people and always send a message. See the script below for example:

Example Script for Messaging Contacts from the LinkedIn Alumni Tool:

Hi [Alumni Name],

I’m [Your Name], a [Your Major] student at [campus]. I found your profile through the LinkedIn Alumni Tool and was really impressed by your career in [Industry/Field]. I’m eager to learn more about the field and would value any insights you could share.

Would you be up for a quick chat or a virtual coffee? It would be great to hear about your [Industry/Field] experience and any advice you have for a fellow [campus mascot] stepping into the professional world. In the meantime let's "connect" here on LinkedIn!

Thanks so much!
[Your Name]

Additional Tips for Your Informational Interview

Advanced Networking

Once you have positioned yourself as an emerging professional in a particular field by both curating your online presence and gaining the basic cultural capital to discuss the field intelligently, you are ready for a more strategic approach to asking people for help. I highlight three perspectives that I very much believe in below. Each apply directly to strategic networking:

1. Your network already exists, you just need to know how to activate it
2. Pick specific targets, make specific requests
3. Give more than you expect to get 

1. Your Network Already Exists, You Just Need to Know How to Activate It

Imagine the vast web of connections you're already part of, with thousands of individuals just a few steps away from you. Professional networking isn't simply about adding more contacts to your list. It's about strategically identifying and engaging with specific areas within your existing network. This approach focuses on activating those connections that hold the most potential for your professional growth and opportunities. By doing so, you're not randomly reaching out, but thoughtfully extending your network in directions that benefit your career most effectively.

2. Pick Specific Targets, Make Specific Requests

In professional networking, success hinges on targeted approaches and informed persistence. Before reaching out, research your chosen individuals or organizations to ensure your requests are not only specific but also informed and strategically aligned with both your goals and theirs. This preparation enables you to make intelligent requests that highlight mutual benefits. When you make contact, be concise and clear, and don’t forget the power of a follow-up. A well-timed follow-up reinforces your interest and keeps the connection alive, making them more inclined to support you in the future. By doing your homework and maintaining engagement, you set the stage for relationships that are not only productive but also lasting.

3. Give More Than You Expect to Get

In the art of professional networking, adopting a mindset of generosity can be transformative. Approach your network with the intention to offer more value than you seek to receive. This could mean sharing insights, providing introductions, or offering your expertise to support others' goals. By focusing on how you can contribute to the success of your connections, you establish yourself as a valuable and trusted member of your professional community. This generosity fosters a culture of reciprocity, where others are more inclined to assist you in return, often in ways beyond your expectations. Remember, meaningful networking is about building relationships, not transactions. When you give generously, without immediate expectations of return, you lay the foundation for a robust network that supports not just your professional growth, but also enriches your industry or field at large.