Connect with a suite of online tools to research and expand your professional network!
These are just a few of the many reasons why people network:
- Find an Apartment
- Starting a Business
- Find a Good Day Care Center
- Find a Date!
- Job and Internship Search
“Here’s the truth: Networking is NOT all about who you know or who knows you. Networking is all about who likes you and who respects you.”
- Ask for Referrals or Introductions (faculty, friends, family)
- Connect with LinkedIn
- Yale Cross Campus
- AlumniFire
- Set Up Brief Networking Conversations
- Join Professional Associations and Attend Conferences
- Seek Mentorship
“Networking is NOT selling, nor USING people for your gain. Networking IS an exchange of information, contacts, referrals and goodwill. Networking leads to new relationships, new opportunities and greater accomplishments.” — Networking Works! Wetfeet Insider’s Guide
- Always reciprocate. Whether making an introduction, providing information or doing a favor. Ideas may come later if nothing immediately comes to mind.
- Always FOLLOW UP. If a faculty member refers you to someone for a possible internship, act on the referral. If you meet someone at a conference and it seems like a fruitful connection, send them an email when you get home.
- Maintain relationships. After you’ve followed up as suggested, let the faculty member know—keep the communication lines open and active.
- Praise your network! When people you know do something worthwhile or merely an achievement you admire or respect, LET THEM KNOW!
Trying to connect by email with an employer or staff member on a team you are applying to? Check out this career hack from Jeremy Schifeling.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers, an association of career services professionals and employers from a wide range of sectors, launched the Career Readiness Initiative in 2015. The initiative sought to address a fundamental need for new college graduates …
