If you are like many students at UMBC, there is a good chance that you may have some pretty big questions on your mind about your future. Perhaps you are wondering about such things as:
• How do I know what if what want to do after graduation is really right for me?
• What specifically will employers and graduates schools be looking for on my resume and/or graduate school application in order for me to be selected?
Did you know that many people in leadership positions (private or public sector) or in professions like medicine and law, if approached respectfully and tactfully, are happy to talk about their careers with students (like you)? That’s right – just politely asking them if they could share a little time with you in person (preferably); or via email – could open up the opportunity for you to discover key facts and details about someone who is “actually doing” the things you are considering doing in the future. Furthermore, they also might help you find “insider” opportunities for internships, part-time jobs or high-profile volunteering assignments.
Moreover, you may have access to working professionals through your family, church, club, sports team, neighborhood, summer job or other connections. Sometimes a connection with a successful person can come through the most unlikely chain of acquaintances. Your volleyball coach may be an architect; your uncle may be a research chemist, and your sister’s best friend’s mom may be a patent attorney!
Need more tips about networking? Here are a few from nationally known writer and speaker on careers and higher education – Donald Asher:
• Networking is about information, not power.
• Ask everybody for advice, ideas, leads and referrals.
• Use email or social networking connections, instead of a telephone.
• Ask for permission before dropping someone’s name.
• Follow up, follow up, follow up!
At UMBC we’ve made the introduction to the “networking” process even easier and less intimidating through offices like Career Services which highlights networking events and job fairs on regular basis.
Moreover, the entire campus is invited to engage in important discussions about careers and career development issues every spring in March through Career Week.
The following two highlighted events sponsored during Career Week are specifically focused on fostering networking opportunities with UMBC alumni (often some of the most willing professionals to assist you with your career interests and questions):
Real Life After Graduation Program
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS QUESTION:
Come to 102 Academic Services, answer the question, and acquire a UMBC t-shirt with modern True Grit logo, plus enter our drawing for an iPod Touch!
Is the following statement true or false?
Effective networking only includes the use of electronic social media such as Linkedin or Facebook.
QUESTION FOR EXTRA-CREDIT READERS TO RESPOND TO IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW:
What networking techniques are you thinking about using to secure an internship or part-time job within a career field of interest for this summer (only 4 months away)?
