You might have plenty of Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat friends, but are you connected with professionals in your career field of interest? Networking and developing relationships with professionals are some of the most effective ways to learn how to navigate your career path. Who knows - someone in your professional network may provide an opportunity for you to take your first or next career step!
Below are a few tips on leveraging your social network to make professional connections!
Tip #1: Start building your networks through connections at UMBC!
Not sure where to start? Check out resources and connections right here on campus!
- Build Your Network: The Career Center regularly hosts networking events and job fairs (even now in our virtual format). Participate in informational interviews, Networking 101, and LinkedIn 101, or join the UMBC-Alumni-Student Networking Group on LinkedIn!
- Check out Career Month in April: Now is the time to be "Open to the Possibilities!" In addition to building your personal brand, you can attend events/presentations, grab badges, connect to the rest of the world, and explore professional options! Each week in April, we will explore different employment industries with their own industry fair/alumni engagement opportunities!
- Shriver Center: Many career networking and professional mentorship opportunities are available through the range of services, programs, and initiatives sponsored by the Shriver Center – especially concerning civic engagement and community-based service delivery.
- Leverage connections through your own academic departments: Academic Advisors, faculty and staff in your academic department can guide you to think about meaningful experiences, internships, research and more that you can add to your degree during your time at UMBC. These conversations are great to have during your advising appointments throughout the registration period as well!
Tip #2: Create a professional email and professional networking profile.
Retrievers Connect is a professional networking platform for UMBC students and alumni. In partnership with the Office of Alumni Engagement, the Career Center launched this new platform to connect alumni volunteers with students and other alumni to foster the career success of the UMBC community.
Don’t forget about Linkedin! Your LinkedIn profile serves as an interactive resume where you can list your professional experience and educational credentials. You can build connections by joining professional groups and searching/applying for jobs. There are over 68,000 UMBC alumni currently on LinkedIn! Learn about how to use LinkedIn Tools to build connections here!
Tip #3: Ask EVERYONE for advice, ideas, leads, and referrals.
You can gain much insight by listening to the fascinating and inspiring career stories of professionals in your field. Many professionals are happy to discuss their career pathways with aspiring professionals like you! Don’t be afraid to politely ask them if they could share a little time with you via phone, Zoom, or email. This could open the opportunity for you to discover critical facts and details about someone 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 volunteer assignments.
Tip #4: Follow up!
Always remember to follow up, follow up, and follow up (you get the point) – with your professional contacts! Maintaining your connections is vital, whether sending them emails every few months, a message through Retriever Connect, LinkedIn, or placing a call to check in. They'll be sure to come in handy when you are ready to make your next step!
Building and maintaining your professional network can take time, but leveraging your UMBC connections, as well as your personal connections, can help you move forward in your future career. We encourage you to take the time to explore these connections so you can envision your path forward! Happy Networking!