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:
• How do I know if what I want to do after graduation is really right for me?
• What specifically will employers and graduate 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.
You may have access to working professionals through your family, faith community, 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 the Career Center which hosts networking events and job fairs on a regular basis:
Finally, the entire campus is invited to engage in important discussions about careers and career development issues through engagement in Career Crush.
The following five highlighted events sponsored during Career Crush 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.
Sweeten Up Your Network - Tuesday, April 12, 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM - Skylight Room
Medical Professions Alumni Panel - Thursday, April 14, 12 – 1:00 PM - The Commons, 331
Young Alumni - Monday, April 18, 12 – 1:00 PM - The Commons, 331
Balancing Career Expectations with Reality - Tuesday, April 19, 12 – 1:00 PM - The Commons, 331
Global Employment - Thursday, April 21, 12 – 1:00 PM - The Commons, 221
We also highly recommend taking advantage of the many career networking and professional mentorship opportunities which are available through the range of services, programs and initiatives sponsored by the Shriver Center - especially with respect to civic engagement and community based service delivery.
BONUS LINK:
EXTRA CREDIT NETWORKING POLL
After reading the content and exploring the links in this networking message, I plan to:
