Networking March 31, 2011

 

There’s so much more that goes into a job search than responding to job postings.

If you’re looking to launch the start of a career journey in the field you’re passionate about and educated in, you’ve got to begin to learn the art of networking.

I say “art” because it’s personal and specific to you and the person you’re engaging. You want the journey to be genuine and fulfilling along the way, not just means to some end.

Why network?

Networking teaches, expands, exposes, enlightens, corrects and encourages.

It requires you to learn about another (person, company, field, etc.) and it allows the other to learn about you. Not JUST for the purpose of acquiring a job, but to grow in depth in your field.

There is a process, however, to effectively networking in an impactful way with professionals. It’s more than schmoozing and wearing a suit, it’s genuinely sharing who you are and being genuinely interested in who they are.

 

I like what this Monster article said:

Six Tips for College-Grad Networking

1. Show industry passion

New grads normally lack much relevant work experience, but you can still impress potential employers with your passion for the company and the industry. The following bullets are crucial pieces of information that a college grad should research to impress prospective employers.

a) The top three competitors in this industry
b) The company’s strengths/weaknesses
c) The company’s vision and values
d) Industry trends (social, economic, etc.)

2. Show interest in the person you are talking to

Like everyone else, a company’s representative will respond well to sincerity and will open up as job seekers ask them questions. Most people are happy to talk about themselves (what they do for a living, how they got involved with the company, etc.) so college grads should show some genuine interest in the person with whom they are speaking.

3. Make an “elevator speech”

It is necessary to create a brief 30-second speech in order to project a personal brand that sets you apart from other recent graduates seeking employment. If you haven’t had a corporate job yet, it will be hard to come up with a title for yourself, so focus on your skills and recent experience.

4. Formulate your goals

It is very important for entry-level job seekers to know the field and industry they want to get into. A good formula for articulating one’s career goals is to state the position you are looking for, your applicable skills, and what qualities you look for in a company. For example: “I want to obtain a marketing coordinator position where I can utilize my creativity and communication skills in a growing company that offers performance-based advancement.”

5. Don’t ask for a job

The ultimate goal of the job networking event for a recent college graduate may be to get a job, but they should never flat-out ask someone they just met for one. Instead, asking questions about the employer, showing knowledge about the industry and company, and talking about personal skills and qualifications will yield the best results. After this is done, a good way to inquire about jobs is to ask for advice on how to break into the industry. Most people will be kind enough to give the job seeker some insightful advice. Lastly, it is absolutely crucial to ask for referrals as well. If the company representative likes you, they may even suggest that they act as your referral for that particular company.

6. Networking is a two-way street

Job seekers who research prospective companies not only find out about company weaknesses but also discover what opportunities they are failing to realize. If a company is not heavily involved with social media, needs a fresh idea to reach a new target market, or has other problems, you should think of some solutions to offer during the networking event. Giving free advice to employers not only solidifies your image as a strong job applicant, but it makes you look less like someone who is just out to get a job without bothering to help out others in return.

 

For help in this area: contact our career counselor at sbaker@shorter.edu to make an appointment.

 

AND DON’T MISS OUR NETWORKING EVENT THIS TUESDAY!

“Shorter Connects” April 5, 6pm,  Chapel

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=174681142578448&ref=ts

 

 

 

 

Shorter Connects March 30, 2011

Gathering up awesome door prizes today for “Shorter Connects” THIS TUESDAY, April 5, 6pm I can’t wait to see you all! http://ow.ly/4pMCR

Get a head start. March 2, 2011

Ok think hard.

When was the last time you had a check-up? What about during college?

It’s so easy for college students to neglect their fitness and physical health.

You have the pressures of school, tests, clubs, internships, jobs, family, friends, relationships, sports, etc.

Most find it difficult to stay on top of eating properly, staying active and staying rested.

Most just try to make it through by downing mass amounts of caffeine and then crashing, while the next day vegging on snacks, ramen and pizza and not getting out of your pajamas. Not to mention all that goes on during those weekend parties. 😉

It’s a tale as old as time.

However, there is a choice.

The CDC website found here mentions some helpful tips for college students regarding staying on top of health issues.

*Don’t neglect getting check-ups. Most campuses have some kind of clinic that can provide basic care. (Ours is great, just sayin.) Check-ups can catch any issues early.

*Stay on top of vaccinations. Things like meningitis, human papillomavirus (HPV), tetanus, flu, and other diseases.

*Fight sleep deprivation and fatigue. Avoid stimulants as much as possible, have a consistent sleep schedule, try to avoid all-nighters and distractions during sleep time.

*Stay active. The CDC recommends at least 2 1/2 hours per week of activity that raises your heart rate and stretches and strengthens muscles.

*Try to stay balanced with your food choices. Don’t neglect your fruits and veggies. It’s normal to gain or lose weight during the college years, but stay aware to fluctuations.

*Maintain mental health. Stay aware of stressors, pressures, habits, anxieties, depression, etc. Develop a strong network of support. Don’t hesitate to talk to a counselor, pastor, friend or family member for any concerns.

*Avoid substance abuse and risky behavior. There can be a pressure to explore and try new things, including sexual exploration, drug and alcohol use, and just risky and unwise choices. The consequences can be academic, legal, sexual, relational, disease, accident or death.

*Make sure your relationships are healthy and supportive. Stay aware of whether you’re too isolated or stretched too thin. Identify those in your life who are safe, supportive and stable.

The task during the college years (besides getting that degree) really is to get to know yourself. Build this new identity, discover what you’re passionate about and where you want to go in the future. It is a natural time of exposure, change and exploration and inevitably leads to imbalance, temptation and confusion. But we are in control of our choices and have the power to stay wise and aware.

Also, you are surrounded by those who have a heart to walk with you during this journey. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of the care and resources available to you in all departments but especially in student affairs.

**One GREAT opportunity to get ahead on your physical health will be right here on campus.

Head to the *Austin Moses* room TUESDAY March 8 from 9am-1pm for Shorter’s free annual Health Fair.

There will be a multitude of vendors there to provide you with further information, resources, aid and check ups right there. There will be free testing, screening and advising and I heard that there might even be massages!

So come and get educated, exposed and tested so you can get a head start on your health this year. Students have left deeply impacted and changed by the simple awareness of where you are physically and how you can grow.