learning needs assessment › 2016 › 03 › learni… · michael di giacomo networking for a...
TRANSCRIPT
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
1
Networking for a Career Program
Needs Assessment Report By Michael Di Giacomo
Part 1. Background Project Description The Dean of Graduate students has requested a course to inform graduate students on the
benefits of career networking. This course is designed to give students the knowledge and
skills they need to aid them in their job hunt once they have completed their Master’s
degree at Concordia University. The target population for this course is Graduate students
who are in their graduating semester and will soon be ready to hit the job market.
About the Project
This report describes the underlying need for the course. To learn about
networking for a first job I consulted the following sources.
I consulted research documents on the subject of networking for your first job.
These documents contained advice and tips on proper career networking, highlighting
what is right and wrong. There are also tips and opinions on the subject of networking
from CEO’s and upper management of large corporations. Other documents consulted
were academic journals focusing on the benefits of networking for a career. Specific
sources: University of Maryland website, Columbia University website, The Washington
Post, LinkedIn, U.S News, and HelpGuide.
I observed three graduate students: James, Linda, and Frank. Each of these three
students is in their graduating year and is almost ready to hit the job market. I’ve been
observing their behaviors over the past few months and the ways in which they prepare
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
2
for this venture. I chose to observe them because this course is geared towards graduate
students and who better to observe to find out behaviors and approaches.
Part 2. Results
Restate the request:
The Dean of Graduate students has requested a course to inform graduate students on the
benefits of career networking. This course is designed to give students the knowledge and
skills they need to aid them in their job hunt once they have completed their Master’s
degree at Concordia University. The target population for this course is Graduate students
who are in their graduating semester and will soon be ready to hit the job market.
Business Need:
With the job market getting more competitive every year, more and more people
with Master’s degrees are looking for work. With Concordia offering a course to increase
a students’ chances of employment upon graduation this will ensure that students are well
prepared to network to help them find the job they are looking for. The business need
underlying the request is to generate revenue. This course will ensure that students find
the job they are looking for making ideal salaries rather than settling for a job that pays
much less.
Scenario of ideal performance:
John has graduated from Concordia in a Master’s program and he is ready to hit the job
market. Before he starts job hunting he reflects and prepares himself for that task. Taking
the course has given him this insight on how to properly prepare for this. He looks over
his CV assuring that he has properly listed and updated his work experience, academic
background as well as his learned skills. This paints the picture of who he is. He also
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
3
creates a LinkedIn profile so his credentials are on display for hiring managers to see.
Knowing that this may not be enough he does some networking. He starts with those
closest to him and he braches out from there. He attends networking events, where he
meets many people who are managers and in charge of hiring for their respective firms
and companies. John has extended his network and because of this practice he has tapped
into the underground job market upon which people can only be hired through word of
mouth. There are no postings online or anything, it is mainly through referral. This
increases the probability if getting hired and has put John ones step ahead of most people
in the job market. This will surely help him find a job within 6 months of graduating from
Concordia University.
Scenario in current performance:
John has graduated from Concordia in a Master’s program and he is ready to hit the job
market. His first instinct is to start applying blindly. Figuring that his CV was good
enough to get him part time jobs in the past that it is good enough to pass around for his
career after grad school. Figuring because he is a graduate student what company would
not want to hire him. Without presenting himself on professional social networks, he
starts searching the Internet for jobs. Quickly realizing that the job market is very bleak
on the Internet he decides that he needs to do something more so he decides to go to a
networking event. He does so without consulting if anyone in his network knows of any
opportunities. At this networking event he introduces himself to hiring managers of large
firms and companies. He decides to hand out business cards that he has printed. Having
not done any research about the people that he meets, he feels that if he does all the
question asking and seems eager that they will want to hire him because of his
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
4
enthusiasm. John does all the talking, and a year has gone by and he still has not found a
job after graduation.
Performance Gap:
The difference here is that in the second scenario, John is making many mistakes that
people make when they are done school. They think their degree is the only thing they
need to land that dream job. So by not understanding how important a network is, defines
a gap in performance. Proper networking etiquette is also required, as it may be the
difference between employment and unemployment. Maintaining your network helps
create a relationship that will serve a purpose one day later on in life.
Tasks in current performance:
End Result: Learners have great difficulty finding a job upon graduating from Concordia
University
v Unaware of who is part of their network, learners job hunt without consulting
their network
v Inquire only about jobs posted online
§ Unaware of the underground job market
- Underground job market defined as the unadvertised job market
• Hiring done by referral
• Unaware that the job market is made up primarily of
unadvertised job opportunities
§ Attend networking events that are not relevant to their interests
§ Assuming all job opportunities are online, learners minimally consult
sources such as newspapers
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
5
§ Lack image management skills, leading to weak LinkedIn profiles with a
low number of views
v Attend networking events unprepared
§ Unaware of who they are meeting
§ Hand out CV’s that are dated
§ Prepare an unclear introduction of themselves
§ Unsure about what it is they want to do
Tasks in ideal performance:
End Result: Upon realizing the competitiveness and size of the job market, learners use
networking practices to help them find a job within 6 months of graduating from
Concordia University
Main task 1:
v Define networking and the role it plays in job hunting
§ Define a network as a group of supporters who serve as resources for your job
search and ultimately your career.
§ State why it is important to use networking as a practice
- Recognize people do business primarily with people they know and
trust.
- Networking makes you a recommended member of a much smaller
pool of applicants.
- State that the job you want may not be advertised at all.
§ State the benefits that come from networking
- Find your first job
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
6
- Makes you more visible within your field
- Find a suitable mentor
- Aids in your professional development
§ List the different types of networking
- List one-on-one meeting which are planned and usually take place in
someone’s office.
- List attending a reception or break time during an association meeting
• Define a reception as a networking event or any type of formal
event.
• Define an association is defined as group of people with a common
purpose or common interests.
o Note that Concordia has many associations, which are formed
by each faculty. (Ex. Geography Undergraduate Student
Society, Political Science Students Association, Urban
Planning Association, etc.).
o Note that the neighborhood you live in has associations in it as
well. (Ex. Centre des femmes de St. Laurent, YMCA, etc.)
o Note that cultural associations also exist in Montreal (Ex. Casa
d’Italia, Jamaican Association of Montreal, Ukrainian
Community of Montreal, etc.)
- List casual conversations, which occur spontaneously.
Main Task 2:
v List 4 networking tips for students
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
7
§ List “play the student card” as the first tip
- Identify alumni as a source of information and feedback due to their
expertise in the field/industry
- Explain that there is less pressure in asking for advice as a student
- Request an informational interview
• Explain that it is easier to interview a professor while you are still
a student as you have increased contact with them
• State that by starting off as a student these contacts are more
likely to help you when you transition to the work force.
§ List “get an internship” as the second tip
- Explain the value of an internship
• Explain that an internship puts you ahead of other job seekers.
• Explain that it gives you real-life experience to put on your
resume.
• Explain that it puts you in the eyesight of people who work in
your field of choice.
- Explain what can be acquired through an internship
• Recognize the work skills acquired.
• Recognize the work contacts that are acquired.
§ List “use your parents’ friends as resources” as the third tip
- Recognize the decades of experience that their parents’ friends have.
- Explain that parents’ friends are a source of expertise when it comes to
networking as they have their own contacts
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
8
- Explain they will be around even after you graduate so it is easy to
maintain contact with them.
§ List “use social media” as the fourth tip
- Use social media for connecting with people you may know.
- Explain that social media is an easy way to keep in touch while on a busy
school schedule.
- Explain that is an easy way to contact people in the industry/field of
choice.
Main Task 3:
v List the steps to prepare for your first networking event
§ Define an interviewee as someone whom you approach at a networking event
and begin to speak to about employment opportunities
§ List the first step as prepare a concise one-minute introduction of yourself
- State your educational background
- State any relevant skills which you have
- State that it is important to make a good first impression
§ List the second step as prepare a set of questions to ask
- Prepare questions that gauge job satisfaction
• Ask what they like most about their work
• Ask what they like least about their work
- Prepare questions that gauge how demanding the job is
• Ask what a typical workday looks like
• Ask what a typical work week looks like
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
9
• Ask how challenging balancing business and family is
- Prepare questions that gauge the success of the interviewee
• Ask what education you need to remain successful in the field
• Ask what sort of experience you need to remain successful in the
field
- Prepare questions that gauge the expertise of the interviewee
• Ask what a young person can do to break into the field
• Ask about future career opportunities in the field
• Ask whom they would recommend to speak to and can they be
used as a reference
§ List the third step as practice your communication skills
- Identify learned communication skills that need to be mastered for
effective communication
• Identify “attentive listening” skills
o Define “attentive listening” as recognizing how the speaker
feels about the information they are giving
o State how to “attentively listen”
♦ Focus fully on the speaker
♦ Avoid interrupting the speaker
♦ Show the speaker that you are interested in what they are
saying
• Recognize “non-verbal communication” cues
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
10
o Define “non-verbal communication” as wordless
communication, or body language, including facial
expressions, body movement and gestures, eye contact,
posture, and tone of voice.
o State the difference between open and closed body language
cues
♦ Identify open body language cues
Ø Keep your arms uncrossed
Ø Stand with and open stance
Ø Sit on the edge of your seat
Ø Maintain eye contact with the person you’re talking
to.
♦ Identify closed body language cues such
Ø Look for arms being crossed
Ø Look for legs being crossed at the same time as arms
Ø Identify looking down or away
- Identify skills that help when communication is breaking down
between you and your interviewee
• Identify “stress management” skills to help deal with stress while
communicating
o Recognize you are becoming stressed in order to stop it
from happening. By looking for cues you can recognize if
you are stressed.
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
11
♦ Check if your muscles are tight
♦ Check if your hands are clenched
♦ Check if your breath is shallow
o Identify what to do to calm down when you become
stressed
♦ Take a few deep breaths
♦ Clench and relax your muscles
♦ Take a walk outside
♦ Bring your senses to the rescue
Ø Senses are defined as sense of smell, taste, sound,
sight, and touch
Ø Wearing a favorite cologne of perfume can help
keep you calm
Ø Having a photo of your family nearby can help keep
you calm
• Develop “emotional awareness” to help understand not only
yourself but others as well.
o “Emotional awareness” is defined as knowing your own
feelings and the feelings of others to truly understand the
meanings of messages conveyed.
o Identify that ignoring your emotions will impair your
ability to fully understand others and build strong
connections.
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
12
Main Task 4:
v Define proper networking management
§ Define networking management as prioritizing your contacts and maintaining
communication with them
§ Define your “weak” and “strong” ties
- Define “weak ties” as ties which are less established
• Include ties with people you just met (ex. new classmates)
• Include ties with acquaintances (ex. neighbors)
• Remember it is about quality and not the quantity of relationships
- Define “strong ties” as ties that occupy your inner circle
• Include ties with family (ex. cousin)
• Include ties with friends (ex. childhood friend)
- Identify the challenges of having too many “strong” ties
• Identify that it requires a lot of time
• Identify that it requires a lot of energy
- Identify the benefit of newly acquired “weak” ties
§ State the importance of maintaining your network as these relationships may
serve a purpose later on in your career
- Maintain is defined as nurturing your network relationships
- Identify ways of maintaining networks
• Schedule time with your contacts
o Reconnect with your contact in a face-to-face meeting
o Reconnect with your contact over the phone
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
13
• Remember to reciprocate, as your goal is to build a beneficial
relationship
o Remember to send thank you notes
o Remember to send thank you emails
The Learners:
General Demographics:
• Between the ages of 25 and 50
• Must be a graduate student
• Must have a completed Undergraduate Degree
• Must be living in the city of Montreal
• Some students may already have a part time job in their field of study
• Some students may have a part time job in the service industry
Learner Profiles:
High Maintenance:
James has just graduated from his M.B.A program at the John Molson School of
Business. Throughout his academic career he was a student that liked to stay one step
ahead of the game. He is a very motivated individual and has never had anything handed
over to him. He lives with a couple of roommates just outside of the downtown area of
Montreal. Before leaving home he was close to his brother and wanted to follow in his
footsteps. His brother Allen graduated from an M.B.A program as well. His brother did
not research, prepare or branch out to anyone in his network when it came time to find a
job. This has James a little bit nervous about trying to find a job so he wants to ensure
that he does everything in his power to increase his chances of finding work after
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
14
graduation. This course is very important to him as he as seen what can happen if you are
not prepared and organized when you job hunt after graduation. His motivation makes
him a prime candidate for this course and he feels that he needs to participate and get as
much information as possible in order to prepare himself for his job hunt. He wants to get
as much out of this as possible.
Average maintenance:
Linda has just graduated from an MSc of Finance from the John Molson School
of Business. She did the degree part-time, and worked while she was doing it. She has
been working at RBC as a Financial Service Representative. She got this job while she
was completing her Undergraduate degree, as this is relevant to her field of study. She
got a job as a teller at the bank and has taken courses offered by the bank to move up and
change positions. She is happy with her current situation but is always looking to move
up within the bank. She is very driven and her network is composed mainly of people
who work in the field already. By already working in the field for her it is not a matter of
finding a first job but a matter of getting promoted due to her graduate degree. For her
this course is a means of expanding her knowledge on networking practices. She has
always been an independent person so whatever she can take from this course and use she
will, but there is much that she doesn’t need. With the bank there are many networking
events that take place and she has never really had to network before so she can benefit
from this course. She can benefit from tips on how to prepare for a networking event and
also how to properly network. She will not need to be engaged with the whole course as
she already has a job.
Low maintenance:
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
15
Frank has just graduated from his MEng program in Civil Engineering at
Concordia University. He did his degree full time and never really had a job as his
parents have paid his way through school. He still lives at home with them. They are a
wealthy family as his dad is a well-known engineer throughout the city of Montreal. He
has never really had much to worry about or balance while he was in school so he has
done well. Knowing that he has his parents to fall back on, mainly his dad who has a
rather vast network of friends employed in the field of engineering Frank is not to
worried about finding a job after graduating. His dad has forced him to take this course so
that he can attend networking events and will be somewhat prepared when he does so. He
has always had something to fall back on so with that stressed removed he has never been
an overly needy student. This will help him while he takes this course as anything at all
that he can pick up that will help him he’ll use. He is not going out of his way to be
engaged.
Characteristics of the learning environment
• Time – Must take into account that graduate students have very busy schedules
and that learners may not have the time to take on an extra course.
• Prior knowledge and experience of the learners – Must take into account that
some learners have already gone through the process of getting a part time and
feel that those practices will transfer into landing a career.
• Applicability – Must take into account that students from a wide range of
disciplines are taking the course so it must be kept as general as possible.
Constraints on the Project
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
16
• It is a Concordia University course so it must conform to the University’s
editorial, design and technical guidelines.
• The Dean of Graduate Students would like the program to be available before
winter convocation. By December 10th, 2015.
• There are minimal funds allocated to the project
Part 3. Objectives and Evaluations
Business Objective
The business objective is to generate revenue through students using networking
practices to guide them in their job hunt. By having students better prepared the Dean of
Graduate students would like to have 75% of Concordia Graduate students in the
workforce within 6 months time.
As per the University of Maryland Career Center 10 to 20% of jobs are published
meaning that 80 to 90% of jobs are hidden from the market. This makes a course on
networking all the more necessary to ensure that students understand the benefits of using
networking as a job-hunting strategy.
(http://www.careercenter.umd.edu/page.cfm?page_id=41)
Content Objective
By completing this 30-minute course students assure themselves to be prepared when
they are ready to hit the job market. They put themselves in a better position to find the
job they are looking for making an ideal salary within 6 months time.
Main and Supporting Objectives
*Note: If no condition of performance is specified, it is assumed that the learners
must complete the task at a 100 percent level of accuracy.
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
17
v Define networking and the role it plays in job hunting
§ Define a network as a group of supporters who serve as resources for your job
search and ultimately your career.
§ State why it is important to use networking as a practice
- Recognize people do business primarily with people they know and
like.
- Networking makes you a recommended member of a much smaller
pool of applicants.
- State that the job you want may not be advertised at all.
§ State the benefits that come from networking
- Find your first job
- Makes you more visible within your field
- Find a suitable mentor
- Aids in your professional development
§ List the different types of networking
- List one-on-one meeting which are planned and usually take place in
someone’s office
- List attending a reception or break time during an association meeting
• Define a reception as a networking event or any type of formal
event.
• Define an association is defined as group of people with a common
purpose or common interests.
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
18
o Note that Concordia has many associations, which are formed
by each faculty. (Ex. Geography Undergraduate Student
Society, Political Science Students Association, Urban
Planning Association, etc.).
o Note that the neighborhood you live in has associations in it as
well. (Ex. Centre des femmes de St. Laurent, YMCA, etc.)
o Note that cultural associations also exist in Montreal (Ex. Casa
d’Italia, Jamaican Association of Montreal, Ukrainian
Community of Montreal, etc.)
- List casual conversations, which occur spontaneously.
v Given a scenario, list 4 networking tips for students
§ Given a scenario, list and explain “play the student card” as the first tip
- Identify alumni as a source of information and feedback due to their
expertise in the field/industry
- Explain that there is less pressure in asking for advice as a student
- Request an informational interview
• Explain that it is easier to interview a professor while you are still
a student as you have increased contact with them
• State that by starting off as a student these contacts are more
likely to help you when you transition to the work force.
§ Given a scenario, list and explain “get an internship” as the second tip
- Explain the value of an internship
• Explain that an internship puts you ahead of other job seekers.
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
19
• Explain that it gives you real-life experience to put on your
resume.
• Explain that it puts you in the eyesight of people who work in
your field of choice.
- Explain what can be acquired through and internship
• Recognize the work skills acquired.
• Recognize the work contacts that are acquired.
§ Given a scenario, list and explain “use your parents’ friends as resources” as
the third tip
- Recognize the decades of experience that their parents’ friends have.
- Explain that parents’ friends are a source of expertise when it comes to
networking as they have their own contacts
- Explain they will be around even after you graduate so it is easy to
maintain contact with them.
§ Given a scenario, list and explain “use Twitter strategically” as the fourth tip
- Use Twitter for connecting with people you may know.
- Explain that Twitter is an easy way to keep in touch while on a busy
school schedule.
- Explain that is an easy way to contact people in the industry/field of
choice.
v Given a scenario, list the steps to prepare for your first networking event
§ Define an interviewee as someone whom you approach at a networking event and
begin to speak to about employment opportunities and feedback
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
20
§ Given a scenario, list prepare a concise one-minute introduction of yourself as the
first step
- State your educational background
- State any relevant skills which you have
- State that it is important to make a good first impression
§ Given a scenario, list prepare a set of questions to ask as the second step
- Prepare questions that gauge job satisfaction
• Ask what they like most about their work
• Ask what they like least about their work
- Prepare question that gauge how demanding the job is
• Ask what a typical workday looks like
• Ask what a typical work week looks like
• Ask how challenging balancing business and family is
- Prepare questions that gauge the success of the interviewee
• Ask what education you need to remain successful in the field
• Ask what sort of experience you need to remain successful in the
field
- Prepare questions that gauge the expertise of the interviewee
• Ask what a young person can do to break into the field
• Ask about future career opportunities in the field
• Ask whom they would recommend to speak to and can they be
used as a reference
§ Given a scenario, list practice your communication skills as the third step
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
21
- Identify learned communication skills that need to be mastered for
effective communication
• Identify “attentive listening” skills
o Define “attentive listening” as recognizing how the speaker
feels about the information they are giving
o State how to “attentively listen”
♦ Focus fully on the speaker
♦ Avoid interrupting the speaker
♦ Show the speaker that you are interested in what they are
saying
• Recognize “non-verbal communication” cues
o Define “non-verbal communication” as wordless
communication, or body language, including facial
expressions, body movement and gestures, eye contact,
posture, and tone of voice.
o State the difference between open and closed body language
cues
♦ Identify open body language cues
Ø Keep your arms uncrossed
Ø Stand with and open stance
Ø Sit on the edge of your seat
Ø Maintain eye contact with the person you’re talking
to.
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
22
♦ Identify closed body language cues such
Ø Look for arms being crossed
Ø Look for legs being crossed at the same time as arms
Ø Identify looking down or away
- Identify skills that help when communication is breaking down
between you and your interviewee
• Identify “stress management” skills to help deal with stress while
communicating
o Recognize you are becoming stressed in order to stop it
from happening. By looking for cues you can recognize if
you are stressed.
♦ Check if your muscles are tight
♦ Check if your hands are clenched
♦ Check if your breath is shallow
o Identify what to do to calm down when you become
stressed
♦ Take a few deep breaths
♦ Clench and relax your muscles
♦ Take a walk outside
♦ Bring your senses to the rescue
Ø Senses are defined as sense of smell, taste, sound,
sight, and touch
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
23
Ø Wearing a favorite cologne of perfume can help
keep you calm
Ø Having a photo of your family nearby can help keep
you calm
• Develop “emotional awareness” to help understand not only
yourself but others as well.
o “Emotional awareness” is defined as knowing your own
feelings and the feelings of others to truly understand the
meanings of messages conveyed.
o Identify that ignoring your emotions will impair your
ability to fully understand others and build strong
connections.
v Define proper networking management
§ Define networking management as prioritizing your contacts and maintaining
communication with them
§ Identify your “weak” and “strong” ties
- Define “weak ties” as ties which are less established
• Include ties with people you just met (ex. new classmates)
• Include ties with acquaintances (ex. neighbors)
• Remember it is about quality and not the quantity of relationships
- Define “strong ties” as ties that occupy your inner circle
• Include ties with family (ex. cousin)
• Include ties with friends (ex. childhood friend)
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
24
- Identify the challenges of having too many “strong” ties
• Identify that it requires a lot of time
• Identify that it requires a lot of energy
- Identify the benefit of newly acquired “weak” ties
§ State the importance of maintaining your network
- Maintain is defined as nurturing your network relationships
- Identify ways of maintaining networks
• Schedule time with your contacts
o Reconnect with your contact in a face-to-face meeting
o Reconnect with your contact over the phone
• Remember to reciprocate, as your goal is to build a beneficial
relationship
o Remember to send thank you notes
o Remember to send thank you emails
Evaluations Satisfaction Survey (Level 1 Kirkpatrick) (Adapted from Training Design Basics, 2015 by Saul Carliner)
Your opinion, Please
1. In a word, how would you describe this program?
__________________________________________________________________
2. Using a number, how would you describe this program?
1 2 3 4 5
Abysmal Average Outstanding
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
25
3. How much did you know about career networking before doing this program?
1 2 3 4 5
Nothing Some A lot
After doing the program?
1 2 3 4 5
Nothing Some A lot
4. How likely are you to use some or all of the skills taught in this program in your
everyday life?
1 2 3 4 5
Not at all Not sure Very Likely
5. The best part of this program was:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
6. The one thing that could improve this program most is:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Level 2 – Evaluation
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
26
Main objective 1: Define networking and the role it plays in job hunting
Supporting objectives: Define a network as a group of supporters who serve as
resources for your job search and ultimately your career, state why it is important to use
networking as a practice, state the benefits that come from networking, list the different
types of networking.
Question #1: Which of the following best defines networking?
A. A means of meeting people who will serve a purpose when it comes time to find a job
B. Attending events for the sole purpose of finding a job
C. Contacting a group of acquaintances that you go see to apply for a job
D. Contacting a group of friends that you go to see to apply for a job
Answers:
A. Correct – This is the correct answer because networking is meeting people who will
serve a purpose when it comes time to find a job
B. Not Correct – Networking is not only done to find a job but to make contacts, get
feedback and acquire as much information as possible about the industry/field
C. Not Correct- Once again networking is not done solely for the purpose of finding a
job
D. Not correct – Again networking is not done solely for the purpose of finding a job
Question #2: Which of the following best describes what a network is?
A. A group of friends that work at a company you are interested in working at
B. A group of people with similar interests as your own
C. A group of supporters who serve as resources for your job search
D. A group of people whom you come in contact with from time to time
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
27
Answers:
A. Not Correct – Your network is not only your friends but can be family, faculty and
acquaintances.
B. Not Correct – Your network does not only consist of people who have the same
interests as you.
C. Correct – This is correct because your network is a group that will support you
throughout your job search and career
D. Not Correct – This can be true but it is too vague and there is no purpose stated for
the contact
Question #3: Which of the following is not a benefit that comes from networking?
A. Networking helps you find your first job
B. Networking makes you more visible within your field C. Networking guarantees you a job D. Networking aid in your professional development Answers: A. Not Correct – This is actually a benefit that comes from networking as it does indeed help in your job hunt B. Not Correct – This is also true as you meet many people involved in the field and you introduce yourself to them C. Correct – Networking does not guarantee you a job but it does help your chances D. Not Correct – This is true as it causes you to act more professional Main Objective #2: Given a scenario, list 4 networking tips for students
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
28
Supporting Objectives: List “play the student card” as the first tip, list “get an
internship” as the second tip, list “use your parents’ friends as resources” as the third tip,
list “use Twitter strategically” as the fourth tip
Question #1: Your friend is currently enrolled in a graduate program at Concordia
University. They want to start networking as soon as possible making many contacts,
which will lead to job opportunities later on. Knowing that you have completed a course
on networking they come to you for advice. List and explain the first tip that you would
give your friend.
Answer Rubric:
3 on 3 2 on 3 1 on 3 0 on 3
• Lists “play the
student card” as
the first tip.
• For explanation
lists all sub-
supporting
objectives:
- Identify alumni
as a source of
information and
feedback due to
their expertise in
the
field/industry
- There is less
pressure in
asking for
• Lists “play the
student card”
• Only partially
lists the sub-
supporting
objectives as
explanation.
• Lists only “play
the student card”
• Fails to list the
sub-supporting
objectives as
explanation.
• Fails to list the
supporting
objective as well
as any sub-
supporting
objectives.
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
29
advice as a
student
- Request an
informational
interview
Question #2: Bobby is a graduate student doing an M.B.A at the John Molson School of
Business. He is currently in his last semester and would like to start building his network
in order to be ahead of the game when he graduates and needs to start looking for work.
Bobby wants a way to stand out. List and explain what tip you would give Bobby.
Answer Rubric:
Question #3: Jenna is a graduate student of the Educational Technology program at
Concordia University. She is eager to network, and has already tapped into all of her
3 on 3 2 on 3 1 on 3 0 on 3
• Lists “get an
internship” as
the second tip.
• For explanation
lists all sub-
supporting
objectives:
- Explain the
value of an
internship
- Explain what
can be acquired
through an
internship
• Lists “get an
internship”
• Only partially
lists the sub-
supporting
objectives as
explanation.
• Lists only “get an
internship”
• Fails to list the
sub-supporting
objectives as
explanation.
• Fails to list the
supporting
objective as well
as any sub-
supporting
objectives.
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
30
teachers and now would like some secondary expertise but she does not know who to
turn to. She has even asked her parents for advice. With this information, list and explain
the next step that Jenna should take.
Answer Rubric:
3 on 3 2 on 3 1 on 3 0 on 3
• Lists “use your
parents’ friends
as resources” as
the third tip.
• For explanation
lists all sub-
supporting
objectives:
- Recognize the
decades of
experience that
their parents
friends have
- Parents’ friends
are a source of
expertise when
it comes to
networking as
they have their
own contacts
- They will be
around even
• Lists “use your
parents’ friends
as resources”
• Only partially
lists the sub-
supporting
objectives as
explanation.
• Lists only “use
your parents’
friends as
resources”
• Fails to list the
sub-supporting
objectives as
explanation.
• Fails to list the
supporting
objective as well
as any sub-
supporting
objectives.
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
31
Question #4: Robert is a graduate student at Concordia University and is on a very busy
schedule. With his very heavy schedule he wants to take on the task of networking while
he is a student because he will be well prepared for the real world when he graduates
from school. He has class 5 days a week and his field of choice has members who are
spread out all over Canada. Knowing that Robert is on a tight schedule, list and explain
what step Robert should take to network while he is a student?
Answer Rubric:
after you
graduate so it is
easy to maintain
contact with
them
3 on 3 2 on 3 1 on 3 0 on 3
• Lists “use
strategically” as
the fourth tip.
• For explanation
lists all sub-
supporting
objectives:
- For connecting
with people we
may know
- Is an easy way
to keep in touch
while on a busy
schedule
• Lists “use
strategically”
• Only partially
lists the sub-
supporting
objectives as
explanation.
• Lists only “use
strategically”
• Fails to list the
sub-supporting
objectives as
explanation.
• Fails to list the
supporting
objective as well
as any sub-
supporting
objectives.
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
32
Main Objective #3: Given a scenario, list the steps to prepare for your first networking
event.
Supporting Objectives: Define an interviewee as someone whom you approach at a
networking event and begin to speak about employment opportunities and feedback.
Given a scenario, list prepare a concise one-minute introduction of yourself as the first
step, Given a scenario, list prepare a set of questions to ask as the second step, Given a
scenario list practice your communication skills as the third step.
Question #1: Jacob has just graduated from the John Molson School of Business in an
M.B.A program. He sees that the school is holding a networking event for students who
hold M.B.A’s. This event is rather important to Jacob, as it will be his first networking
event. List and explain the first step that Jacob should take in order to prepare for his first
networking event.
Answer Rubric:
- It is an easy way
to contact
people in the
industry/field of
choice
3 on 3 2 on 3 1 on 3 0 on 3
• Lists prepare a
concise one-
minute
introduction of
• Lists prepare a
concise one-
minute
introduction of
• Lists only prepare
a concise one-
minute
introduction of
• Fails to list the
supporting
objective as well
as any sub-
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
33
Question #2: Marcel is set to attend his first networking event at Concordia. Marcel is
extremely curious as to what exactly the job entails. This feedback may make or break
Marcel’s decision. Aware on how to engage in conversation with someone, list and
explain the second step Marcel should take in order to prepare for his first networking
event.
Answer Rubric:
yourself as first
step.
• For explanation
lists all sub-
supporting
objectives:
- State
educational
background
- State any
relevant skills
which you have
- State that it is
important to
make a good
first impression
yourself
• Only partially
lists the sub-
supporting
objectives as
explanation.
yourself
• Fails to list the
sub-supporting
objectives as
explanation.
supporting
objectives.
3 on 3 2 on 3 1 on 3 0 on 3
• Lists prepare a
set of questions
to ask as second
step.
• Lists prepare a
set of questions
to ask
• Only partially
• Lists only prepare
a set of questions
to ask
• Fails to list the
• Fails to list the
supporting
objective as well
as any sub-
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
34
Question #3: Sarah is a graduate student at Concordia University. She has always been a
shy person so to get out there and talk to people can be a little nerve wrecking for her.
She is set on what she wants to get out of the networking event, but is unclear on how to
do so. Given this information, list and explain which step Sarah should take in order to
prepare for her first networking event.
Answer Rubric:
• For explanation
lists all sub-
supporting
objectives:
- Prepare
questions that
gauge job
satisfaction
- Prepare
questions that
gauge how
demanding the
job is
- Prepare
questions that
gauge the
success of the
interviewee
- Prepare
questions that
gauge the
expertise of the
interviewee
lists the sub-
supporting
objectives as
explanation.
sub-supporting
objectives as
explanation.
supporting
objectives.
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
35
Main Objective #4: Define proper networking management
Supporting Objectives: Define networking management as prioritizing your contacts
and maintaining communication with them, Identify your “weak” and “strong” ties, state
the importance of maintaining your network.
Question #1: Which of the following best defines networking management?
3 on 3 2 on 3 1 on 3 0 on 3
• Lists practice
your
communication
skills as the third
step
• For explanation
lists all sub-
supporting
objectives:
- Identify learned
communication
skills that need
to be mastered
for effective
communication
- Identify skills
that help when
communication
is breaking
down between
you and your
interviewee
• Lists practice
your
communication
skills
• Only partially
lists the sub-
supporting
objectives as
explanation.
• Lists practice
your
communication
skills
• Fails to list the
sub-supporting
objectives as
explanation.
• Fails to list the
supporting
objective as well
as any sub-
supporting
objectives.
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
36
A. Prioritizing your contacts and maintaining communication with them
B. Prioritizing your contacts C. Maintaining communication with those in your network D. Maintaining order of when and how you met everyone in your network Answers: A. Correct – This is correct as it mention both priority and maintaining communication B. Not Correct – This is an incomplete statement C. Not Correct– This is not a definition of networking management but network maintenance D. Not Correct– When and how you met is irrelevant Question #2: Which of the following best describes network management? A. Consulting your network to get a job, send them a thank you note and then never contact them again because they served their purpose. B. Identifying the contacts with the greatest upside and spending the bulk of your time maintaining contact with them. C. Identifying the contacts with the least amount of upside and spending the very little time maintaining contact with them. D. Identify which ties are “strong” and which are “weak” and maintain contact with them in proportion to how strong a tie you have with them. Answer: A. Not Correct – You always want to maintain constant contact with your network B. Not Correct – You contact both weak and strong ties as they serve different purposes C. Not Correct - You contact both weak and strong ties as they serve different purposes D. Correct – This is the correct answer as you must constantly keep contact and you spend more time with stronger ties than with weaker ties
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
37
Question #3: What are some of the challenges of networking management? A. Requires a lot of time and energy B. Requires a lot of time and money C. Requires a lot of money and energy D. Requires you to know a lot of people Answers: A. Correct – This is the right answer, as networking management takes up a lot of time and energy B. Not Correct – This is only partially true C. Not Correct – This is only partially true D. Not Correct – This is only partially true Sources: Job Networking Tips by John E. Kobara (2015)
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/work-career/job-networking-tips.htm#making
6 Ways to Network While You’re in College by Alexis Grant (2011)
http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2011/09/28/6-ways-to-
network-while-youre-in-college
Networking Tips to Help You Land Your First Job by Miriam Salpter (2015)
http://www.keppiecareers.com/networking-tips-to-help-you-land-your-first-job/
Michael Di GiacomoNetworking for a career Needs Assessment
38
Skills – Networking and Information Interviewing by the University of Columbia Career
Education Center (2015)
https://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/resources/tipsheets/skills-networking-
informational-interviewing
Networking 101 by Sakina Rangwala (October 9, 2012)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/jobs_articles/2012/10/09/dbb7d628-121d-11e2-
be82-c3411b7680a9_story.html
Network Your Way to a Job or Internship by Thomas J. Denham of the University of
Maryland (2012) http://www.careercenter.umd.edu/page.cfm?page_id=41
Carliner, S. (2015.) Training Design Basics, second edition. Alexandria, VA: ATD