Professional NetworkingProfessional Networking

Michael WirthlinBrigham Young University, CHREC

Provo, Utah, USA

What is “Networking”?What is “Networking”?

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Professional NetworkingProfessional Networking

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Networking is establishing and maintaining informal relationships with people whose acquaintance or friendship could bring advantages such as job or business opportunities. In its simplest form, networking is talking to people, becoming acquainted or friendly with them, and building relationships by getting to know more about them. In professional networking, people want to learn more about others and their jobs and career experiences.

“Developing a Strong Professional Network”, Penn State Alumni Assoc.

What is a “Network”?What is a “Network”?

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What is a “Network”?What is a “Network”?

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“A set of friends who are willing to help each other professionally.”

Difference between Difference between “Professional” and “Professional” and “Social” networking“Social” networking Professional Networking

Look for and advertise jobs and career opportunities Interact with professional contacts Post resume and career qualifications Share opinions and knowledge about ones expertise

Social Networking Connect with family and friends remotely Share opinions and information with other people Find and build new friendships Share common interests

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Benefits of a Strong Benefits of a Strong NetworkNetwork Access to new job opportunities

50%-80% of all available jobs are never advertised

Access to important information Which class to take, which professor to take it from Industry trends or inside news Good advice What is the best neighborhood to live in?

Access to potential clients Access to employees

It can be very difficult to hire qualified technical people Companies that can hire “better” people are more successful

Access to important/influential people

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How do you build a How do you build a professional network?professional network?

Maintain relationships with those you know Keep track of the people you know

Address book, email addresses, online networking contacts Keep some notes on the people you know (you will forget!)

Keep in touch with the people you already know Email, facebook, instagram, Christmas cards

Send updates on changes in your profession (new job, etc.)

Develop new relationships Go out of your way to meet new people (even if it is hard) Participate in the “social” aspect of technical workshops Follow-up with those you meet

Quick, simple email (thank you, it was nice to meet you, etc.)

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How do you build a How do you build a professional network?professional network?

Participate in Web/Online activities Open source projects Contribute articles Provide well-written, thoughtful comments and responses Participate

Volunteer in community activities Talks

Accept invitations to talk about your expertise

Volunteer Work Volunteer to help in outreach activities (Chip Camp!)

Participate in community, non-professional activities

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Who should you include in Who should you include in your network?your network?

People you meet in school Your classmates, Faculty/Staff Visiting speakers, research collaborators Roommates

People you meet at work Boss, management, colleagues, salespeople, competitors Workshop attendees, speakers/presenters, experts

Church members Mission companions, home teachers, home teachees, ward members

BYU Alumni Neighbors and friends outside of your professional activities

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Reciprocity in Professional Reciprocity in Professional RelationshipsRelationships

Professional Relationships should be reciprocal You provide something of value to your relationship You gain something of value in your relationship

One way professional relationships do not last You consistently take more than you give

Go out of your way to help those in your network Provide recommendations, job advice Introduce relationships to others

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Networking Don’tsNetworking Don’ts Do NOT burn bridges

Avoid bad relationships at all costs The professional world is much smaller than you think

Use tact and diplomacy when leaving a job or addressing difficult circumstances

Do NOT “exploit” your network Multi-level marketing (“network” marketing)?

Do NOT be fake or insincere Do NOT “Take” more than you “Give” Do NOT damage your network with poor “online presence”

Inappropriate posts/images/comments`

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Networking ToolsNetworking Tools Business Cards

Easy, convenient way to share contact information physically A bit old-school, but still very useful

Bring a stack of cards when you travel Online networking

LinkedIn : Business-oriented social networking site Create an account and start adding “connections”

Facebook/MySpace, social network sites Less useful for professional networking but is used by

professionals for “background checks” Keep your social networking professional or private

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ResourcesResources

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https://www.mne.psu.edu/PSNES/Networking.pdf

http://lifehacker.com/how-to-skip-the-sleaze-and-build-a-real-professional-ne-510256651

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-b-fishbein/how-to-build-an-awesome-p_b_3762889.html

QuestionsQuestions

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