Networking

Identify and ask friends, family members, faculty, and, most importantly, alumni (ae)) to assist with (research before job search), employment, graduate school admissions, and internship efforts. Also, "internetworking" now means using the www. Network contacts are constantly updated regarding your efforts and status. Use the www for employment and internship communications, resume transmission, graduate and professional school exploration, standardized testing, and application undertakings.

Through person-to-person networking you gather, analyze, then prioritize information regarding academic, employment and experimental options. Always clarify in your mind, then share with contacts, whether you are conducting pResearch, internship search, or job search efforts; seeking information only, internship search or job search support and consideration.

Always initiate the process with a phone call! While you can e-mail prior, introducing yourself and stating that you will soon follow with a call, and some alumni(ae) request that calls be preceded by a more formal communiques, it is most often best to pick up the phone and call.

"Hello. My name is I.M. Curious, a Junior at U of R. I obtained your name from the Alumni Network and I would like to conduct an information conversation. I am very interested in learning about your career field and your professional and academic biography. If appropriate, I would like some job search advice. Is this a convenient time to talk for 10-15 minutes, or should I call back at a specific time and date? I do have a few questions prepared. Would it be easier if we communicated by e-mail?"

Lists of questions should be prepared prior to your calls. Use your lists when conducting in-person and telephone inquiries. Potential questions include:

• What is your job title and the nature of your position?
• What would a typical entry-level position in the field be today?
• What skills or talents would be required to succeed within the field an d how can I nurture these?
• Are special credentials, degrees, or licenses required?
• Did you attend graduate or professional school, or any specialized skills-building programs?
• What employers hire undergraduate interns or bachelors degree holders seeking to enter the fields?
• If I am interested in seeking an internship, finding a post graduation position, or applying to graduate school related to your field, what specific advice would you give?
• Is there a special project or two I could complete for you over the next 2-4 weeks (2-4 months)?
• Can you suggest other individuals (ideally 3) I could talk to regarding career information, or who could offer job search consideration?

Email with any questions