Careers resource Networking events

Alumnae careers resources:

From surviving to thriving at networking events

Is it better to be interesting or interested?

Lots of people get nervous meeting new people. Help put others at ease not by a monologue about your achievements – amazing though they might be – but through showing an interest in others. What brought them to the event? What do they enjoy most about their job?

Thinking in this way means that networking can be a fun and knowledge boosting activity for introverts as well as extroverts.

First impressions count.

It is worth thinking ahead about how you are going to introduce yourself. Will you talk about your present situation or future goals?

Can you concisely outline your interests?

A confident handshake (yes, it still matters!), dressing for the occasion and a thoughtful introduction will help you feel more confident and create a good first impression.

Have a plan for who you want to talk to - and don’t!

It’s okay to politely leave a conversation.

You don’t have to say ‘I’m off to the loo’ (unless you really need to!). It is absolutely fine to say ‘I enjoyed meeting you, thank you for sharing advice/information on X (be specific). I am going to try to find the speaker now to ask them some questions.’

Want to know more?

Want to know more about networking when you are looking for a job? Bright Network has some useful guidance. While you are on their website take a look at some of the events they have planned to test your skills.

It is a good idea to gain confidence in a lower stake setting before attending assessment centres or interview days.

Visit the Bright Network site

Find your people.

This might be connected to your career choice or location. There are also lots of great women’s networking groups such as We are the City Women of the Future and, of course, the GDST Alumnae Network which organises regular events for networking and knowledge building.

Find out what GDST events are coming up

If you agree that people are looking for genuine human connections in their professional relationships rather than simply looking to gain business leads you might want to watch this TEDx talk from Eleanor Turner on reworking networking.

Watch Eleanor’s TEDx talk