Networking Networking is the art of building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships. During your college career and beyond, you will have opportunities to attend professional and social events where guests “network.” Networking involves speaking with professionals in your fields of interest to explore careers and gather information. It's not about asking a person for a job or internship, and it isn't one-sided. Networking is about relationship building and maintenance. There are many approaches and styles of networking which include: building new relationships, looking for interest or community groups, attending networking events, professional meetings, information sessions, and career fairs. It is estimated that 65–80 percent of jobs are found through networking. Why Network? • Explore career and industries • Gain information about your career field of interest • To develop contacts that can help you achieve your goals. • Learn about jobs and internship opportunities Networking contacts can fall into one of three categories: personal, pro-personal, and professional. The type of connection you have with each contact can affect the way in which you communicate and the purpose of your communication.
How do I reach out to contacts? While email is best for someone you don’t know well, a phone call may be appropriate for someone you speak with regularly. Include the following information in any correspondence: your introduction, who referred you/how you found the contact, why you’re reaching out, what you hope to learn, and a specific request (like a brief conversation). After the initial outreach, wait a week for a reply. If you don’t receive one, send a follow-up email. If you still don’t receive a response, move on to another contact.
How Should I Network? Search for "University of South Florida" LinkedIn and then search for alumni by location and/or employer. Find organizations of interest and reach out Handshake to employer contacts that recruit at the University of South Florida
Career Shift
Locate contacts from targeted organizations in the contact section
University of South Florida
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STUDENT CAREER GUIDE 2023
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