Students: Career Planning: Networking

Why Networking?

In the world of work, networking is, indeed, a very big deal -- even the Wall Street Journal reported two years ago that 94% of successful job seekers claimed that networking had made all the difference for them. Networking comes in many forms -- everything from meeting an old friend for a cup of coffee to ask how she likes law school, to having your best friend's father put in a good word for you at his company, to meeting with an older alum from your college to learn more about a career in social work.

Developing Your Network

There are many ways to identify networking contacts. Here are some places to find contacts who know something about a field, an organization or a school you are considering:

• Your college alumni association or career office networking lists-- JagJobs has a database of alumni mentors!)
• Your own extended family
• Your friends' parents and other family members
• Your professors, advisors, coaches, tutors, clergy
• Your former bosses and your friends' and family members' bosses
• Members of clubs, religious groups and other organizations to which you belong
• All the organizations near where you live or go to school

Informational Interviews

An informational interview is NOT a job interview. Rather, it is a form of research that can provide you with information about a career and/or a company. It might open doors into the hidden job market. However, be honest - don't approach someone for an informational interview and then ask them for a job. This will definitely leave a negative impression!

Click here for more information about Informational Interviews and sample questions.  Also, try reading the helpful information at: Informational Interviewing Tutorial