Networking is a fairly straightforward activity.  It involves developing relationships with people who can help you by providing information, advice and referrals. There are many ways to develop these relationships, including at formal events, through contact with people directly or through contact with people you meet at activities in which you participate. You will be working with the combination of approaches that suits you best.

Some Basic Networking Rules

• Establish a relationship and ask for information, not for a job.
• State your intentions clearly.
• Balance your presentation with giving others an opportunity to share their wisdom during your networking meeting.
• Send a thank-you note within a day or two after the meeting.
• Have a system for organizing contact information.
• Think about how you can provide “mutual benefit.”
• Stay in touch periodically.

Calling a Networking Contact

• Prepare a short introduction of yourself
• Request a 30-minute meeting; clarify the purpose of the meeting and what you hope to learn from them
• Suggest a meeting at their place of work to make it convenient for them.

Conducting the Interview

• Pick up a copy of “Informational Interviewing” in the Career Services Office for suggestions on the types of questions to ask.
• Dress in professional attire.
• When you meet, restate your intentions and purpose for meeting again so that the conversation remains more focused.
• Never ask for a job or for an interview.
• Ask your contact to suggest others in the profession whom you might interview.
• Ask for advice for breaking into the profession.