Connecting with others is an important part of your career preparation. Through these connections, you can learn more about different careers, understand what’s expected in different industries, or hear about upcoming opportunities.
How do you find people? Make a list of everyone you know and identify how they could help you gather career information or experience. Who do you know at school? Professors, friends, and even friends’ parents can all be helpful contacts. Did you hold a part-time job? Volunteer? Have an internship? Think about the people you came into contact with there.
Remember to be courteous and tactful in all your conversations. Whether your conversation is in person, on the phone, or via e-mail, follow up with a thank-you note to show your appreciation and improve your chances of creating a productive relationship.Finally, making connections is not just about the benefit to you! Find ways to share information with the people you meet, and help others as well.
How do you share your story?
Prepare
Reflect on the information you want others to know about you. This information could include:
Courses you’re taking/have taken
Experiences that you’re pursuing/have pursued (internships, volunteering, student organizations, jobs)
Goals you have in mind for your future
Consider who your audience is, and what information may be most relevant to that audience.
Listen
Remember to listen to the person in front of you.
Show that you’re paying attention with non-verbal communication, including eye contact, nodding, smiling.
Focus on what is being shared with you, and not just on the next thing you want to say.
Respond
Consider how to incorporate your story with the story of the person you’re meeting. This may be finding commonalities, asking questions that build upon the conversation.
Remember to be courteous and tactful in all your conversations. Whether your conversation is in person, on the phone, or via e-mail, follow up with a thank-you note to show your appreciation and improve your chances of creating a productive relationship.
Finally, making connections is not just about the benefit to you! Find ways to share information with the people you meet, and help others as well.
Resources
Rutgers Student Alumni Career Connect (In Rutgers-Newark Handshake, go to Career Center—Resources to log in)
LinkedIn (Tip: search for Rutgers University –Newark. From the school page, you can select the Alumni section to search for alumni
