Networking
Networking plays a critical role in building a successful career. It’s not just about who you know but how you connect with them, share your values, and learn from others.
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What Benefits Do I Get From Networking?
- Job and Internship Opportunities: Many job openings are filled through referrals, and networking is a powerful way to access the hidden job market.
- Mentorship: By building relationships with experienced professionals, you can gain guidance and insight into your chosen field.
- Exposure: Networking events and professional connections can expose you to opportunities, internships, and career paths you might not have considered.
- Career Advancement: Networking opens doors to job opportunities that might not be advertised publicly. Employers often hire candidates based on personal recommendations or referrals.
- Expanding Your Knowledge: Engaging with professionals in your field helps you stay updated on industry trends, skills in demand, and best practices.
- Personal Growth: Networking enables you to receive mentorship and career advice from seasoned professionals, which can guide your career development and decision-making.
What is Considered Networking?
- What It Is: Networking is the process of building and nurturing professional relationships, where both parties share knowledge, advice, and opportunities.
- What It Isn’t: Networking isn’t just about asking for a job or immediately expecting something in return. It’s about forming genuine relationships that benefit both parties over time.
Types of Networking
- In-Person Networking: Attending career fairs, networking events, conferences, and other in-person gatherings to connect with professionals and employers.
- Online Networking: Using platforms like LinkedIn, Handshake, and industry-specific forums to engage with professionals and expand your network virtually.
- Informational Interviews: A one-on-one conversation where you learn more about a person’s career journey, their job, and the industry. These are valuable for gaining insights and advice without the pressure of a job search.
How to Build Your Network
Identify Who You Want to Connect With
- Friends and Family: Friends and relatives may know someone in your field or be able to introduce you to professionals with relevant experience.
- Classmates: Learn about internships, on-campus opportunities, or connections they’ve made through classes and student organizations.
- Coworkers: Current or former coworkers may know of openings in their networks or offer referrals based on your shared work experience.
- Employers: Reach out to hiring managers or recruiters in your field to inquire about potential job or internship opportunities.
- Alumni: UNLV’s alumni network is an excellent resource. Alumni are often willing to help students by offering advice or job referrals.
- Professors: Faculty members can provide insights into job markets, research opportunities, and industry connections.
- Industry Professionals: Connect with professionals in your field of interest, especially those who have experience in roles you’re aiming for.
Reach Out Through Email, LinkedIn, or Career Fairs
- Email: Write a concise and personalized email introducing yourself, explaining your interest in their work, and asking for advice or an informational interview.
- LinkedIn: Connect with professionals and send them a brief, engaging message. Be polite and specific about why you want to connect.
- Career Fairs: Prepare for networking by researching the companies attending and being ready to introduce yourself.
You’ll want to develop an elevator pitch before you reach out to the person you’d like to network with. Read our tips to develop an elevator pitch.
Come Prepared
- Do Your Research: Know which employers are attending and what positions they’re hiring for. Familiarize yourself with the companies’ missions, values, and recent developments.
- Perfect Your Elevator Pitch: Practice your introduction to quickly and confidently share who you are and what you’re looking for.
- Be Prepared With Your Resume: Bring several copies of your resume to distribute to employers. Ensure your resume is updated and tailored to the industry.
Tips for Talking to Employers
- Introduce yourself with your name, major, and year.
- Ask open-ended questions like, “Can you tell me more about the types of internships you offer?” or “What qualities do you look for in candidates?”
- Focus on listening and building a rapport instead of just pitching yourself.
Follow Up to Express Interest and Gratitude
Follow up after an event by sending personalized thank-you emails within 24 hours to the employers or recruiters you spoke with. Reaffirm your interest and reference something specific from your conversation to keep the connection fresh.
Sample Thank-You Email
Subject: Thank You for Your Time at [Career Fair/Event Name]
Email: Dear [Recruiter’s Name],
I enjoyed speaking with you at [Career Fair/Event Name] and learning more about [Company Name] and the [specific role or program discussed]. Our conversation about [specific topic you discussed] really resonated with me, and I appreciate the insights you shared.
I’m very interested in [internship/job opportunity, industry insights, etc.] and would love to stay connected. Please let me know if there are any next steps I should take or opportunities to continue the conversation.
Thank you again for your time—I look forward to staying in touch!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your LinkedIn (if applicable)]
Developing Your Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch helps you stand out in networking situations, career fairs, and interviews by quickly showcasing who you are and what you bring to the table. It’s a powerful tool for making a memorable first impression, whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or following up after a conversation.
Key Elements of an Elevator Pitch
- Introduction
- Start by clearly introducing yourself.
- Mention your name, what you’re studying or your current role.
- Example: “Hi, I’m Jane Doe, a Biology major at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.”
- Who You Are and What You Do
- Highlight your skills, experiences, or specific areas of interest.
- Focus on something unique about your background that sets you apart.
- Example: “I have a strong background in molecular biology and am particularly interested in genetic research, having assisted in several research projects on DNA analysis.”
- What You’re Looking For
- Specify the opportunity or role you are seeking. Be clear about what you want (internships, mentorship, job opportunities, etc.).
- Example: “I’m currently looking for an internship in genetic research where I can apply my lab skills and contribute to real-world projects.”
- Why You’re Interested
- Share why you’re passionate about your field or the specific opportunity. This helps show your enthusiasm and dedication.
- Example: “I’m really passionate about the potential genetic research has in improving medical treatments and am excited about contributing to advancements in this field.”
- Closing
- Finish by offering a way for the person to get in touch with you or suggesting a follow-up conversation.
- Example: “It would be great to connect further. Here’s my business card, and I’d love to chat more about how I could contribute to your team.”
Additional Info
- Keep it Short: Aim for a 30-60 second pitch—just enough time to introduce yourself and spark curiosity.
- Practice: Rehearse your pitch until it feels natural. You want it to sound confident but not robotic.
- Tailor it: Adapt your pitch depending on who you’re talking to and the situation. You might want to emphasize different aspects of your experience depending on whether you’re talking to a recruiter, professor, or peer
- Be Engaging: Make eye contact, smile, and be enthusiastic. The way you present yourself is just as important as what you say.
- Ask for Action: Whenever possible, suggest the next step—whether it’s scheduling a follow-up, sharing your contact info, or sending a resume.
For a Career Fair
“Hi, my name is Jane Doe. I’m a sophomore studying environmental science at UNLV. I’m passionate about sustainability and have been involved in multiple campus projects, including a recycling initiative that reduced waste by 25%. I’m currently looking for an internship where I can apply my research and data analysis skills. I’d love to learn more about your company’s environmental programs.”
For Networking at an Event
“Hello, I’m Jane Doe, a marketing major at UNLV. I’ve gained hands-on experience through my role as a social media manager for a local nonprofit, where I increased engagement by 40%. I’m looking for opportunities to apply my skills in digital marketing with a company that values creativity and data-driven strategies. I’d love to learn more about working within your team.”
For Informational Interviews
“Hi, I’m Jane Doe, a senior in computer science. I’ve been focusing on software development and have completed several internships, including a project where I helped build an app that improved workflow efficiency by 20%. I’m interested in learning more about software development roles and the challenges in the industry. I’d love to hear about your experience working at [company name] and any advice you have for someone entering the field.”
For Reaching Out on Linkedin
“Hi [name], I’m Jane Doe, a biology student at UNLV. I’m passionate about genetic research and have hands-on experience with DNA analysis through my lab work. I’d love to connect and learn more about your career in [specific area/industry]. Thanks for your time!”
For Reaching Out via Email
Subject: Introduction from a UNLV Biology Student
Email:
Hi [name],
I hope you’re doing well! My name is Jane Doe, and I’m a biology student at UNLV with a focus on genetic research. I’ve had hands-on experience with DNA analysis in the lab and am looking to connect with professionals in this field. I’d love to learn more about your experience and any advice you might have for someone starting out.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to connecting!
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Leveraging LinkedIn
You’ll want to create a strong LinkedIn profile to improve your chances of making connections. This includes:
- Using a high-quality, professional-looking photo.
- Making sure your headline includes a clear, concise description of your career goals or areas of expertise.
- Listing professional experiences such as internships, volunteer work, and relevant projects to demonstrate your skills and accomplishments.
- Adding specific skills that match the roles you’re interested in.
- Featuring recommendations from professors, supervisors, or colleagues who can speak to your work ethic and abilities.
Visit our LinkedIn Resource Guide for more information about engaging with others and sending effective messages on LinkedIn.
Conducting Informational Interviews
An informational interview is a one-on-one conversation with someone in a role you’re interested in. It’s an opportunity to gain insights into their career, industry trends, and advice on breaking into the field. These conversations help you gain insights, build connections, and explore potential paths.
Note: An informational interview is not a job interview since you’re not applying for a position. Instead, it’s a chance to learn more about a career field, company, or role by speaking with someone who has firsthand experience.
Informational Interview Guidelines
- Find someone whose career path interests you and politely ask if they would be willing to chat. Be specific about what you admire about their work or want to learn.
- Reach out via email or LinkedIn with a respectful request for a brief conversation. Make it easy to say yes (15–20 mins, flexible time).
- Keep your message concise and specific about why you’d like to learn from their experiences
- Never ask for a job—focus on learning.
Note: Remember to be respectful of the interviewees time and follow up with a thank-you note.
Questions to Ask
- Career Path: “Can you share your career journey and how you got to where you are today?”
- Industry Insights: “What trends do you see shaping the industry in the next few years?”
- Advice: “What skills or experiences do you think are most important for someone entering this field?”
Sample Requests
- Direct and Polite: Hi [Name], thanks for connecting! I’m currently [your role/interest] and really admire your work at [Company]. If you have 15–20 minutes sometime, I’d love to ask you a few questions about your career path and experience in [industry].
- Student Version: Hi [Name], I’m a [student status] studying [major], and I’m really interested in [field]. Your role at [Company] stood out to me. Would you be open to a 15–20 minute chat so I can learn more about your journey and advice for someone starting out?
- Shared Background: Hi [Name], I noticed we both [went to the same school / worked at X / are in the same field], and I admire your work at [Company]. I’m exploring similar roles and would really value 15 minutes of your insight if you’re open to it!
Etiquette and Best Practices
Professional Communication
- Always be polite, respectful, and professional in your interactions.
- Proofread your emails for spelling and grammar mistakes before sending.
- Be timely in responding to messages, especially if someone offers you advice or an opportunity.
How to Follow Up Without Being Pushy
- Wait a few days after an event or conversation before following up. If they don’t respond right away, give them space.
- When following up, be polite and considerate. Reaffirm your interest and keep the message brief.
Staying in Touch
- Set reminders to check in periodically with your connections, especially if they’ve offered you advice or assistance.
- Share updates about your academic progress or new experiences that may be of interest to your network.