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Q&A ��Mark Your Calendar!

For Seattle Central's Speed-Networking Event

Connect Central: Virtual Speed-Networking Week�Jan. 31 to Feb 3, 2022

More info at seattlecentral.edu/connectcentral

Each session will include three 15-minute networking rounds.

Students are encouraged to sign up for at least one-hour session. Registered students will receive tips and info on which companies will be represented.

Business and Accounting/ Culinary, Hospitality, and Wine - Monday, Jan. 31, 2022
Arts, Design & Graphics, Humanities & Language - Tuesday, Feb 1, 2022
STEM - Wednesday, Feb 2, 2022

4 to 6 p.m. – Engineering Focus only

Health & Medical, Education & Human Services/ Social Sciences - Thursday, Feb 3, 2022

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WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO NETWORK?

Type ideas in chat

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What is networking?

Networking is the art of building alliances. (Riley Guide)

Networking is simply "talking to people." (JobStar)

Learn more about potential career paths

Get more visibility in your professional area of interest

Meet more people: a network means one person might connect you to another person, who might connect you to your next great opportunity

Share about yourself, learn about yourself

Get professional advice

Expose yourself to potential opportunities you would have otherwise not known about

Maybe identify a mentor!

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How do I network?

Relax: Professionals WANT to talk to you and share their experiences.

Introduce yourself ("elevator pitch") and share a little bit about your interests

Ask Questions: Come prepared with questions you want to ask

Thank them for their time

Follow-up (if applicable)

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Example Questions to Ask:

How did you get interested in your field?

What helped your land your first job?

What were the biggest steps it took to get you from there to where you are now?

What factors helped you decide what academic and career path to take?

What advice can you provide about applying for jobs? Interviewing?

How did you begin your career? What is your educational and professional background?

How do most people get into this field? What are some common career paths in this field?

If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? It not, what would you change?

What are the most important skills to have in your field? What are employers looking for?

What advice would you give someone who is considering this type of job (or field)?

What was the key to your success?

How do you balance your work and personal life?

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A few networking “don’ts”

Ask for a job or internship outright – this is all about building relationships!
Talk about yourself the whole time (this should be a relief, ask questions and let them share their experience with you!)
Ask every person you network with for their contact information - only get information from people who you will actually follow-up with.

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How do I introduce myself?

Exercise (to do on your own)

1. Write down/ think about three things you'd want to share about yourself to a professional

Statements to Consider

I have background in..
I am studying.... because...
I’m exploring career paths and curious about…
I enjoy…
My strongest skills are in…
I am passionate about...
When I graduate I hope to....

2. Opportunity to practice - introduce yourself (name and what you are studying) and the three things you want them to know about you

3. That simple! Now you have your "introduction elevator pitch"

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�Now what?�Following-up:�

Sample email template follow-up

Dear...

It was great to meet you at Seattle Central College's Networking Event. Thank you for the great career advice you shared.

As we talked about, I am very interested in XXX and I would like to stay in touch with you as I transition into this career path.

If you have the time, it would be great to find another opportunity to connect so I can learn more about your professional journey. In the meantime, please let me know if you have any further career advice or professional opportunities that I should consider.

Thanks again for your assistance. I look forward to staying connected.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Ok so I've met this great contact, I asked for contact information. Now what should I do?

- Follow-up within 24 hours.

- Mention the event

- Ask to meet up

-Edit, Edit, Edit before you send! Even better, ask someone else to proofread if you can.

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More Resources & Prep:

Networking 101 - In depth workshop & tips

TOMORROW, Tuesday, Jan 25 - 12 to 1 p.m.
Thursday, Jan 27 - 5 to 6 p.m.
RSVP here: https://forms.gle/Vyu1XXSecjC3Yn3V8

Review who’s coming & plan who you want to talk to, questions to prepare

Available at seattlecentral.edu/connectcentral/schedule-info

Handshake NEW Job & Internship Tool: Handshake

Students now have access to Handshake, a powerful job and internship search tool.
Here are instructions to Set Up Your Profile, and tips for what to include for a Quick start
Take full advantage of all this tool offers by reviewing 10 steps to Becoming a Handshake Pro

LinkedIn - Used this tool for follow up!

Don't have a linkedin? Make one!
More resources on website & with Career Exploration Center

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Career Exploration Center

For further conversation about networking & more….

EXPLORE career opportunities, interests and academic pathways to get there.
ADVISE new and undecided students with class selection.
IDENTIFY and choose an area of focus.
DEVELOP resume and cover letter skills.
DISCUSS scholarship and job search tips, including networking and interview preparation.

Schedule an appointment

with a Career Advisor via Starfish

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