Advising: Career Counseling: Networking

The Key to Getting an Internship or Job

A study by Mark Gronowetter at Harvard found that 75% of all professional and technical positions are filled through personal contacts. Your personal contacts will open doors in the future in ways you cannot foresee.

What is networking?

Networking is a way to obtain information, advice, support, resources, and referrals. Networking is talking with professionals in your career field to market yourself.

Steps to Networking
  1. Start a Network of Contacts List
    Use the Who Can Be a Contact Sheet to list every single person that you know. Then tell each of those people what kind of internship or job you are looking for and ask them if they know anyone working that field.
  2. Set up a Meeting with the Contacts
    Call the contact person whose name you received. Tell them who referred you first. Then tell them who you are and why you are calling. For example, tell them you are interested in entering this field and were told they would be a good person to talk to. Tell them you would like to learn as much about preparing for the field as you can and that you only need a brief meeting (20-30 minutes). Ask them what day is good for them? Be flexible and polite.
  3. At the Informational Interview
    Be on time, dress professionally, give the person a firm handshake, be pleasant, and polite.
    In your meeting (informational interview), let the contact know what your are looking for (career objective) and ask for suggestions on how you might pursue it. Ask questions about any information you would like to learn about that career field.
    Have questions prepared. You may want to ask:
    • How did you get your job?
    • What are employers looking for in this field?
    • What type of background or training is necessary for a position similar to yours?
    • What personality traits are helpful for this type of work?
    • What is the demand for people in this field?
    • Does your organization offer internships?
    • What do you find most satisfying about your job?
    • What are some of the frustrating aspects of your job?
    Then do the following to market yourself:
    • Give them your resume and leave it with them.
    • Ask them if they know of any entry-level positions or internships open in that career field.
    • Ask them for other contacts they would recommend that you talk with. This will expand your networking list.
  4. Send a Thank You Note and Continue Contact
    Always follow up a meeting (informational interview) with a thank you note. The note may be written or typed depending on the industry/organization. Be personal and specific in your thank you.
    Keep in touch with your contact by following-up with a phone call periodically (about once a month). In the follow-up phone call ask them if they have heard of any job openings or internships since you last met. Ask them if they have thought of anyone else you could talk with. Thank them again for all their help.
  5. Log Contacts
    Keep a personal log of your contacts and who referred them to you. It's important to be able to keep track of everyone you have talked to so that you can make follow-up phone calls. Also keep track of the date you contacted them.