Your professional network can open doors for you that otherwise could not be opened. Read our tips and advice on how to leverage and grow your network.
What Is Networking?
There is no denying that “Networking” is a nebulous concept. Here are a few definitions of networking that may help in better understanding the process.
Networking is the art of building alliances. (Riley Guide)
Networking is simply "talking to people" (Job Star)
Networking is the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business. (Merriam- Webster)
The definition of networking varies a bit from source to source but two things are consistent: communication and cultivation. Rapport and relationships take time to develop. Creating a network takes a concerted effort to communicate with professional contacts new and established.
Learn how to devise a well-written cover letter to help you get noticed and get your resume reviewed.
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A Guide to Interviewing
Interviewing is a critical part in the hiring or promotion process. As a candidate, you want to present yourself as the best possible fit for the available position
Learn how to devise a well-written cover letter to help you get noticed and get your resume reviewed.
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A Guide to Interviewing
Interviewing is a critical part in the hiring or promotion process. As a candidate, you want to present yourself as the best possible fit for the available position
Networking Tips
Approach the situation prepared
Prepare your elevator speach
Learn as much as you can about the career field, company, etc...
Know what you would like to ask in advance
Treat networking contacts with respect
Thank people for their time and efforts
Never ask for a job
There is a difference in letting people know you are looking for a job and in asking for help to find a job. Be careful not to cross that boundary.
Learn as much as you can about the career field, company, etc...
Know what you would like to ask in advance
Treat networking contacts with respect
Thank people for their time and efforts
Never ask for a job
There is a difference in letting people know you are looking for a job and in asking for help to find a job. Be careful not to cross that boundary.
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Various social media tools are affective in making connections with people from our work and personal background. However, be smart about which tools you use to connect with which constituents. For professional interactions, LinkedIn is the clear tool of choice. Getting started is just this easy:
Your Network: Consider who you already know that may be familiar with your character, good work ethic, etc. as your first contacts for your network. They may be current contacts (friends and family), classmates, professors, and past supervisors.
One Step Away: List all the meetings, conferences, classes, etc. you have been in during the last few years and reach out to people you have met there to include in your network. Grow your network with people who have common professional interests or simply interest in seeing you succeed!
The Most Effective Form Of Networking
The Most Effective Form Of Networking
Informational Interviews are largely considered the most effective form of networking when used in the right way. While not all people are in hiring positions, most people would gladly provide insight to someone interested in their field, company, etc. Informational Interviews provide an opportunity to have questions answered about industry, career path, recommendations on job search strategy, etc. They are an excellent way to build rapport with another professional.
Give back! What can you do? –The easiest way to jeopardize a networking relationship is to consider it one sided. Networking is a two-way street. Look for opportunities to help others professionally.
Keep in touch - Whether sending an article or a simple note to say hello, do remain in regular touch with your contacts. You do not want to have to re-establish your network at the time you most need it.
Georgia Tech Mentor Jackets
Frequently Asked Questions
Mentor Jackets is an alumni-to-student mentoring program sponsored by the Georgia Tech Alumni Association and the Georgia Tech Student Alumni Association (SAA). The program has two components: 1:1 Mentoring and Network on GT Connect.
Guidance for life from a mentor like no other.
As a mentee, you are expected to guide the mentoring relationship. Take responsibility for your own growth and success by being reliable and contacting your mentor regularly. Mentor/student relationships work best when the student clearly defines his/her expectations for the relationship and takes the initiative to reach out to the mentor. The mentor has already offered to be available to you by signing up for the program, but he/she cannot know how best to help you unless you are vocal about it.
It is paramount that you be consistent in reaching out to your mentor, and letting him/her know what you want to gain from the experience. Alumni are busy people who have generously volunteered their time to join this program. If you are not responsible about communicating with your mentor on a regular basis, you are not taking full advantage of the Mentor Jackets program.
Moving Forward, By Giving Back
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Georgia Tech Student Foundation
The Georgia Tech Student Foundation provides funding for student-centric initiatives, offers professional skill development through the management of its endowment, educates the student body on the spirit of philanthropy through donations to Roll Call, and develops strong leadership among its members.
Sign up for one of our five committees: Development and Outreach Committee, Allocations Committee, Investments Committee, or First-Year Leadership Initiative. Each of these committees work together to promote GTSF’s mission on campus.
Each semester, GTSF funds various student organizations and initiatives with up to $30,000. The Allocations Committees oversees the GTSF funding process each year. With GTSF funding, student organizations create projects that enhance the educational experience of students and improve campus as a whole.
Preheading Mentor & Mentee Stories
Section Heading Vincent Emanuele, MS ECE 04, PhD ECE 10 and mentees Jan Vlachy and Nitish Mhalgi
Testing. Vincent, a fairly recent graduate of Georgia Tech, serves as a mentor to two current Georgia Tech graduate students and was nominated by both of his mentees, individually for the 2014-2015 Mentor of the Year award. One of Vincent's mentees, Jan Vlachy said, "He made me understand what the value of my PhD education for careers in industry: being able to make sense of chaos...thanks to Vincent, I see which industry careers can make use of my PhD skills and thanks to his other advice, I will be ready to successfully apply for them."
Continue The Conversation
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