UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS GRADUATE SCHOOL – JANUARY 2024 BLOG
The Art of Networking: 9 Standout Strategies
By: Erica Shaw – UofM Career Services Career Specialist
Networking is talked about a great deal in professional settings, but if you do not
know what it is you will not understand the true game changer that it can be for you.
Allow me to
shed a little light on what networking is, how to do it well, and why it is so important.
WHAT IS NETWORKING? Networking is the process of building, and maintaining, connections and relationships. If this is something that you are not accustomed to and may find a little nerve-wracking, according to HubSpot 85% of jobs are filled through networking and CNBC says that 70% of jobs are never published publicly. These statistics make networking vital. Here are a few different ways that you can network.
BE READY. I encourage you to look at networking as a continuous event. Be open to meeting people
any time you are out. Be prepared with your elevator speech. Your elevator speech
is a quick and concise synopsis of who you are, what you do, and what you want to
accomplish. Have your contact information available at all times, whether it is a
physical card or a digital one. Digital contact information is quickly becoming the
best way to exchange contact information on the go. Always have your resume/portfolio
electronically ready. Opportunity favors the prepared.
LOOK THE PART. Show up the way you want to be seen. This is another part of being ready. When you go out, what do others see? If you are going out in your pajamas you are not doing yourself any favors when it comes to being prepared to take advantage of an unexpected opportunity. While you do not need to be in formal attire whenever you leave your home, you do want to be dressed in a way that says you are a professional. Even in jeans and a t-shirt, ensure that you are put together.
LEARN THE ART OF CONVERSATION. Conversation, much like networking, is an art. The awesome thing about art is that
there are many ways to go about it and you can make it your
own. Know how to start and carry conversations. This only happens by doing it. Over
and over and over again. It may be a little uncomfortable at first, but with practice
and assistance, you can become an amazing conversationalist. Enlist the support of
those you believe have a magnetic presence and can seem to talk to anyone. Ask questions
and put the information to use. Attend networking/professional events and listen to
the conversations around you. What seems to work? What does not? Listen, learn, and
practice.
USE SOCIAL MEDIA. Use professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to your advantage. The purpose of your LinkedIn page is to give employers a broader picture of who you are. If your LI is just a carbon copy of your resume, it Is not doing anything for you. Ensure you make connections and post.
ATTEND EVENTS. Find networking/social events in your desired industry. You can find these events by asking your network (LinkedIn, professors, mentors, industry professionals, social media, organizations, etc.). This is a way to learn more about the industry you want to be a part of and the people in it. It is also a great way to get your name out there.
JOIN A PROFFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION. Being a member of a professional organization gives you a ready-made network that you can receive from and give to. Research organizations that are attached to the industries you want to be in and join them. Local, national, and international organizations are all fair game. The goal is to grow you knowledge, expand your reach, and find your tribe.
FIND A MENTOR. No one is an island. That is how the saying goes, and it is indeed true. A mentor
is someone that is further up the path that you are traveling on. They can tell you
what they went through and how you can avoid the same mistakes and pitfalls. Your
mentor is someone that is dedicated to assisting you in reaching your success. This
should be someone you trust, can take instruction/criticism, and can be with honest
with. Finding a mentor is not an easy task, but it is well worth it when you have
the right one. Think of someone that is doing what you want to do, someone that is
living out what you want your future to look like. Know that having a mentor does
not mean that they are going to do all the heavy lifting for you. Be prepared to work,
hard. Remember, someone has offered their time, energy, and resources to assist you.
You must do your part.
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS. This is a strategy that few know about and even fewer use. When you want to learn
more about the industry you want to work in and you do not yet have 
a mentor or know who to ask or even where to start, informational interviews and could
give you some of the answers you need. Think of organizations or people that you would
like to work for or with, contact them and ask if they would be willing to give you
an informational interview. You can ask questions about what skills you would need
for a particular industry, what are some of things that they did to get to where they
are, what does a day in the life look like, who do they suggest you meet, and so many
other key things that can get you started on your journey to your success. This is
a great way to get your name out there and create a lasting impression.
FOLLOW UP. This is often overlooked when networking and I want to bring attention to it, so
you do not make the mistake of not following up. When you connect with others at events
or just out and about, ensure that you follow up. Do not assume that the person will
remember you and call you, even if they said they would. After connecting with someone,
it is good practice to send a follow-up message (usually email, but text is fine if
you do not have an email address) reminding them of who you are, how you met, and
that you appreciated their time, information, or whatever they offered. Mention something
specific that you discussed to ensure they remember and to show that you did as well.
This leaves a great impression.
Networking, like conversation, is an art and it is one that you can truly make your own. I encourage you to take these tips and put them to use to begin realizing the success that you want for yourself. Know that you have a great support system at The University of Memphis through your professors, advisors, Career Services, and the many other resources available through the campus.
Good luck to you and happy networking!
Erica Shaw - UofM Career Services Career Specialist
Important Spring Commencement Details:
- February 9, 2024: Deadline to apply for 2024 Spring Graduation
- February 9: 2024: Deadline to submit the Cap and Gown Diploma Mailing Form
- Complete the appropriate Candidacy Form for Masters and Doctoral degrees. Certificates – Check UMDegree to verify.
- Commencement Email will be sent to the student’s Memphis email account only in February 2024.
You're Invited to our Spring 2024 Mastering Graduate School Workshop Series
The University of Memphis Graduate School presents a spring workshop series encompassing a range of topics to assist YOU in preparing for your academic journey. Workshop presenters consist of faculty, administrators, and students who will provide valuable strategies and insights to assist you in effectively navigating the application process and journey for graduate school. Each session will take place via Zoom from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm CST which also includes a Q&A segment, so we encourage you to dive in and bring your questions!
- January 30, 2024: Is Graduate School right for Me? Navigating the Selection & Application Process
- February 21, 2024: Unlocking Success: Insights from Current UofM Graduate Students - Tips & Habits for Academic Excellence
- March 19, 2024: Crafting Your Professional Narrative: Leveraging LinkedIn and Resume Building to Showcase Research and Professional Journey - A Career Services Workshop
- April 9, 2024: Unlocking Opportunities: Strategies and Resources for Funding Your Graduate Education - A Workshop on Financing Graduate School
- May 2, 2024: A Workshop for International Students on Navigating the Graduate School Application Process Abroad
- June 19, 2024: Exploring Opportunities: Navigating Graduate Certificates and UofM Global Programs Workshop
Welcome to our Spring 2024 Virtual Open House Series
Are you interested in pursuing your master’s or doctoral degree? Do you want to learn how to advance your career? Each month’s open house will have an exciting theme and topic. From continuing your academic pursuits, research, career development, to exploring new opportunities, our monthly UofM Graduate School Virtual Open Houses are a great resource. We will have representatives from our programs, supporting departments, and community partners that can answer your questions about programs of study, opportunities, how to apply, career opportunities, etc. Each session will take place via Zoom from 11:00 am to 12:15 pm CST. Ready to sign up? Click the link below to discover more and register for a Virtual Open House!
- February 6, 2024: Virtual Graduate School Open House - Business and Information Technology
- February 28, 2024: Virtual Graduate School Open House - Humanities
- March 20, 2024: Virtual Graduate School Open House - Engineering & Law
- March 26, 2024: Virtual Graduate School Open House - Education & Healthcare
- April 16, 2024: Virtual Graduate School Open House - Social Sciences
- May 1, 2024: Virtual Graduate School Open House - Natural Sciences
- July 16, 2024: Virtual Graduate School Open House - Fall 2024 Semester FAQ with Financial Aid & USBS