85% of all jobs are filled via networking, so don't wait until senior year to make it part of your career strategy or academic experience! Lay the groundwork for ongoing communication with prospective employers by by attending various networking events 

Types of Networking Events

• The Fogelman Internship Network - FIN
  
  • Connect online with Mid-South region business partners for internships and full-time employment opportunities.
  • Create your FIN profile now!
    
    
• Workshops and Training Programs
  
  • Many of these are scheduled through the CPCD and are often co-hosted by local business partners.
  • Be sure to read the weekly FCBE Career e-Newsletter for announcements. 
    
    
• Fogelman Internship & Career Fair
  
  • Connect with employers from over 60 companies in one afternoon!
    
    
• Information Sessions
  
  • Hear directly from employers about career paths and opportunities within their organizations.
    
    
• Meet & Greets
  
  • Connect with potential employers one-on-one in an informal setting.
    
    
• Community Service
  
  • Serving in your community often places you alongside individuals you would not otherwise meet.

Tips for Students at Networking Events

• Prior to the event, try to “pre” connect with some of the participants via LinkedIn.
  
  
• Arrive a few minutes early, so you’ll have time to catch your breath and collect your thoughts.
  
  
• Present a polished, professional image – this requires a little planning ahead.
  
  
• Take the initiative and introduce yourself to someone you don’t know. Incorporate parts of your personal branding speech into your introduction, but try to keep it conversational, so you don’t come across as too rehearsed.
  
  
• When they tell you their name, reply with “It’s great to meet you, (their name)!” Repeating their name throughout the conversation will help you remember it.
  
  
• Shake hands firmly and confidently and be sure to maintain direct eye contact.
  
  
• Have a dialogue—make sure you are conversing with the individual.
  
  
• Work the room—don’t stay in one area the entire time or “hang” only with people you know.
  
  
• If food is offered, eat something, if only a bite or two - it shows you are comfortable at the event.
  
  
• Observe your surroundings—how are others moving around the room? What is the engagement level with students and professionals?
  
  
• Offer your résumé appropriately—don’t give it immediately, but rather as you chat, asking: “would you be interested in reviewing my résumé?”
  
  
• Be sure to write down the names of the individuals you meet as soon as the event is over. Better yet, ask for business cards and offer yours, if available.
  
  
• Send follow-up emails— write properly, PROOF CAREFULLY, and send strategically (within 24 hours).
  
  
• Ask strong questions—preparation is important, so be sure to put your “homework” to good use.
  
  
• Communicate like the professional you want to be!

For a more in depth list of preparation tips, download our Networking Event Preparation Guide.