Scholar Handbook

Preparation is your superpower. If you research with intention, you will enjoy the experience much more. Visit the company's website, look up the panelists on LinkedIn, and ask yourself: 

• What excites me? 

• What makes me nervous? 

• What do I want to learn?

Use this document to help guide your note-taking and preparation.

You can make this experience relevant to YOU regardless of the industy that you're interested in. What can this company tell you about the working world and professional interactions? You're likely to interface with many different partners during the course of your career - so learning about different peoples' work experiences can be truly influential for you! 

Think of questions you can ask during the course of the event that are relevant to your unique career interests: 

• “What was your first job like?” 

•  “What part of your day is your favorite?” 

Prepare your outfit, check your transportation (or Zoom connection), and keep your mind focused. Definitely do not wait until the morning of your event to plan. As you saw in the slides: preparation increases your confidence, your performance, and helps you connect better. 

Leave a 15-minute additional buffer for delayed trains/parking/etc. 

This is your moment to explore, connect, and let yourself be surprised. Participate actively, listen intently, and show curiosity. You don't have to impress anyone—just be yourself. If something doesn't interest you 100%, try to identify where you can learn from it regardless. Use Zoom tools if it's virtual (raise your hand, use the chat, bring joy). And if it's in person, stay present: observe how people communicate, what roles exist, and how they relate to each other.

Try to remember that “networking” is just a way to condense the concepts of meeting people, creating relationships, and helping each other into one word.  

•  Can you tell me a little bit about your career journey? 

• What does your day-to-day look like? How does it suit you?

• What do you find rewarding about your work? 

• What are you excited about doing next?

• What do you wish you knew when you were my age?

• What question am I not asking that I should be asking?

• What would you encourage me to think about / keep in mind given my generation? 

Send a simple but genuine thank-you note: mention something specific that inspired you and why. Use LinkedIn to connect with the people you met (yes, it's worth it!). 

If you can't find their names: 

• Look for their emails on the calendar invite

• Review the agenda provided to find their full name

• Review the notes that you took 

• As CT staff member for help if you get stuck

Sample thank you note here.

This is where you build real relationships. We recommend that you stay in touch with your new contacts when possible - at least some of them! Reflect: What did I learn? What surprised me? How does this connect with my goals? How can you use this reflection to take the next steps in your career journey? Would you like to set up an informational interview with any staff members for instance?

Small actions make a difference. This follow-up is part of your professional journey—and you've already started building it.

Sign up for more events and opportunities through College Track! 

1. Career Readiness Events

2. Check Out Career-Readiness Resources on CTConnect

   1. • Cover Letter Resources

      • Interview Prep

      • LinkedIn Tips

      • Resume Resources

      • Seeking Internships and Jobs

      • Staying Organized

      • Technical Interviewing

      • What to Expect in the Workplace

3. Jobs Boards: 

   1. • CTConnect

      • Career Spring (Passcode: CTSCHOLAR)