NETWORKING GUIDE

Start simple! As you will see below, there are various platforms you can network on and different skills you will need to build to be a proficient networker. However, it is always great to start with the basics - do not be afraid to use your existing network of family, friends, classmates, teammates, professors, and college staff when beginning your networking journey! They know you best and can help develop your skills to ensure that you are well prepared to reaching out to external professionals & alums.

Consider the following elements when crafting your "elevator pitch" - this may seem like a lot, but feel free to pick and choose the components that feel most relevant to you currently. You may also adjust which pieces you share based on who you are networking with and the context of the conversation. Practice makes perfect so work on this with family, friends, and colleagues to continually perfect your "pitch".

Personal Introduction: Start by introducing yourself with your name, major, class year, and a brief statement about your academic/professional background.

Passion and Motivation: Share your enthusiasm and genuine interest in your desired field of work or the industry you are targeting. Drawing a deeper connection through your passion can make your elevator pitch more engaging and memorable - it makes it more personal and less transactional! Remember, networking is about relationships!

Professional Objective: If you do have a clear idea of the industries you are interested in and/or targeting, you can clearly state your professional goals or what you are seeking in terms of opportunities or collaborations. This could be a specific industry, job position, or project you are interested in. If you do not have a clear idea and are very much in the exploration phase, that is perfectly fine! Focus more on what you are exploring and what steps you are taking on that journey.

Unique Skills and Experience: It is never a bad idea to highlight your key skills, accomplishments, or relevant experience that sets you apart from others in your field. Focus on what makes you valuable and how you can contribute to potential networking relationships or job roles.

Call to Action: When applicable, end your elevator pitch with a clear call to action, such as requesting a follow-up meeting, exchanging contact information, or expressing your interest in learning more about the other person's work.

Remember to keep your elevator pitch concise, engaging, and tailored to the specific context or audience. Practice delivering it in a confident and natural manner, adjusting as needed based on the feedback and reactions you receive during networking interactions.

What is Informational Interviewing?

Informational interviewing is the process of conducting structured interviews with professionals in a particular field or industry to gather information, insights, and advice about their career paths, job roles, and industry trends. It is primarily done by individuals who are interested in exploring a specific career path or seeking guidance and knowledge from experienced professionals.

The purpose of an informational interview is not to seek job opportunities directly, but rather to gain a deeper understanding of a particular field, learn about the skills and qualifications required, and make valuable connections in the industry. It allows individuals to gather firsthand information about the realities and challenges of a specific career, which can help them make more informed decisions about their own career paths.

How do I conduct an Informational Interview?

Prior to an informational interview, you should prepare a list of questions and topics to discuss with the professional or alum whom you are meeting. These questions can cover a wide range of areas such as the person's background, educational qualifications, daily responsibilities, career progression, industry trends, challenges and rewards of the profession, and any advice they may have for someone interested in entering the field.

Informational interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or through video calls, depending on the availability and preferences of both parties. It is important to approach the interviews with professionalism, respect, and genuine curiosity. Building a network of professionals through informational interviews can provide valuable insights, expand one's knowledge, and potentially lead to future job opportunities or mentorship relationships.

Example Questions

Lead with general questions to get to know the other person:

• What is your background and how did you reach your current position?

• What are some of the qualifications that make you successful in your position?

• What attracted you to your field?

Learn about the state of the industry/field:

• What are some of the key trends/issues in this industry/field?

• What developments on the horizon could affect this industry’s future?

• How have changes within the last 5 years affected this industry/company?

• Why would people leave this field or company?

• Who are your company’s major competitors?

Discover skills & qualifications useful for their industry:

• What qualifications do you seek in a new hire?

• Which of my skills are strong compared to other job hunters in this field?

• What do you think of the experience I’ve had so far? For what types of positions would it qualify me?

• What companies might be interested in hiring someone with my background?

• Considering all the people you’ve met in your field/industry, what personal attributes are essential for success?

Questions for learning about the nature of the work:

• What parts of your job do you find most challenging?

• What surprised you most about this field?

• Would it be possible for me to shadow someone on the job for a day?

Other suggested questions:

• Where would you suggest I look for current information on salaries, employers, jobs and industry

issues?

• What websites or news sources have you found valuable?

• Is there anything else you think I need to know or investigate?

• What would you recommend to me in my job search?

• Who else would you suggest I speak with? (Essential Question)

Overall, informational interviewing is a proactive approach to career exploration and networking, allowing individuals to learn from experienced professionals and gain valuable insights to shape their own career paths.

There are several networking platforms that are great to utilize for professional purposes. Below are some that are suggested by the Matthews Center staff - however, remember, there are many avenues of networking outside of online platforms!

LinkedIn: The most commonly used professional networking platform, LinkedIn is a great place to start your professional networking journey. As a Davidson student, it is highly encouraged that you use the LinkedIn alumni feature to search through Davidson alumni specifically.

LinkedIn Learning: This platform provides videos, courses, and learning paths to explore different industries as well as developing different technical skill sets. Using this tool can help you learn how to conduct informational interviews, craft you elevator pitch, and how to best maximize LinkedIn - in addition to their industry specific videos!

Note: If you do not have a LinkedIn account, you must first create a profile and then link it to the Davidson College profile by using this guide.

Davidson Connect: Similar to LinkedIn, Davidson Connect is a private platform solely for the use of Davidson students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the college. If you create your LinkedIn profile first, you can create profile your Davidson Connect profile using your LinkedIn information to save time. To create an account and begin joining various affinity groups, you can go to the Davidson Connect website and get started - note that profiles must be approved by the College which can take 1-3 business days.

Good networking etiquette is key when developing long-lasting networking relationships. As you begin reaching out to alumni and other professionals, keep these important factors in mind:

Be On Time  - The process of conducting formal or informal interviews with professionals in a particular field or industry to gather information, insights, and advice about their career paths, job roles, and industry trends.

Be Genuine and Authentic  - Approach networking with a sincere intention to build meaningful connections and offer genuine value. Be yourself and engage in conversations with authenticity and honesty.

Be an Active Listener  - When networking, be fully engaged with others. Give them your full attention, maintain eye contact, and ask thoughtful questions to demonstrate your engagement and respect. Also avoid using your phone or other electronic devices while conversing.

Respect Others' Time  - Be mindful of others' time constraints and commitments. Before meeting, be clear and concise about your purpose and be respectful of their availability and priorities. While meeting with others, make sure to stay on time and acknowledge

Offer Assistance and Value  - As a student, it may feel hard at times to provide value to other professionals and alumni, but when possible try to offer your expertise, resources, or connections. Another good way to stay in touch with your connections is to share useful articles or other educational materials when relevant. Networking is a two-way street, and contributing value strengthens relationships.

Follow Up and Follow Through - After connecting with someone, make sure to follow up promptly. Send personalized thank you notes or emails to express your appreciation and reinforce the connection. If you promise to provide information or follow through on a commitment, make sure to do so in a timely manner.

Maintain Relationships - Networking is not just about making initial connections; it's about nurturing and maintaining relationships over time. As a student this is especially important. Different relationships require different levels of attention, but you always want to stay in touch with your network through periodic check-ins, sharing relevant information or resources, and attending industry events or gatherings. Once you graduate, make sure to stay in touch with former classmates

By following these principles of good networking etiquette, you can establish a positive reputation, build strong relationships, and create a supportive network of professionals who can assist and inspire you throughout your career.