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Networking as a Student
Networking as a Student
Siddhi - Attending Conferences/Networking Events as a Student.docxSiddhi Sangak, a current MA Urban Design and Planning student has put together this helpful case study from their time at the UKREiiF Conference in 2023.
Siddhi also gives some helpful advice for networking as a student.
Careers Fairs
Careers Fairs
It's important to be prepared for a Careers Fair, to ensure you maximise your time there. Below are some resources and articles that will help with what to expect from a Careers Fair and how you can prepare before the fair
Have your LinkedIn ready to share at a Careers Fair! - to share your LinkedIn QR code using the LinkedIn app, you can do the following:
Open the LinkedIn app and log in to your account
Tap the search bar at the top of the screen
Tap the QR code icon to the right of the search bar
Tap the MY CODE tab
Select Share my code to share it via message, email, or other third-party apps
With a number of employers all under one roof, careers fairs provide a great opportunity for you to research your options and network with recruiters. Find out how to make the most of these graduate recruitment events.
Why is Networking Important?
Why is Networking Important?
“At the start of my career, it often felt incredibly daunting, but I learnt to overcome this by asking lots of questions to everyone that I met. People love speaking about themselves and what they do, and by having the confidence to ask those questions, you will extend your network whilst also learning so much from them and their experiences that can enhance your own career.
I have also found that women are eager to support each other, and those in leadership roles will often be proactive in listening to your goals and sharing their own contacts to help you get there. 'Women in Planning’ and 'Ladies in Real Estate' are two very accessible and friendly networking groups where you can begin to form such relationships."
Amy Paterson, Associate Director at DLBP and alumni from 2019
The Benefits of Networking
What Is Networking?
What Is Networking?
In Person Networking - SHINE
In Person Networking - SHINE
Smile!– Take a friendly approach to meeting new people – open body language and smile. If you’re on an online event and don’t turn your camera on we can’t see any of this!
Handshake! - Firm
I – Eye Contact! – Be aware of culture – in UK very important. Online: People tend to look at themselves not at the camera – be aware of this.
Name! – Make sure you’re saying it clear and slowly, give people a chance to tune in and remember your name.
Enthusiasm!– Be enthusiastic to meet people. Have an inner glow and enthusiasm. Nobody wants to remember the miserable person in the room. Ask people questions and show your interest.
What Do I Talk About?
What Do I Talk About?
The TIARA framework (Steve Dalton)
Trends (e.g. What trends are impacting your business right now? How have things changed? How do you think they will change in the future?)
Insights (e.g. What’s been the best lesson you’ve learned on the job? What’s your most valuable experience at your company so far? Company culture?)
Advice (e.g. What can I be doing right now to prepare myself for a career in this field? What do you know now that you wished you had have known when you started out? If you were me what would you be doing now?)
Resources (e.g. What are the next steps that you would recommend to me?) – you are aiming to get an offer of help/referral but this needs to be done gently!)
Assignments (e.g. What projects have you done that you felt added the most value?)
Questions Employers/Alumni May Have For You
What do you study/what year? (Consider including this in your introduction)
What (if any) clubs and societies are you a member of?
What your academic interests are
What modules you may be studying
Are you considering staying in Sheffield?
What are you passionate about?
How are you feeling about your career and future?
Questions You May Have
Did you have a job lined up right after uni?
What does a day in your job look like?
How did you talk about your time at uni on a job application or interview?
How is living and working in X city or area?
What would help me to stand out if I applied to work at your organisation?
What was your career path to where you are now?
Ways to wrap up:
“Thanks very much for your time, I’m sure there’s lots of students who’ll want to speak to you, would you mind if we connected on LinkedIn or does your organisation have a page I could follow?”
“Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. If you’ll excuse me I’m keen to speak with as many alumni as possible, but hopefully you won’t mind if I come back to you with a question later on?”
Tips and Tricks to Easy, Breezy Networking
Tips and Tricks to Easy, Breezy Networking
Be yourself
If you’re finding it a bit much, speak to staff who can help you find somewhere quiet
Set reasonable expectations (you’re very unlikely to walk out with a job secured! The aim is to use the fair as research and network building)
Remember the staff and ambassadors are here to help
Respect is mutual
Support and champion each other
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