Networking

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR NETWORK

• What do you like most or least about your work?
• Can you describe a typical week?
•  What advice would you give someone trying to break into this field?

Networking is a two-way street. If you want people to help you, you should help them and keep in touch over time. Consider sending an article on a topic of mutual interest, offering to treat them to lunch, referring a friend for an opening at their company or congratulating them on a promotion.

DINING ETIQUETTE

Dining etiquette is very important when trying to leave a positive impression. A meal is included in many interviews and many professional networking situations. In any business situation, having a firm handshake, smiling and making eye contact convey a professional image.  

To make a good impression:

• Be sure to arrive on time
• Place your napkin in your lap before drinking or eating
• Wait to eat until everyone is served
• Eat at the same pace as others
• Have good posture
• Bring food to your mouth (not your head to the plate)
• Work from the outside in with utensils
• Pass salt and pepper together
• Place napkin beside plate at the end of the meal

MANAGING YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional networking site that helps people connect with others in their field or industry. You can find alumni groups, job postings, company profiles, etc. Employers often source candidates through LinkedIn, so you should maintain a professional profile and consider this your "digital resume."

JOIN THE MSU CCDEE GROUP 

Facebook

With nearly 3 billion users, Facebook is the largest social networking site. While it is not intended strictly for professional networking like LinkedIn, the sheer number of users and groups utilizing it makes Facebook a powerful job search and professional networking tool. When searching for terms on Facebook, you can narrow results down to people, pages, groups, links and more, which gives you a wide range of networking options. 

Many organizations have group Facebook pages, some of which are even career-focused. These pages are powerful tools for research and communication; you can even "Like" them to keep up-to-date with their news and announcements.  

Visit CCDEE on Facebook