By Monika Ragniak, Campus Representative, University of Minnesota
So as much as we’re all ready for the end of this semester, I’m sure we’re equally un-ready for next semester to start. We’ll have to sit through another week of reading through syllabi and meet new classmates and professors. It also means the beginning of round two for networking and job searching. Here are some pointers from CIO that you can think about over break and mentally prepare for the upcoming fight the big Knock Out.
- Start Small – start with your intimate network, branch out slowly.
- Stop Apologizing – inexperienced networkers generally apologize too much. It’s annoying.
- Tap into Your Primal Instincts – we are innately social, embrace it!
- Be Yourself – be authentic.
- Tap into Your Passions – join clubs and attend events that you are interested in. It will make conversing in these settings so much easier.
- Ask for Introductions – ask someone you know to introduce you to others they may know
- Be Generous – although networking works best when you have something to offer, it can be as little as simply being sincere and authentic.
- Be Prepared – prepare that elevator speech!
- Follow Up – do what you say you’ll do.
- Get Over Your Fear of Rejection – don’t take it personally
- Take Risks – break the ice.
- Get Help From a Pro – if you can’t get over your shyness or fear of meeting new people, talk to someone who can help you break out of your shell.
I know it seems like a lot of homework for the short month you have off. But, I promise, if you take these suggestions to heart, you can’t go wrong.
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