Networking Doesn't Have to be Scary!

The weather’s chilly, it’s getting dark early, you’re watching Hocus Pocus for the 463^rdtime (or is that just me?) – Halloween is in the air! But, when the sun comes up on November 1^stand you’re coming to terms with how many fun-size Snickers you ate (again, maybe just me…), it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll make the most of what time remains in the Fall semester.

Networking is an invaluable resource and an easy way to improve your connections and prospects while your time is just as crunched as the leaves under your feet. Here are some tips that will help you keep networking from being a skill you just sweep under the rug – save that broom for flying! 😉

1.     Don’t say “Boo!” It’s easy to brush away a potential networking contact because they don’t fit what your exact goals are at the time. This mindset makes sense, in theory, since we tend to seek out the best option for what’s right in front of us. But, take those blinders off! Set the foundation now; you never know when that contact might come across something you are interested in – and they’ll think of you first.

2.     Carve out your niche:What sets you apart from other students? Think about how you can present this to new people, whether it’s your “elevator pitch” at events, the messages you send, or the brand you create for yourself on social media. Your strategy is just that – yours!

3.     No ghosting!Keep connections alive, even if there’s not much to report. Reaching out to a contact with an article you’ve seen or a comment on something you saw them post on LinkedIn shows them that they are top-of-mind – and, in turn, you become top-of-mind to them, too!

Want to practice your newfound tricks? We have two more Career Fairs coming up this semester where you can treat yo’self!

·      Communication Career & Internship Fair:
November 7^thfrom 11am-2pm in Studio A of the Herbert School

·      Engineering & Computer Science Career Fair:
November 14^thfrom 11am-2pm in Hofstra USA

Happy Halloween!

Amy Smith 

Associate Director of External Relations and Internship Coordinator 

The Career Center