Networking Like A Boss

By: Oleg Ignatenko

During your college years, there is so much emphasis that is put on studying for that test, completing that project, and applying for that internship.  Sometimes the thing that remains very overlooked and underrated is networking.  Now, this is not a suggestion to add 50 random strangers to your social network (aka Facebook), but instead to try and find business related networking events such as the Career Expo or the Student & Alumni Career Symposium.  Networking events allow you to get more familiar with people who are already successful, those with great ideas, company managers, or people who are looking to make a difference not only in their life, but in the life of others as well.

There are many different networking events that can be attended but I will try to focus on the top 3 that would apply to the majority of college students.
  
Strong Contact Networking Events
 
This type of networking event is usually held in a professional setting where you are required to follow a business professional dress code.  Usually these are pretty difficult to gain access to, and you will need to have a good relationship with one of the representatives from the event, as many of these events permit only one individual from a certain profession to attend.  Either way, don’t forget to bring plenty of copies of your resume and a good amount of business cards. 

Casual Contact Networking Events 


Casual networks are all about being relaxed and being able to communicate with representatives/managers/employees of other organizations in a comfortable and tranquil manner.  Usually these types of events allow for a few representatives of a certain profession.  They are held in order to add depth to the networking field and to introduce members of various organizations to each other to promote different ideas.  This is probably the best place for professionals to mingle and not necessarily be too focused on talking about their business or profession.
 
Virtual Contact Networking Events

Virtual networking has become a lot more popular in the last decade and it allows different employers and employees to be able to communicate through an online network.  This is a great way to present yourself to different professionals without having to travel to a specific location.  It is very common for these networking events to be casual and informal.  This gives most of the people communicating to feel a bit more free than during any other networking event.  Google+ is one of the main ways for these type of events to take place and has allowed for large numbers of professionals to network online simultaneously.

Networking allows you to meet people who have experience in different fields, who have developed a specific process for achieving their goals and who may also have many inspirational stories.  The bottom line is: you never know who you will meet and if there is a possibility that person might give you some valuable advice towards your professional career.  There is always a possibility that they might know someone who could point you in the right direction or introduce you to someone who is looking to hire someone with exactly the specific skill sets that you possess.  Attending these events will allow you to gain a better perspective of the networking world and will go a long way in aiding you in your search, dedication, and commitment to success.

Symposium Blog: Insider Info

Written By: Priyanka Surio

When: Wednesday, April 4, 2012, 8:30 am – 5pm

Where: Newman Alumni Center

What: This one-day conference will provide UM students with invaluable educational career development experiences and networking opportunities with successful UM alumni, local recruiters, and UM Staff and Faculty. Learn from past Canes and hear how they utilized their UM degrees and carried on the "U" tradition of excellence.
After registration and light refreshments, we have a series of panel breakout sessions, each with three different options for you to choose from.

Panel Breakout Session #1 includes:
1. Branding to the Savvy Consumer
Business markets have adapted to the consumerism era of today and learned to advertise to their consumers in more creative ways. Because today’s consumer is looking through a more skeptical eyeglass and wishing to save not spend, this panel will discuss the varying effective strategies one can use to respond to consumer behavior, budgets, and lay-offs. They will also discuss challenges and future opportunities within marketing.

2. Engineering Trends of the 21st Century: Building the Industry of the Future
With the current increasing demand for engineers in a variety of industries worldwide it is important to understand the trends in this career field. Technology has been seen as the rising force in the presently complex engineering projects. This panel will yield insight to any aspiring engineers with regards to the training and opportunities they need to take advantage of to make them more competitive in this global industry.

3. Civil Service, Diplomacy, and Covert Operations: At Home and Abroad
Globalization has begun to play a significant role in our ever-transforming society both domestically and abroad, so come hear about how the international arena merges with civil service. The panel will discuss different international issues and lend some insight into the importance of cultural fluidity. Whether you are an aspiring diplomat or wish to be the next intelligence officer, this panel will be an enriching experience.

Panel Breakout Session #2 includes:
1. What is Trending and What is Here to Stay in the Communication Industry
How has the communication industry changed since the invention of social media? Come find out from Advertising, PR, and media experts who will discuss how mobile applications and digital media have revolutionized the field of communication, creating new job opportunities. They will discuss the future of both traditional and social media and their relevancy in this growing field.

2. Examining the Legal Profession: Opportunities in the Courtroom and Beyond
Nothing states diversity like the field of law; whether you’re interested in international, corporate, patent, or criminal law, this panel is for you! Even if your career aspirations are to serve as a courtroom judge, this panel will allow you to discover the variety of professions within the legal field and how these panelists have excelled in their esteemed positions. You will also learn about the competition for associate positions and how giving back to the community can give you a competitive advantage.

3. Entrepreneurship: Finding and Retaining Customers for Your New Venture
Anyone can be an entrepreneur; all you need is an idea and the will to follow it through. In order to succeed, our panelists will discuss how to find and retain customers as well as some of the ideas and challenges they were faced with when opening up their business ventures. Furthermore, they will discuss how to maintain a large network of dedicated customers for long term sustenance of a new company.

Panel Breakout Session #3 includes:
1. The Effects of Social Media on Sports and Entertainment
Social media has not only made headway in communications, it has played a vital role in the field of sports and entertainment. Panelists will discuss how it has enhanced the way we receive, view, and cover athletes and stars and how they keep up with this changing medium.

2. Creating Positive Change through Community Service
Service is leading by creating positive change. Come to this panel to hear how these leaders serve as advocates for the non-profit community and how their past experiences led to a career in this fulfilling field. This session will sponsor a dialogue format between UM alumni, students, and professionals, in order to discover their inspiration for serving communities.

3. Being Creative in a Business World
Creativity comes in multiple forms, after all it is creativity. It tends to lead to diversity which is what more businesses are leaning towards in our ever-changing market. Creative individuals not only bring diverse perspectives, they also tend to contribute to the efficiency and success of such large scale businesses. Creativity can also spawn into self-employment or entrepreneurial ventures that exploit these passions. To learn more about creating a rewarding career, attend this panel.

There will be a Conference Luncheon with a keynote speech given by Art Keyhoe, UM alum and Offensive Line Coach for UM Football.

Our Closing Networking Reception from 3:00-5:00 p.m., is an opportunity for students and alumni to speak with the panelists and other professionals in a more intimate, personal setting. This allows you to make an impression and build relationships with professionals who could potentially further your career.
Regardless of whether you attend one panel session or all of them, this Symposium will broaden your horizons and help you establish ties with professionals and alumni who are ready to help you and can act as important stepping stones in your future career.

For more of a sneak peek into next Wednesday’s big event and to register, please visit this webpage:
Student and Alumni Career Symposium