Seminar #6 professional networking strategies for intl students
- 1. NETWORKING IS… ”Channeling though a process of discovery through the establishment of mutually beneficial connections.”
- 2. Panel Discussio n In this Seminar, International students will learn how to improve their networking skills for a more productive job search. Dis cu s s ion Top ics : 2 0 min . e a ch A. Cu ltu ral Norms & US Social Skills B . Steps to I mproving Networking Skills C. T h e Power of Practice F u els Confid en ce D. Networkin g Gen erates Op p ortu n ities
- 3. COOPERATIVE EDUCATION Q. What are Culturized Social Skills? Cultural Norms & US Social Skills ( 20 min.) Topic A.
- 4. Where? At a career fair talking about jobs with recruiters gives international students little time to make meaningful connections. When? While networking at events or conferences which usually allow for a larger window of opportunity to talk with professionals Why? Research says a lack of US culturalized social skills are a contributing factor to low job search strategy implementation. Networking Utilizes Social Skills
- 5. What are Social Skills? Social norms are the rules of acceptable behavior in a society. How does improving your networking skills in the US relate to culturalized social skills? Culturalization is . . . The process of adapting to one's new cultural environment; the acquisition of values and behavior compatible with the new society which one is now a member. Socialization is . . . Adapting one’s behavior to the norms of a new culture; going out and meeting new people; a process of making social advances starting a connection with someone.
- 6. US Cultural Norms International Cultural Norms • Smile, shake hands firmly when meeting someone. • Age is regarded as “old fashioned”. Use first names on a name tag, crossing legs signals modesty. • Have direct eye contact with the person, relaxed posture and other appropriate nonverbal behavior. • Don’t be late, but call to let someone know you will be late or not attending at all. • Open discussion about accomplishments and expertise showing confidence in your abilities. • Bowing, nodding the head when meeting someone, • Age signifies more knowledge and respect. Using first names, crossing legs are deemed inappropriate. • Eye contact, especially with persons of higher status (i.e. employer, interviewer) is disrespectful. • Personal relationships maybe more important than time. Being late may not be a problem. • Citing accomplishments and skills may be too individualistic, self-serving or considered boastful.
- 7. COOPERATIVE EDUCATION Making Small Talk for BIG Returns 15 Steps to Improving Networking Skills Section B.
- 8. Schedule networking events to maintain and expand your professional contacts. Volunteer to establish rapport with decision-makers and influencers. Conduct informational interviews w/industry professionals or alumni and ask for career advice. Prepare questions early, their time is valuable. Follow-up w/updates on your progress. Use small talk to open a conversation or renew a relationship. If you say you will come to an event, show up Look for chances to use your skills in the community Be selective and definite about what you ask for from people Connect in person, by phone and via social media – build trust Use meal times or coffee breaks for networking
- 9. Take your job search seriously. Block out time on you calendar – and keep that appointment! Nice touch! Handwritten notes of thanks make you memorable. Find common ideas, likes, dislikes and possibly, personality traits Note the date and reason for follow-up on a person’s business card. Get to know people first, notice what’s important to them Plan a follow up time to reconnect w/updates Send a link to an article of mutual interest Make time for networking even when busy Send hand written notes people get way too many emails
- 10. Offer your skills to help with events on campus, you can get noticed and build key relationships. Working hard counts on coop – but poor social interaction skills could keep you from being hired there again later. Although it may be uncomfortable at first, the more you practice, the easier it gets. Face time is critical – people will help you if they know you This takes time to master. Do better than the rest, exchange ideas, ask for feedback Use your expertise to help others, build working relationships Ask first, then refer others – a friendly act that builds trust Build your network now before you need it
- 11. COOPERATIVE EDUCATION Q. Suggestions for Getting Started Around the “Run-Around” Topic C. The Power of Practice Fuels Confidence
- 12. Getting Started: •Learn about work authorization options, employer concerns •Attend Seminars, info sessions and promote hiring via STEM ExtensionKnow CPT/OPT •Improve English speaking proficiency skills, small talk techniques •Attend ESL Conversation group, on-campus student group meetingsConversation •Attend Seminars to improve your self-introduction •Participate in practice sessions, and introduce yourself to everyoneElevator Speech •Increase the frequency of attending off-campus networking events •If you register, you must show up – especially if registration is sponsored!Show Up •Personal satisfaction and you will leave a good impression w/influencers •Increases your confidence, pushes you to grow by supporting othersCome Prepared
- 13. Practice Makes Perfect Checklist Getting Started: “I am going to…” “I can achieve this by…” Priority # Date Due Learn about work authorization options, employer concerns on CPT, OPT, visas, short-term hires, costs, filing forms Attending Seminars, info sessions, ask UC INTL, promote hiring options to employers Improve English speaking proficiency, conversation skills, small talk, and building rapport with influencers ESL Conversation group, go to on-campus student group meetings and elevator speech Start networking more often – SHOW UP to the ones I registered for! Add dates of events with reminders, make business cards Never come unprepared to an event, or event a conference call. Do informational interviews, Volunteer - Expand my network!!
- 14. COOPERATIVE EDUCATION Q. What are the benefits of networking? Give and you shall receive! Topic D. Networking Generates Opportunities
- 15. 5 Benefits of Networking •Generation of opportunities that should align with your goals •Increases high quality referrals, job leads and businessReferrals •Look: Where are you spending time & energy? Who do you know? •Keep: Track what is generating the best results, omit the rest.Connections •Raising your profile, reputation and visibility – your personal brand •Building your credibility and other’s confidence in youCredibility •Positive influence transferred to decision-makers •Chances to meet positive influencers – could lead to VIP invitationsInfluence •Personal satisfaction and you will leave a good impression w/influencers •Increases your confidence, pushes you to grow by supporting othersHelping Others
- 16. 5 Ways Networking Generates Opportunities •Maintain regular contact with network, keep them informed •Personal, phone, email, social media and meet them face to faceCommunicate •Look: where are you spending time & energy? •Keep: Track what is generating the best results, omit the rest.Keep it Simple •Ask for advice, offer your time and support their efforts •Don’t be a complainer, keep a positive outlook –much more attractive!Build Rapport •Have a laser focus on where you are going – Don’t get distracted •What do you need to ask for to get there?Stay Focused •Have a strong support team (family, friends, co-workers, advisors) •Find mentors where you volunteer, work, shop, go to church, do sportsAccess Mentors
- 17. 5 Professional Networking Strategies •Practice networking by attending lots of different networking events. •Turn great contacts into clients, partners and colleaguesPractice •Get comfortable hearing “no”, over and over and over again. •Being intentional will make you tenacious about your job search.Be Intentional •Don’t burn any bridges, be genuinely nice to all. Watch making promises. •Pay attention. Listen with a smile when you think they may be wrong.Be Amazing •Give your time, your advice, and especially your referrals. •Gain cultural competencies, be inclusive/respectful of other’s differences.Value Others •Grow your network by constantly adding to your LinkedIn contacts. •Accept contact requests strategically and with caution.Add Contacts
- 18. COOPERATIVE EDUCATION … Connecting With People … Building And Nurturing Relationships … Sharing Information … Tapping Into The Hidden Job Market … Learning About Career Opportunities … Pooling Resources … Expanding Your Contacts Q&A Fireside Chat Networking is…
Editor's Notes
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