Tap into your Terrier network: The power of BU Connects for professional networking
Recorded: January 25, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of career development, networking has emerged as a powerful tool for creating connections, building relationships, and unlocking new opportunities. Michael Ouellette (Wheelock’08), Associate Director of Alumni Career Engagement, spoke with Colby Sim, Peer Engagement Manager for the BU Center for Career Development, about the significance of networking, the do’s and don’ts of effective networking conversations, and how BU Connects serves as a valuable resource for the BU community.
Top Insights from the Presentation
Understanding Networking
At its core, networking is about relationship building, engaging in conversations, making connections, and meeting people within your field or industry. The ultimate goal is to create a professional network that can lead to various opportunities, including job recommendations, insights into different careers, and access to unadvertised job openings.
85% of job seekers secure jobs with the help of networking, so this process is a crucial aspect of the job search. While traditional job searching involves applying and “hoping for the best,” a proactive approach, centered around networking, opens doors to opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.
Effective Networking Strategies
- 1. Set SMART goals: To make the most of mentoring opportunities, it’s crucial to know your goals and set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
2. Personalization: When reaching out, make sure to introduce yourself, mention a relevant connection between you and them, and outline what you are looking for. For additional guidance on crafting effective networking messages check out this on-demand webinar.
3. Be purposeful: Instead of asking directly for a job, which may come across as inappropriate or desperate, ask for career advice or guidance. Prepare questions that showcase your interest and curiosity about the other person’s career path, skills, and experiences.
How to use BU Connects to your advantage
BU Connects serves as a centralized online platform for networking and community-building among BU students, faculty, staff, and alumni. With nearly 28,000 members, the platform offers a robust alumni & student directory, direct messaging, job board, groups, and various other features to facilitate meaningful connections.
- Directory: Members can filter and find other Terriers based on specific criteria such as industry, company, major, location, and interests
- Direct Messages (DMs): The platform provides custom templates to help members craft effective messages when reaching out to others
- Job Board: BU Connects members can post job or internship opportunities at their organizations on the Job Board, and the board also pulls in job opportunities from BU’s Handshake platform
- Groups: Members can join regional networks or interest-based groups to connect with like-minded individuals for virtual and in-person events and networking
Mentoring Opportunities on BU Connects
Mentoring is an invaluable aspect of professional growth, and BU Connects facilitates both self-directed and structured mentoring processes. Members can contact potential mentors or mentees by searching for Terriers showcasing a willingness to mentor or be mentored on their profiles. Additionally, BU Connects is building partnerships with colleges and departments across campus to offer structured mentoring programs for those communities on the platform. Current mentoring collaborations include the College of Engineering, the College of Communication, and The Newbury Center for First-Generation Students, and more targeted mentoring programs are currently in development.
BU Connects harnesses the power of networking, offering a dynamic platform for the BU community to connect, learn, and grow together. By embracing the principles of effective networking and utilizing the resources provided by BU Connects, individuals can navigate their career paths with confidence and success.