Preparation
Preparing for any formal or informational networking has four main components.
Research the Organization and the Person
Make a good impression by understanding the basics of the organization as well as the person you are talking to. This will both help ensure a good conversation and will enable you to dedicate more time to questions on information that’s not easily accessible.
Basics of an organization include what it does, how long it has been operating, and any major recent news or announcements. You don’t have to be an expert on everything about the organization, but be knowledgeable enough to have an informed conversation.
Basics of the person include understanding their general career path (which you might find on LinkedIn or other public sites). This could include how long they have been in the field and/or with the organization, their education (college major, any graduate degrees), etc.
Prepare Your Introduction (Elevator Pitch)
Called an elevator pitch as a reference to how long you might have to introduce yourself in an elevator ride (15–30 seconds), this is really just a professional introduction. The purpose is to quickly summarize your relevant interests and experiences and to prompt a more in-depth conversation. In addition to networking, you might use a version of this in interviews or other professional contexts.
Elevator Pitch Template
Hello, my name is ____________. I am a ________________ with interest/experience in _____________________. I have _______________ [had internships in, completed projects on, worked for ________________]. My strengths include ____________________. Do you know anyone I can speak with about opportunities in _________________?
Prepare Questions to Ask
Depending on whom you are speaking with and what you are hoping to learn, your list of questions may vary significantly. Remember, your goal is to learn about the field, the organization, specific roles, and the person’s experience and perspective. Do not ask directly if there are available or open positions.
- How did you get into this work? How did you get started at this job?
- What do you do in a typical day? What are your major responsibilities?
- What do you like most about this work? Least?
- What advice would you give to someone searching for an entry-level job (or: a job like yours) in this field?
- What would you suggest as the best way to prepare for entering this field?
- In your estimation, how difficult is it to obtain an entry-level job in this field?
- What is the entry-level salary range?
- Can you describe a typical career path from entry level to top management?
- Can you recommend anyone else whom I can speak with?
By asking whom else you might speak with during every conversation, this will help expand your network within the organization or field and make it more likely that you might hear about open positions as your network contacts learn of them in the future.
Polish Your Personal Brand: Resume/CV, Networking Platform Profiles, Social Media
Your personal brand is anything and everything that represents you to others. In addition to how you communicate and present yourself, your personal brand also includes your resume/CV, cover letters, portfolio, social media accounts, and profiles on networking and other platforms.
In preparing for networking conversations, prepare an introduction and ensure that you are dressed professionally. Likewise, updating other expressions of your personal brand is important to ensure a positive impression. For example, in addition to updating your resume, also remember to update your profiles on LinkedIn, BU Connects, and Handshake to reflect an updated experience list or academic concentration.