Alumni Mentors: Networking 101

By Mandy Weber

With the hope of learning about summer internship opportunities, Fulbright visiting graduate Paul-Christian Britz attended the student and alumni networking event sponsored by the Communication Department. The event was one of many during UW’s 10th Annual Career Week the last week of January. But Britz, a Germany native who dreams of being a photojournalist, had stumbled upon an event that wasn’t simply about internships.

Students practice their networking skills...

... and use them at the Networking Event.

"I was expecting more of a lecture type of event. When I found out we were actually going to talk to journalists one-on-one, I got very nervous. However, it turned out to be great. I got feedback on my own networking skills, and I walked away with more confidence, and a raised awareness of how I meet and connect with people." Britz had discovered networking, one of the greatest tools for finding a job.

With the final quarter of another school year approaching, graduating students are looking for ways to begin their careers and get their foot in the door. However, job opportunities are hard to come by in this economy, where more jobs are being lost than found. This is where networking comes in handy. Making connections with professionals in your field can help steer you in the right direction. It is reported that 57 percent of human resources executives rely on networking to locate qualified applicants.* With statistics like these, it would be unwise not to explore every networking opportunity.

At the Communication and Journalism Student and Alumni Networking Event, students and graduates had a chance to talk with 11 communication professionals one on one. Linda Farmer, '90, was one of those participating. Farmer is the communications and government affairs manager for the City of Federal Way. She knows having a network of field professionals to turn to can help put you on the path to your future career. "It’s not what you know, it really is who you know. In this economy there are fewer jobs and the expectations are really high. You have to go that extra mile."

Alumna Mary-Kelly Bradwin, ’03, pursuing that extra mile, took advantage of the event and came away with connections that have the potential to help her in her fields of Public and Media Relations. "Jenni Hogan was wonderful to talk with. She offered to take my resume and agreed to speak with me about finding a career in the field. As well, she generously offered to review my resume." From her networking experience, Bradwin gained a boost of confidence, and feels more prepared for the interviews in her future.

Jenni Hogan, ’02, morning traffic anchor for KIRO-TV, headed up the Career Week networking event. She offered plenty of networking advice before the event started, to help students get an idea of what networking is all about. "If you can look at networking as giving to people, you are going to get so much more back than taking.” From past experience, Hogan understands that networking really does help further one’s career. "Events like this are huge, and I actually got another job out of an event like this seven years ago. I gave them my resume and they ended up hiring me."

Alumna Pat Foote, '71, right, and student

Megan Coopersmith, '04, left, and student

By following Hogan’s guidelines, Fulbright graduate Britz made valuable connections he wouldn’t have discovered had he not unknowingly stepped into the Career Week networking event. Britz was introduced to a Seattle photojournalist who offered to look at his portfolio and help him advance his photography skills.

Since the event, Britz has found a renewed ambition, and has attended an interview workshop, met with career counselors, and has begun to apply for the internships that were recommended to him by journalists at the event. "The event really got me started to work on my career. I am even considering opening my own business upon return to Germany."

As you consider networking to help you along your career path, think beyond the physical space. Creating a profile on a professional networking web site can also be of help. By signing up and uploading your resume, you can have access to millions of professionals with the click of a mouse. Most sites allow you to search for people, companies, and jobs that may exist in your field.

Networking online is beneficial because you’re publicizing your skills and experience and making yourself available in a realm where people are always looking to foster business relationships. LinkedIn.com is a popular site among professionals. With more than 35 million registered users, spanning 170 industries, connections are made each day that prove to be essential to career development.

Bradwin is a LinkedIn.com member and says she has found it to be a great networking tool as her "connections have been very accommodating in keeping me in mind should something become available with their company." Other networking sites include ILoveSeattle.org, Biznik.com, AdGabber.com for advertisers, Sermo.com for licensed physicians, and INmobile.org for the wireless industry.

Linda Farmer, '90, left, and student

HuskyConnect is the exclusive online networking community for University of Washington alumni. Composed of more than 300,000 alums, members can upload their resumes to network for job opportunities with other UW alums. Never underestimate the power of Web 2.0. In this era of ever-expanding communication technology, having a profile on an online networking site could lead to the job you’ve always wanted.

For undergrads, the Husky Career Network is the place for career advice and assistance. Students can sign on to the network with their UW NetID and search through more than 5,000 UW alumni who have volunteered their resources and knowledge to support fellow Huskies in the pursuit of their ideal career. Students can find contacts in all professional fields by filtering results by location, academic field, or student affiliations. On each profile, contact information is available so that students can speak directly with the alum of their choice.

Get even more career advice and learn about collaboration opportunities by joining the UW Communication LinkedIn group.

By utilizing these various ways to connect with professionals, the chances for success in the career search multiply. Networking with professionals in your field, whether in person or in the virtual world, reveal opportunities that, otherwise, may never have been discovered.

Sidebar: Get Jenni Hogan's Tips for Effective Networking