You went to the career fair. You collected business cards. You had a few great conversations. Now what?

Making contacts is only the first step — what really matters is what you do after the introduction. Turning contacts into opportunities requires intention, follow-up, and a willingness to continue the conversation beyond the initial meeting.

Here's how to transform a quick interaction into something meaningful.

1. Follow Up Within 48 Hours

After meeting a recruiter or professional, send a short thank-you email or LinkedIn message. Mention:

• Where you met (e.g., the UMBC Career Fair)
• Something specific you discussed
• The role or opportunity that interests you

This small step helps them remember you — and signals professionalism.

2. Connect the Conversation to Action

If you discussed a specific position, apply soon after following up. In your application or message, reference your conversation. For example:

"I enjoyed speaking with you at the UMBC Career Fair about the XYZ position and have submitted my application."

This reinforces your interest and keeps your name top of mind.

3. Show Continued Interest

Opportunities don't always happen instantly. Stay engaged by attending events like employer info sessions, recruitment events, and workshops. Seeing you show up more than once demonstrates genuine interest and persistence.

4. Ask Smart, Specific Questions

If you attend a recruitment session, ask questions that show you've done your research. Instead of asking, "What do you do?" try:

• "What skills make someone successful in this role?"
• "What does the first year typically look like?"
• "What advice would you give someone preparing to apply?"

Thoughtful questions deepen the connection and leave a stronger impression.

5. Keep Building Momentum

Not every contact will lead to an immediate offer — but every interaction builds your network and strengthens your confidence. Networking is a long game. The more consistently you engage, the more opportunities will surface over time. Having an interconnected network across industries can become one of your greatest career assets. 

Take the Next Step

Ready to turn your connections into real opportunities? Join the IBM Z and Social Security Administration Recruitment Session to meet recruiters, learn about open roles, and continue building relationships that can move your career forward.

A single conversation can change your trajectory — but make sure you follow through.

Speed networking events, like the CNMS Career Connection Social on March 13, offer a unique opportunity to meet professionals, build connections, and gain career insights — all in a fast-paced format. Whether you’re a networking pro or new to these events, preparation and strategy are key.

Here are some tips to make the most of this valuable event:

1. Share an Impactful Introduction
Prepare a 30-second commercial that highlights your name, major, career interests, and a fun fact or personal touch to make you memorable. Practice your delivery to sound confident and authentic. Talking about personal projects is also fair game.

2. Be Curious and Professional

Treat every interaction as an opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level. Make eye contact, smile, and show genuine interest and enthusiasm for the work professionals are doing. The energy you bring leaves a lasting impression, even if your chat is only a few minutes long.

3. Have Questions Ready

Prepare a few thoughtful questions ahead of time. If you have access to the list of attendees ahead of time, look through the list and come up with more tailored questions. In general, you can inquire about career path, company culture, or advice for students entering the field.

3. Use a Digital Business Card

Leave something with the professionals you connect with by creating a digital business card. This can simply be a QR code that leads to your LinkedIn page or online portfolio, or you can create a free one using sites like Popl.

4. Take Notes and Follow Up

Bring a notebook to jot down names, industries, and key takeaways after each conversation. After the event, send follow-up emails or LinkedIn requests to continue building these relationships. It’s never too soon to build a network when you’re on the job market! Check out the tailored AI prompts in our Career Guide for some additional ideas.

Don’t Miss Out!

The CNMS Career Connection Social is your chance to network with professionals in Natural or Mathematical Sciences and build relationships that could shape your future career. RSVP today to secure your spot!