We often hear that "networking" is an essential part of starting and growing a career, but it can be hard to know where to start. With both in-person and virtual options it can all feel overwhelming!

For insights into how to develop and grow your professional network, join Assistant Director for Career Development, Stephanie Taylor, today, Tuesday, October 25^th from 12:00-1:00pm for the virtual Keys to Success: "The Circle: Building Relationships that Advance Your Career" session. For more information, click here. 

In preparation for this session, we wanted to share the top 5 questions that we receive related to networking below:

• "What exactly IS networking?" This is a good question! Network is the process of making personal and professional connections that evolve into mutually beneficial relationships over time. Contacts made through networking can often provide referrals to others who can provide job information or leads.
• "Why should I invest time in networking?" Yes, time is a precious commodity and we want to be sure to use it wisely. Establishing a network of professional contacts can give you the inside scoop about a position or company, provide a space to exchange ideas, help you grow your self-confidence, and develop a support network built on long-lasting relationships. All of these can help you save time in the long run when you are looking for that next perfect opportunity.
• "Ok, I'm convinced. But how exactly do I network?" Starting with your existing circle of contacts - family, friends, neighbors, classmates, professors, etc... - is a great way ease into networking. Engaging them in career-focused conversation can lead to interesting information and new discoveries. You may also want to reach out to UMBC alumni in careers of interest through the UMBC alumni group on LinkedIn. Events on campus such as Career Fairs, Career Corners and Employer Information Sessions provide awesome opportunities to grow your network in areas of interest.   
• "So, once I've contacted them, what do I say?" You can start by asking your contact about their career journey or perhaps what they like best about their current role. Engaging someone in an informational interview is a low pressure way to gain information on an industry, company, or job. These short conversations typically last around 20 minutes and can give you insights into a possible career path before you invest your precious time, energy, and money. Retrievers Connect is a great way to set up these informal conversations that can also help you to build communication skills and practice interviewing. Everyone on this platform has an existing connection to UMBC and are happy to connect with fellow Retrievers. Joining campus organizations and professional organizations connected to your major provide a space to start conversations with people with shared interests.
• "I just had the greatest conversation! So, now what do I do?" Follow-up is an important part to strengthen the relationship with a contact you have just met. Keeping in touch - even just to say Hi!  - keeps the relationship warm and can make it easier if you need to ask for something, like a recommendation, in the future. Continue to cultivate your network through reaching out to new contacts - either in-person or online through LinkedIn or Retrievers Connect!

While networking can feel daunting, we hope that sharing the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions can help you find a good starting point that works for you. Additionally, online career resource, Firsthand, has a video with the top 5 tips for networking. Check it out here.

Please feel free to check out some of our additional networking resources on the Career Center website or stopping by our offices on the 2^nd floor of the Math and Psychology building. We hope to see you soon!