The Career Mentor Experience Part 1: Finding a Career Mentor

Part 1: Finding a Career MentorThursday, February 27, 2014

Stefano VerdesotoCareer Services259 Capen Hall

University at Buffaloub-careers.buffalo.edu

Welcome!• Career Mentor Experience– Three (3) part experience• Find career mentors on LinkedIn• Master networking techniques• Apply your learning in a real-life experience*

– Attend both Parts 1 & 2, invited to special networking reception!

– UB Life event

Today’s Goals• Talk about: – Career Mentors – LinkedIn – UB Mentor Program – Other methods of networking

Before we get started…• Let’s go around the room and share

your– Name–Major/field of study– Career goal

Career Mentors

Career Mentors• Who are they?– Professors– Supervisors – Family friends– UB alumni and/or employers

Career Mentors• Why are they important?– Can share knowledge about field

• “Informational interview”

– Can connect you with others in your field• “Networking”

– Can help prepare for job/internship positions • Review your resumes/cover letters• Conduct practice interviews

– Can provide on-the-job shadowing

Career Mentors• Where can I find one?– Anywhere!– Class–Work– Events/reunions– LinkedIn

LinkedIn

LinkedIn• How many of you have a LinkedIn?• How many of you use it regularly?• What is LinkedIn good for?– Present yourself in a professional profile– Showcase your

education/skills/experience– Search for jobs/internships– Connect with others– Learn from those you connect with!

UB Mentor Program

UB Mentor Program

UB Mentor Program• LinkedIn group for students to

connect with career mentors (alumni/employers)

• FREE and open to all UB students (you!)

• Group discussions for both mentors and students to share tips/perspectives

• Common group that connects you to 600+ career mentors that want to help!

UB Mentor Program• Hands-on tutorial!

Other Ways to Network• LinkedIn is a great tool, but…• Day-to-day opportunities– Class–Work– Events– Friends of friends

Other Ways to Network• It’s not rocket science!• “Hi, I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m

Stefano.”• Try it out!– Pretend the person next to you is

someone you want to know…–What would you say?

Other Ways to Network• How did that feel?• What did you talk about?• How did the other person react?

Next Time• No worries, there will be more…• Career Mentor Experience Part 2– In-person and online networking tips–Messaging mentors/employers– Online professionalism/etiquette– Questions to ask and avoid– Building a relationship

Thank You!• Any questions?– guidover@buffalo.edu

• Quick survey time!

Next Time

Next time… Part 2:Contacting and Interviewing Career

MentorsThursday, March 27

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.240 Student Union