COMM 202tutorial 6: networking
where are we at?
Week 9 Week 13Week 10 Week 12
• tutorial: event networking/ informational interview
• resume and cover letter due(Nov 1st 2PM)
• networking event (Nov 3rd 6-8PM)
• lecture: interview prep
• tutorial:interview questions
• interview stream due before class
Week 11
• lecture: informational interview
• networking reflection due(Nov 8th 11:59PM)
• lecture: when you’ve got the job!
• interviews
• informational interview
Feedback
• Wins
• “I feel comfortable in this classroom environment”
• Engaging instructor
• Music
• Activities
• “Stop looking so fresh”
Feedback
• Better time management
– More detailed
– Try to stick to agenda
• Feedback/Office hours clarification
• Don’t call on me, less activities, course structure, music, meeting new people, etc.
agenda
• informational interview
• networking at events
• action items
informational interview
where does networking happen?
• chance meetings (i.e. sitting
beside someone on an airplane)
• facilitated events (company info
sessions, networking events)
• as a result of a direct request
(informational interviews)
why?
• get your foot in the door (faster)
• gain insight about a company, industry, or career path
• practice your interview and networking skills
• find a potential mentor
• show them who you are beyond your resume and cover letter
informational interview assignment
• contact details (name, company, title, phone, email)
• list of questions asked
• major insights gained – what did you learn during your informational
interview? **This is the most important part, should be 40% of final
paper**
• did you request/receive any information regarding additional
connections?
• follow up action – What will you do to maintain this connection?
*Screen shot of thank you email required
• what are your next steps having conducted this information
interview?
informational interview assignment
• due Friday December 2nd (note that this is during the final exam
period)
• minimum of one page
• in-person and not current UBC student/staff/faculty or family member
• look at potential questions on the Course Blog
how to land an informational interview
1. find 4 or 5 potential contacts – WHERE?!
2. research them (Google, LinkedIn) and reach out to contacts you
have in common
3. decide what you want to talk to them about and brainstorm
questions and points of commonality
4. send out your invites! don’t be offended if they don’t immediately
reply
informational interview timeline
Week 9 Week 13Week 10 Week 12
• Determine potential informational interview candidates
• Compose and send first round email
• Have interview date/time confirmed
• Brainstorm questions for interview
Week 11
• Compose and send second round email
• informational interview assignment due (Dec. 2nd 11:59PM)
networking
networking event
SAVE THE DATE!
Thursday, November 3rd from 6:00pm-8:00pm @ CPA Hall
• alumni, senior students, and local professionals convening for an evening of
networking with this semester’s COMM 202 students
• excellent opportunity to practice and refine your networking skills and learn more
about how to make the most of your time at Sauder!
networking reflection
1. your goals in attending the event
• what is your purpose in going? define SMART goals beforehand
2. how did you prepare for the event (research potential delegates)
• what was it about these people that motivated you wanting to talk to them?
3. conversation summaries (3+ conversations)
4. reflection of the lessons learned
5. action steps to build relationship
10
1. your goals in attending the event
• what is your purpose in going? define SMART goals beforehand
2. how did you prepare for the event (research potential delegates)
• what was it about these people that motivated you wanting to talk to them?
3. 3+ conversation summaries
4. reflection of the lessons learned
5. action steps to build relationship
networking reflection assignment
• due Tuesday November 8th
• minimum of one page
• submit to Turnitin by 11:59PM
researching contacts
• check out the delegate info on the course blog
• skim the LinkedIn profiles of delegates you’d like to speak to
o note any interesting topics
o hone in on similar experiences or shared groups
o think about questions to ask
• during the event, be interested without being creepy!
dress to impress, dress for success
Research
the event
dress code if
you aren’t
sure what it
means!
networking mechanics
Web to web Eye color
Name tag on right Smile
Comfy Shoes
assessing the
room
the approach
avoiding the awkward…
• don’t interrupt – when joining a
networking circle, wait for a lull in the
conversation
• never have food and a drink, you need a free hand to shake!
• go with a wingman, but not a Siamese
twin
introduce yourself
just simply say hi!
• Hi, my name’s Braden. • Hi Braden, it’s nice to meet you. My name’s JOHN CENA.
show you’re interested in talking to them
• Hi John it’s great to meet you as well. I was actually hoping to chat with
you this evening as I noticed on your LinkedIn profile that you…and I
would love to hear more about your experience.
start the conversation. ask a question / have them talk about themselves /
stay positive
• Do you have any advice for students…looking to make the most of their
time at Sauder? …looking for a career in your field?
continuing the conversation
• be careful not to monopolize peoples’ time
• listen for facts, feelings, free information and implied statements
• introduce others, tying them into the conversation
• identify commonalities
• ask open ended questions
the graceful exit
• spend 5 to 10 minutes with one person; wait for a lull
• excuse yourself kindly and assertively:o “It was nice to meet you”
o “I’m glad you were here today. It’s been great chatting with you.
Thanks so much.”
o “I don’t want to monopolize all your time today. Thank you for taking
time to speak with me and I hope you enjoy the rest of the event.”
• shake hands and exchange cards or ask to connect (if the
conversation was meaningful)
follow up
• after great conversations, send a personalized email or LinkedIn request (or maybe an informational interview request? )
Hi John,
It was so great to get the chance to speak with you at last night’s networking event. I was really inspired by what you said about “building your personal brand”, and I am looking forward to putting your advice into practice.
I would love to continue our conversation about your experience at KPMG. I understand that you are very busy, but it would be great to meet for about 20 minutes. Would you be available to meet on Monday or Tuesday next week? Coffee is on me!
Thank you,
Braden Fong
the 202 networking event
202 networking event pet peeves
• asking questions and not listening to the answer
• asking rapid-fire questions so no one else can speak
• when a person’s outfit is distractingly unprofessional
• when students only talk about their option choices or
career path!
o try connecting over a common interest beyond
work and school
202 networking event pro tips
• eat dinner beforehand
• do some research on the delegates, but don’t get consumed in
stalking every LinkedIn profile
• dress classy and comfortably
• have a few interesting questions / topics to chat about ready to
go. how do you want to be remembered?
• when all else fails, find a 202 TA and we’ll help you join a circle
• head to an area that is less packed
• manage your energy – take a breather if you need it
action items• Resume and Cover Letter due November 1st, 2016
o once submitted to Turnitin (by 1:59pm)
o secondly to COOL (this is how you will receive an interview for the Employment Interview assignment) (by midnight,
same day…but just do it right away so you don’t forget!)
• networking event on November 3rd, 2016
o from 6-8PM in CPA Hall
o networking reflection due Tuesday, November 8th, 2016 on Turnitin!
• next week is tutorial