Networking
Design Your Network
Crafting Connections for Career Success
What is Networking?
Networking is the process of connecting with individuals who share common interests and goals, creating a supportive community where valuable information, advice, and opportunities are exchanged. Imagine a network of computers constantly sharing data; professional networking operates similarly, with individuals continuously sharing knowledge and resources to benefit one another.
Why Network?
Networking is essential for building mutually beneficial relationships that can help you discover careers in specific fields, industries, or organizations. It allows you to identify potential opportunities and prepare effectively for interviews. By engaging in networking, you are actively participating in your Life Design journey, creating a personalized path that aligns with your passions and goals.
Networking Opportunities
Networking Dos and Donts
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Send thank you notes and follow up with your connections | Ask for jobs or internships |
| Be grateful for an individual's time | Treat networking like a formal job interview |
| Reach out to referrals that come from your connections | Communicate informally, like you would with your friends |
| Request feedback on your resume | Spontaneously make up questions |
| Ask to stay in contact and connect on LinkedIn | Be pushy or assuming |
Life Design Principles in Networking
- Curiosity: Approach networking with a sense of curiosity. Explore different industries and career paths, and ask questions to learn from others' experiences.
- Prototyping: Use networking as a way to prototype your career ideas. Conduct informational interviews and seek job shadowing opportunities to test out different roles and environments.
- Storytelling: Share your own story and listen to others. Storytelling helps you build connections and communicate your values and aspirations.
- Collaboration: Networking is a collaborative process. Work together with others to solve problems, share insights, and support each other's growth.
- Reframing: Use networking to reframe your career challenges. Gain new perspectives from your network that can help you see obstacles in a new light and find creative solutions.
By integrating these Life Design concepts into your networking efforts, you can create a dynamic and supportive professional network that enhances your career journey and personal growth.
Generative AI tips for Networking
Networking:
Do: Use Generative AI to draft professional networking emails or messages.
- Example Prompt: "Generate a networking email to introduce myself to a professional in the healthcare industry."
- Based on my resume, generate a short but captivating 30-Second Spot I can use for networking: [insert resume].”
Don't: Use Generative AI to impersonate someone else in your networking efforts.
Advice: Personalize the messages generated by AI to make them more authentic and relevant to the recipient.
The UD Career Center is part of the Division of Student Life, which advances equity and inclusion, deepens student learning and drives holistic development through education, experiences and communities.
