Wherever and whenever you have opportunities to interact and build relationships with others, you have the opportunity to network! Networking is an important professional skill and a proactive job and internship search strategy, which may include 1) communicating with people you already know and 2) reaching out to contacts with whom you seek to build relationships. Both kinds of communication and relationships are important during a job / internship search and throughout your career.
Networking is best approached as a relationship - rather than a brief communication or transaction. Whether you are growing a relationship or reaching out to someone new, consider the questions:
Early in our careers, there may be a greater portion of learning within our networking relationships. However, think about ways you can maintain balance - through staying in touch, offering thanks or taking action steps discussed within your networking communications. While our motivations for outreach may relate to securing a job or internship, the best networking relationships are formed and sustained when information sharing extends beyond inquiring about job / internship openings.
Review the sections below for information about:
LinkedIn: LinkedIn the world's largest professional network with 774+ million members in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. LinkedIn’s search options support searches within your contacts, your contacts’ contacts and groups to help you identify individuals who work in particular roles or for specific companies, as well as other search criteria.
Marquette Career Network: Marquette Career Network will help facilitate career-related conversations between you and the Marquette Network. This platform will give you an opportunity to seek knowledge and advice, explore career fields in which you are interested, and build your professional network with alumni around the world. At the same time, it provides alumni the opportunity to make a difference in the lives and careers of Marquette students and an opportunity to give back to their alma mater by sharing personal and professional experiences with current students, fellow alumni and future colleagues. Learn more and get started!
Virtual & In-Person Recruiting Events
Handshake summarizes career-related events and career fairs. Employers may post directly to Handshake, so the system will include MU-hosted events as well as multi-school events and employer-hosted events. Maximize your Handshake use by following these tips and instructions.
Campus Events & Guest Speakers
Events do need to be a career fair to have a career impact. Attend campus events to connect with people with similar interests. At the events, make an effort to introduce yourself to new people - strike up a conversation with the person seated next to you or approach a host or speaker to share your appreciation for the event. As guest speakers visit your classes, introduce yourself after class to share your thanks and ask a few questions. Consider sending the speaker a LinkedIn connection request after class to stay in touch!
If you would like more help with networking, schedule an appointment with the Marquette Business Career Center today via Handshake!
• Contact the Business Career Center
• e-mail: businesscareers@marquette.edu
• Call: (414) 288-7927
• Visit us in person: O'Brien Hall, Suite 111
• For campus-wide career resources, contact the MU Career Services Center
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