While the ghosts and goblins of Halloween-time may send chills down your spine, sometimes nothing is quite as spooky as the thought of networking. Fear not! We'll banish those networking nightmares and help you become a confident connector.
Embrace Your Inner Vampire: Transform Fear into Confidence 🧛
Even Dracula had to socialize sometimes! Here are some tips to help you break the ice:
- Start Small
Begin your networking journey with smaller, low-pressure events. Look for casual meetups, workshops, or coffee chats. The more comfortable you become, the easier it will be to tackle the bigger networking events — like next semester’s Career and Internship Fair! Stay up to date with the many smaller-scale networking events hosted by the Walter Center. - Create a Spellbinding Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch is basically your magic spell! Create a brief, engaging introduction that showcases who you are and what you’re passionate about. Practice it until it rolls off your tongue and keep it in your back pocket to enchant anyone you meet.
Haunted by the Possibility of an Awkward Silence? 😳
Even the most seasoned networkers sometimes find themselves in an awkward silence. Some ways you can keep the conversation flowing:
- Find Common Ground
Look for shared interests. Whether it’s a class you have both taken, a hobby, or even a favorite Halloween movie, finding things you both can relate to will help break the ice and create a natural connection.
- Get Curious
People love to talk about themselves! Approach networking like you’re a detective in a mystery movie. Prepare open-ended questions like, “What’s your favorite part of your job?” or “How did you land your current role?” These questions can open doors without any creepy vibes.
Don’t Ghost Them — Follow Up!
Whether it’s exchanging business cards, swapping phone numbers, or following each other on LinkedIn, don’t forget to get the other person’s contact information.
After your encounter, send a brief follow-up email or LinkedIn message. Mention something specific you talked about or share a relevant article that expands on something you talked about. This keeps the conversation alive and shows you’re genuinely interested in maintaining your new connection!
Networking Resources are Your Ghostbusters! 🤝
Just like you wouldn’t face a haunted house without backup, you don’t have to approach career preparation and networking alone, either. The Walter Center for Career Achievement will tackle any frights that come your way. These services will help you network with confidence:
- Mock Interviews: Practice makes perfect! Meet one-on-one with a career coach to go through a mock interview. It’ll make you feel confident and prepared for the real thing.
- Elevator Pitch Practice: Drop-in to the Career Studio behind the welcome desk on the 2nd floor of Ernie Pyle Hall to refine and practice your elevator pitch. Our trained peer coaches are happy to help!
- Networking Events: The Walter Center frequently hosts niche networking events. Follow us on Instagram and take a look at our events calendar to stay in the know about upcoming networking opportunities and career related events.
Networking doesn’t have to be a horror story. By taking small steps, being prepared, and utilizing the Walter Center’s resources, you can transform this spooky experience into something exciting. So, grab your broomstick (or resume) and get ready to fly confidently into new connections!