Make Connections
One of the best ways to learn about a career field, industry, or career
path is to find out what it is like from others who have been there. You
can gain valuable inside information from talking to someone in your field
of interest, which includes learning about the day-to-day responsibilities
of a position, getting insights into industry trends, or learning about
required training or education for career success. This approach to information
gathering lets you make connections with people who are in the position
to help you find a place of your own in that field. "Making a connection"
(otherwise known as networking) is an essential step in the transition
from student to professional. Especially when the job market seems tough,
who you know can make all the difference to your job search.
The more informed you are about a field, the more you can target your
efforts to gain contacts. Research Your Options in the career
or educational fields of interest to you. You may want to consider attending
a career center workshop or speaking with a Career Center counselor
about how to present yourself professionally through networking skills,
professional etiquette, and a well developed resume. A counselor can also
make suggestions of people to talk to regarding your career or educational
pursuits.
Networking and Informational Interviewing
Networking means talking to your personal and professional contacts about
your career situation and asking for advice or referrals to other contacts
who might be able to help you. Consulting with professionals to learn
more about their career fields is a particular form of networking called
informational interviewing.
- @cal Career Network - The @cal
Career Network helps you connect with Cal alumni who are in your career
fields of interest, whether you are exploring career options or looking
for advice about your job search. The network is a database of Cal alumni
who have volunteered to share their career experiences with students
and other alumni through informational interviews so you can gather
occupational or industry information before finalizing your career goals.
Real World
A sophomore who is the process of exploring career options saw a middle-aged man on
campus who appeared to be lost. The man turned to the student and ask for directions to a
campus building. The student offered to walk him to his destination. During their walk,
the student found out that the man worked in marketing for a major corporation. The man
told the student about marketing and offered him his card. When the student did a Google search
on his new contact, he discovered that this executive is considered a marketing "genius" and is a
legend in marketing. The student now has a great new networking contact!
- Articles on Networking & Informational Interviewing
- Professional Associations - Professional associations are committed
to attract and support people interested in entering particular career
fields. You can often find names and email addresses of professionals
through such associations or follow up on an open invitation to attend
association events to network with people in the field.
- Associations on the Net
- Links to over 2000 associations.
- ASAE
Gateway to Associations Online - Search a database of over 6500
links to professional associations. Directory by the American Society
of Association Executives.
- Associations
Unlimited - Site is only accessible via a UC Computer or account.
- California
Alumni Association, Student Services - Learn how to connect
with Cal alumni for networking and career advice. Services include
Bear Connections alumni networking program, Fireside Chats, and
the student-alumni mentor program.
- Student
Organizations - List of UC Berkeley student organizations officially
registered with the Office of Student Life (updated each semester).
Category/keyword search, contact information and links to websites
provided.
Reality Check
19.5% of the seniors surveyed in the class of 2003 reported that they obtained
their employment through personal connections or networking. This method was more
effective than direct contact with employers, having previously worked for the employer or
on-campus recruiting.
Connecting at Career Center Events
Career Center events are a good way to get learn about industries, organizations,
or job titles that appeal to you. The professionals that participate in
these events want to give you information and have an interest in you
as a Cal student.
- Search the calendar for events
in fields that are of interest to you.
- CareerMail announcements are
also a great way to stay informed of potential opportunities to make
contact with people in fields of interest to you.
- Career Fairs - Review tips
to make the most of a career fair.
Connecting Through Direct Experience
Internships, externships, and volunteer work provide a great opportunity
to gain exposure to a career field and meet people with similar interests
or paid positions in that field. Many of these short-term experiences
can potentially lead to permanent positions after graduation. Check
out the Career Center and campus resources available that will help
you Get Experience and gain networking
contacts.
Take Action: Making Use of Your Connections
The following are some career related questions you might want to ask
the people you meet in order to gain more information. While they are
appropriate to ask directly in an informational
interview, they can also be modified to ask at career fairs, graduate
school fairs, or during your internship or externship. Your thoughtfulness,
enthusiasm, and genuine interest will make a positive impression on
the people with whom you speak.
Sample questions about a particular job title:
What do you do as a __________?
How did you begin your career?
What is a typical day like for you?
How does your job affect your general lifestyle?
How does your position fit within the organization/industry/career field?
What are the rewards/challenges/frustrations of your work?
What are the major qualifications for success in this particular occupation?
Questions about career fields or industries:
What entry-level jobs are available in this field?
What other career areas do you feel are related to your work?
What career paths are generally available?
What is the profile of the person most recently hired at my level?
What are some of the current issues and trends in the field?
Questions targeting your next steps or job search:
Can you recommend trade journals, magazines, or professional associations that would be helpful for my professional development?
What steps would you recommend that I take to prepare to enter this field?
What are the most effective strategies for seeking a position in this field?
Can you suggest anyone else I could speak with?
Back to Planning Your Future Home
|
