Networking

Networking is an important career development skill worth building. Fundamentally, networking involves having a “career conversation” with someone to gather and share information.

Networking & Informational Interviewing

When utilized appropriately, networking with your contacts can help you:

Explore careers and jobs – By talking to professionals in informational interviews, you can ask questions to learn about a job, career field, industry, or workplace to help you determine how good a “fit” it is for you.
Find a job – You can use networking to uncover opportunities (even some that haven’t been publicly posted) and communicate your skills and goals to people who may be able to help you in your search. By discussing your qualifications and interests and asking thoughtful questions, you may learn about job leads and resources that you wouldn’t find elsewhere.

Where do you find people to network with? All around you! You can network with other students, family friends, professors, supervisors, and professionals you meet at career fairs or other events, or in your daily life. You can also use LinkedIn, the online professional networking website, as well as My Berkeley, to find professionals to connect with.

Surveys of employers consistently indicate that over 50% of all open positions are filled through networking! So it’s worth investing time to develop your networking skills – you will gain a valuable tool that will serve you throughout your career life.

Helpful Links

Introducing Yourself

For what to include when asking to connect, check out the guidance offered on this 5-point message page.

Whether you’re having a one-on-one conversation or talking with people at an event, be ready to share these kinds of information:

I am… (name, year in school, major)
“My name is Jamie Li, and I am a junior at Cal majoring in Architecture with a Minor in History of Art.”
I care about…(what motivates you, the sense of purpose that guides your pursuits)
“I am eager to draw on my knowledge of how art and architecture of different periods reflect each other.”

"I want to help people experiencing homelessness, especially those who face extra challenges because of physical disabilities."
I can…(what you can do or have done, incorporating skills and knowledge)
“I’ve been involved in Berkeley’s AIAS chapter, with a focus on recruiting new members and planning firm treks.”

“I had an internship at…where I generated drawings for a new residential project and helped create presentation documents for client meetings.”
I want… (the kind of organization or setting where you’d like to work; type of work/position you are seeking, responsibilities you want to carry out)
“I would like to work at a small or medium-sized organization where I can apply my passion for community empowerment and capacity building in marginalized communities. I would like to advocate for neighborhood-based community improvement through coalition building.”
I'd like to know... (a piece of information you are looking for, answer to a question)
“What do you like most about working at this organization?”

“What kinds of projects do interns and entry level hires get involved in?”

“What skills and experience are most important for someone wanting to get their foot in the door at your firm/in this industry?”

“What do you/hiring managers look for in candidates?”

“What is the profile of the person most recently hired at my level?”

“How long do people tend to stay at the organization?”

“Can you tell me about the hiring process -- what does it involve?”

“Do you anticipate any openings coming up?”

“What have you found to be the most effective strategies for seeking a position in this field?”

“Is there anyone you would recommend I talk to next for insights or advice? May I mention that you referred me to them?”

You can use this worksheet to brainstorm what you want to include in a self-introduction.