• Hiatt Career Center
• BRANDEIS HOME

Networking

Networking Is…

• The process of gathering information to expand your knowledge about a job, career, service and/or geographical area by talking to people. 
• The development of a professional support system to help you as you mature as a professional and that, in the future, will help you to support others.

Benefits of Networking

• First-hand and current information allows you to learn what happens on the job beyond the understanding provided through course work or other outside research. This is beneficial not only for personal understanding but may make you a more impressive candidate.
• A perspective of work that goes beyond the limitations of job titles, allowing you to see what skills are required for the job and how you might fit into that work setting.
• Informational meetings and conversations are comparatively low-stress (when compared to interviewing for a job), and allow you to gain confidence in talking with people while learning what you need to know.
• Because you are only asking for information, you are “in control” of the interview. You decide what questions to ask and evaluate the information you are given for personal use.
• You craft a network of contacts that may be helpful in the future.
• You have an opportunity to meet with potential employers before the more stressful (for both of you) job interview.
• You are exposed to a variety of jobs and personalities of companies/agencies, making the search for your "niche" that much easier.
• You have the opportunity to learn where you might fit into a particular organization.

Learning How to Network

• Apply for the shadowing program and learn the step-by-step process of networking.
• Hiatt will give you all the tools necessary to succeed and you will speak with alumni who have explicitly set aside time for you.

Finding Networking Contacts

Talking to people and learning from their experiences shouldn’t have to be a formal process or one you practice only when job hunting. There are numerous resources available enabling you to pinpoint the people you’d like to contact.

• Brandeis alumni are an excellent source of information and you are guaranteed to have at least one thing in common: Brandeis. This link creates a less stressful atmosphere in which to interview and therefore may be a more informative opportunity.  The Brandeis Alumni Network is available online through LinkedIn.  To access the network you must complete the alumni networking requirements as set by the Hiatt Career Center and Alumni Relations.  
• Professors. They can be a wealth of information about specific disciplines they have encountered through their research or community involvement. Faculty are also often a good resource for those considering attending graduate school.
• Friends, family, supervisors, co-workers, coaches and acquaintances. Chat with people casually--on a plane or bus, while waiting in lines, at social gatherings, etc. Join a professional organization in your field and get involved.  Most people enjoy talking about the work they do. Curiosity can open a lot of doors.
• People you have heard about: lecturers, employers, prominent people in the community, etc.

Continue: Networking Etiquette & Questions