Networking can take place in numerous places and situations, from conferences to backyard barbeques. Your personal network of contacts is similarly diverse, including family, friends, co-workers, past classmates, neighbors, mentors, and acquaintances. While the specifics differ for each relationship, one underlying fact remains constant: make as many contacts as possible. You never know who might be of assistance in the future.
Exploratory conversations, otherwise known as informational interviewing, are a useful tactic to explore and uncover answers to questions about a particular career path, company, or industry. Once you have sought out the right contact to set up an exploratory conversation, there are a few steps to prepare for your meeting.
Resources:
- Career Management Guide: Informational Interviews
- Utilize the Networking Tracker
- Guiding Videos
- TEDx Talk: Your Next Job is One Conversation Away, by Dawn Graham
- Video 1 by Nathan A. Perez: Overview of the 20-Minute Networking Meeting
- Video 2 by Nathan A. Perez: The 5-Step Structure to the 20-Minute Networking Meeting
- Beyond B-School Articles
Being a Business Badger, you have immediately expanded your network! The bond Badgers share makes it easy to spark a conversation as you already have something in common. Alumni come together through an array of networking opportunities ranging from exploratory conversations to informal gatherings or professional events hosted by the Wisconsin School of Business or the UW campus.
Resources:
- Learn more about Badger Alumni Connections
- Log into Badger Bridge
- Peruse the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association
Ask ten people what networking is and you will get a variety of answers. A person’s definition of networking depends upon their use of this important activity. Whether you network to make new friends, find a new job, develop your current career, explore new career options, obtain referrals or sales leads, or simply broaden your professional horizons, it is important to focus on networking as an exchange of information, contacts, and experiences.
Resources:
- Career Management Guide: Networking – Building Connections
- Forte Foundation Introduction Powerpoint and Video Recording
- Articles:
- Top 8 Career Networking Tips for Introverts, source: thebalancecareers.com
- Networking Like a Pro: 3 Easy Questions to Help You Stand Out, source: thebalancecareers.com
- Beyond B-School Article: 7 Ways to Hold Yourself Accountable to Network
Board membership offers a high-impact way to leverage your expertise and skills. Nonprofit boards serve as a great launching pad for corporate board service, are often easier to join, and are viewed as a critical foundational experience to serving on a for-profit board. There are important differences between for-profit and nonprofit board membership, which involve selectivity and compensation.
Resources:
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- How To Get On A Board Of Directors, source: Forbes
- 10 Questions to Ask Before Joining a Non-Profit Board, source: Huffington Post
- Questions to Ask Before Joining a Board, source: Board Source