Networking Events

Networking events are opportunities for students to begin making connections with employers! The university offers a variety of them each semester. Many RSOs, major departments, and colleges also host their own networking events, so getting connected on campus is a great way to expand your your network.

Career Fairs

Career fairs are a fantastic way to begin your networking journey! Fairs offer one place to meet a large amount of employers and inquire about their open positions. Finding a career fair that bests fits your area of study and preparing in advance is the best way to create meaningful connections.

Other Networking Events

In addition to career fairs- many other networking events (or events that can become networking opportunities exist in academic settings:

Classroom and RSO guest speakers: even if a guest speaker does not meet with you directly, this does not mean you cannot request they join your network by staying to chat with them and thank them after they speak, connecting with them on LinkedIn, or sending a thank you card after they come to campus!
Resume Reviews/Pre Career Fair Prep: Career centers host many pre career fair events, many of which have recruiters attending- check out events prior to career fair to see if any of their descriptions mention having employers
Speed Networking: Some colleges or RSOs may bring in a high amount of employers and do speed networking, where you chat with multiple recruiters in a brief period of time. This is a great way to meet a variety of people- remember their name so you can thank them personally and connect with them on LinkedIn!

Elevator Pitches and Pitch Conversations

Elevator Pitch:

An elevator pitch is a short (30-90 seconds) summary about yourself that you can provide to employers to allow them to get to know you. They are prepared in advance and should cover the following information:

your name, major, and graduation date
your career aspirations
how you and your aspirations are relevant to them as a company

Pitch Conversation:

While an elevator pitch is a fantastic way to conceptualize yourself and what you want to say to people interested in hiring you- it is also important to be able to use the concepts from your pitch and have a conversation with a professional.

If you are already engaging in small talk, make sure you do not repeat information when you give your pitch
Work on transitioning seamlessly between small talk and providing all relevant information to recruiters