COMM 202tutorial 7: networking

agenda• skills matrix debrief• informational interview• how to network• action items

where are we at?Week 9 Week 13Week 10 Week 12

• tutorial: event networking/ informational interview

• resume and cover letter due(Nov. 1st @ 2PM)

• networking event (Nov. 3rd @ 6-8PM)

• lecture: interview prep

• tutorial: interview questions

• interview stream due (Nov. 25th @ 11:59PM)

Week 11

• lecture: informational interview

• post-networking reflection due(Nov. 8th @ 11:59PM)

• lecture: when you’ve got the job!

• interviews (Nov. 28th to Dec 1st)

• informational interview assignment(Dec. 9th @ 11:59PM)

skills matrix debrief• marks will be posted Wednesday• check Turnitin for feedback!

informational interview

where does networking happen?

where does networking happen?• chance meetings (i.e. sitting

beside someone on an airplane)• facilitated events (company

info sessions, networking events)

• as a result of a direct request (informational interviews)

why?• get your foot in the door (faster)

• gain insight about a company, industry, or career path

• practice your interview and networking skills

• find a potential mentor

• show them who you are beyond your resume and cover letter

informational interview assignment1. contact details (name, company, title, phone, email)2. list of questions asked3. major insights gained – what did you learn during your

informational interview? **This is the most important part, should be 40% of final paper**

4. did you request/receive any information regarding additional connections?

5. follow up action – What will you do to maintain this connection? *Screen shot of thank you email required

6. what are your next steps having conducted this information interview?

20%

informational interview assignment• due Friday, December 9th (note that this is during the final exam

period)

• minimum of two pages

• in-person and not current UBC student/staff/faculty or family member

• look at potential questions on the Course Blog

20%

how to land an informational interview1. find 4 or 5 potential contacts – WHERE?!

2. research them (Google, LinkedIn) and reach out to contacts you have in common

3. decide what you want to talk to them about and brainstorm questions and points of commonality

4. send out your invites! don’t be offended if they don’t immediately reply

informational interview timeline

Week 9 Week 13Week 10 Week 12

• Determine potential informational interview candidates

• Compose and send first round email

• Have interview date/time confirmed

• Brainstorm questions for interview

Week 11

• Compose and send second round email

• informational interview assignment due (Dec. 9th @ 11:59PM)

networking

networking eventSAVE THE DATE!Thursday, November 3rd from 6:00pm-8:00pm @ CPA Hall

• alumni, senior students, and local professionals convening for an evening of networking with this semester’s COMM 202 students

• excellent opportunity to practice and refine your networking skills and learn more about how to make the most of your time at Sauder!

networking reflection1. your goals in attending the event

• what is your purpose in going? define SMART goals beforehand

2. how did you prepare for the event (research potential delegates)• what was it about these people that motivated you wanting to talk to

them?

3. conversation summaries (3+ conversations) and what you learned in these conversations

4. reflection of the lessons learned

5. action steps to build relationship with new contact

10

networking reflection assignment• due Tuesday, Nov. 8th @ 11:59PM

• minimum of one page

• submit to Turnitin by 11:59PM

10%

researching contacts• check out the delegate info on the course blog

• skim the LinkedIn profiles of delegates you’d like to speak too note any interesting topicso hone in on similar experiences or shared groupso think about questions to ask

• during the event, be interested without being creepy!

dress to impress, dress for success

Research the event dress code if you aren’t sure what it means!

networking mechanicsWeb to web Eye color

Name tag on right Smile

Comfy Shoes

10 ways not to handshake

assessing the room• look for singles or doubles!

• you want to be memorable – the less people in your circlethe easier that becomes

the approachavoiding the awkward…

• don’t interrupt – when joining a networking circle, wait for a lull in the conversation

• never have food and a drink, you need a free hand to shake!

• go with a wingman, but not a Siamese twin

introduce yourselfjust simply say hi!• Hi, my name’s Yuwei.

• Hi Yuwei, it’s nice to meet you. My name’s Andy.

show you’re interested in talking to them• Hi Andy it’s great to meet you as well. I was actually hoping to chat

with you this evening as I noticed on your LinkedIn profile that you…and I would love to hear more about your experience.

start the conversation. ask a question / have them talk about themselves / stay positive• Do you have any advice for students…looking to make the most of

their time at Sauder? …looking for a career in your field?

continuing the conversation

LISTEN• be careful not to monopolize peoples’ time• listen for facts, feelings, free information and implied statements• introduce others, tying them into the conversation• identify commonalities• ask open ended questions

the graceful exit• spend 5 to 10 minutes with one person; wait for a lull

• excuse yourself kindly and assertively:o “It was nice to meet you”o “I’m glad you were here today. It’s been great chatting with you.

Thanks so much.”o “I don’t want to monopolize all your time today. Thank you for

taking time to speak with me and I hope you enjoy the rest of the event.”

• shake hands and exchange cards or ask to connect (if the conversation was meaningful)

follow up• after great conversations, send a personalized email or

LinkedIn request (or maybe an informational interview request? )

Hi Yuwei,

It was so great to get the chance to speak with you at last night’s networking event. I was really inspired by what you said about “building your personal brand”, and I am looking forward to putting your advice into practice.

I would love to continue our conversation about your experience at KPMG. I understand that you are very busy, but it would be great to meet for about 20 minutes. Would you be available to meet on Monday or Tuesday next week? Coffee is on me!

Thank you,

Alison Buchanan

the 202 networking event

202 networking event pet peeves

• asking questions and not listening to the answer• asking rapid-fire questions so no one else can

speak• when a person’s outfit is distractingly

unprofessional• when students only talk about their option choices

or career path!o try connecting over a common interest beyond

work and school

202 networking event pro tips• eat dinner beforehand• do some research on the delegates, but don’t get consumed in

stalking every LinkedIn profile• dress classy and comfortably• have a few interesting questions / topics to chat about ready to

go. how do you want to be remembered?• when all else fails, find a 202 TA and we’ll help you join a circle• head to an area that is less packed• manage your energy – take a breather if you need it

action items• resume & cover letter is due on Tuesday, November 1st

@ 2:00PM via Turnitino submit through COOL and Turnitin

o networking event on November 3rd o from 6-8PM in CPA Hallo networking reflection due Tuesday,

November 8th @ 11:59PM via Turnitin

• next week is lecture Puppy of the week!