»Networking

85% of jobs are filled through networking (LinkedIn & Adler Group, 2016)

It's not just about who you know or meet…it's about building quality relationships.

What is Networking?

Your Network Includes...

Networking is about relationships, and everyone has a network. Here are some possible network contact sources.

Personal

• Friends and relatives
• Families of friends; friends of relatives
• Relatives of friends
• Neighbors
• Fraternity/sorority members
• Sports partners
• Members of your service, professional or religious affiliation, associations and clubs

Professional

• Previous and current employers/supervisors
• Colleagues from previous jobs
• Employers who visit campus for career fairs or information tables

Educational

What networking is

• Connecting with people and cultivating relationships
• Exchanging information, resources and support to create mutually beneficial relationships for personal and professional use
• Achieving visibility
• An opportunity to:
  • Put yourself out there!
  • Develop good listening skills
  • Practice your formal and informational interviewing skills
  • Be honest, tactful and ethical
  • Gain insight into the career and profession you are interested in
  • Practice your elevator pitch
  • Gain resume feedback
• Networking is about becoming part of the network

What networking isn't

• It is not all about “schmoozing.”
• It is not about manipulating people to get hired.
• It is not a quick fix. It is a long-term investment.
• It is not asking for a job or using people. It is about learning from others. It may feel awkward, asking questions and talking about yourself, but it is an essential part of your professional success.

When networking is done right...

• You obtain valuable advice and support.
• Leads to access to insider information about organizations and jobs before advertised.
• Networking contacts may assist you with navigating the job search process.

Informational interviews are informal conversations with a professional in a job/organization/industry in which you are interested. Informational interviews are not job interviews. An informational interview provides you with insider insight as you are looking to learn more about an industry, field, career path or employer. You are not asking them for a job. You are gaining information to help you with your career goals (but there is always a chance this could lead to an opportunity!).

Learn more in our Networking and Informational Interviewing Handshake article.

Your Network Includes...

Networking is about relationships, and everyone has a network. Here are some possible network contact sources.

Personal

Attending career events, panels and fairs are a great opportunity to network with professionals from different industries and organizations. The Chapman Career Team hosts events throughout the academic year. Check out our upcoming career events on the Chapman events calendar or contact your College Career Advisor for updates on events related to your major.

Clubs and Organizations

Whether you’re looking to connect based on shared interests or meet professionals within your industry, joining a club or organization helps you to grow your network. Chapman has many clubs on campus, including ones that are for academic and professional interests. You can view on-campus clubs and organizations here. Or if you’re looking to join a professional association, check out our Program Career Portal for a list of recommendations based on your major.

• Friends and relatives
• Families of friends; friends of relatives
• Relatives of friends
• Neighbors
• Fraternity/sorority members
• Sports partners
• Members of your service, professional or religious affiliation, associations and clubs

Networking Activities

Career Events, Panels and Fairs

The holiday season is the ultimate relationship-building time filled with industry, family and friend gatherings. Are you using those opportunities to organically grow your own network?

In this webinar, we discuss how to use the holiday party and networking season to your advantage, steward existing relationships and build new connections. Watch here or below, and we'll see you at a future Chapman networking event!

LinkedIn & Online Networking

Grow your network and personal brand online. 

Drop-In Hours

Stop by the Office of Career and Professional Development to talk to a peer advisor about networking tips and advice.

Career Appointments

Schedule a "Networking and Informational Interviews" Appointment. 

Drop-In Hours

Stop by the Office of Career and Professional Development to talk to a peer advisor about networking tips and advice.

 

Reconnect with Faculty

Find Faculty via Chapman's Faculty Directory. 

Career Appointments

Schedule a "Networking and Informational Interviews" Appointment. 

Drop-In Hours

Stop by the Office of Career and Professional Development to talk to a peer advisor about networking tips and advice.