Networking Tips, Part II

by Andy Fahrenbach on February 22nd, 2011

Networking, networking, networking!

In my previous blog, we discussed how networking is one of many job search tools used to develop and launch your job search campaign and ensure your success.

This week, let's look at other sources you can integrate into your networking plan.  As you read, keep in mind the network you are building now is the "living connection" you will take with you for the balance of your professional life.

Tips and Tricks

There are many opportunities to build and develop your network on a daily basis.  The following are some opportunities for networking. Challenge yourself each day to come up with something new:

  • Be more concerned with gathering business cards than passing them out
  • Always look, act and speak your best (we never get a chance to make another first impression)
  • Look at every party,  event,  etc. as an opportunity to network
  • Set aside time each day to network; you can do this over the internet as well as face to face

Here are some sources to kick off your network:

  • College Alumni Associations
  • School functions, social gatherings, churches
  • Former co-workers and former managers
  • Professors, career counselors, faculty
  • Social Networks i.e. LinkedIn, Twitter, Branch Out, Face book etc.
  • Family

In Closing

The opportunity to network can happen at any time so be prepared.  Networking is not an overnight solution.  Networks need to be developed and nurtured over time.  Once you have begun networking, it becomes one of the pillarsof your development.

Congratulations!  You have just acquired additional knowledge on how to build and maintain your professional network for the balance of your career!

Get ready, set, network!

Raves & Praise

Jean S.

PMP Certification Training, Lombard, 2008

I was laid off for many months and not really getting many callbacks for my resume and no job offers. After I put the letters PMP on it, not only did I see an increase in quantity, but also quality of interviews. I had been spinning my wheels for 5 months, and after the PMP went on, I had 2 job offers in 6 weeks. It really was the "golden ticket"

Christopher Fowler

MCSA

Very thorough, good mix of lecture and lab work. Al is great! Keeps classes interesting and supplements required test material with need-to-know items from real world experience.

Jennie

Student Employment Success - Project/Process Manager

My Career Services Manager was very friendly and helpful and had excellent follow-up. She seemed to really care how things were going and kept me moving in the right direction. The resources available in job search were great and the visibility that there were jobs out there looking for my skillset was promising. Additionally, the training, as well as having an updated resume stating the Microtrain course work I had taken made me feel more confident and marketable as I looked for employment. It showed that I was dedicated and took project management and process management seriously.

Scott Wilson - Team Bradley

Employer Partner Feedback

Dawn has been a pleasure to work with. She is diligent in her efforts to give MicroTrain’s students the best opportunities to connect and network with various companies and players in the job market. The curriculums and certification programs are in line with today’s current IT needs. It’s good to see that they evolve with what employers are most seeking out there. I would recommend to any employer that hires skilled IT workers that they look into MicroTrain’s career services department as a potential source of candidates. The business of hiring can be quite costly, and Dawn and her staff provide a free service to outside companies. This value-add for MicroTrain’s students aligns with their mission in both training and job assistance to set up a win/win scenario for all involved.

Robert Graf

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