Paper instructions:
Research the industry of your profession. Try to find any professional organizations, professional journals, social networking about the profession, and local sources. Utilize Career Services to help you gather your research.
Report on your research and all the networking opportunities available in the industry of your profession. What can you access now as a student? What will you be able to access as a working member of that industry? You will need to provide proof of networking, to include: your involvement in a professional group, student membership, participation in an online environment, and a list of professional contacts.
Your final Networking Written Report should include:
Proof of activity in a professional group
Proof of online activity
Proof of communication with Career Services
Your written reflection
Note: Your proof of activity/participation/communication could come in many forms, but it should be submitted in an organized fashion. As much as possible, paste screenshots, pictures of physical paraphernalia, e-mail messages, etc. into a Word Document. Include the names and contact information for all the people, organizations, and businesses you contact.
The following elements should be in your Networking Written Report:
Professional group (Rotary, chamber of commerce, SBTDC, etc.) Notes or the name of a contact from attending a meeting in person. Can attend a meeting on campus.
Online activity: e-merge, Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau
oLinkedIn account with professional pictures
oIndustry-specific (Facebook, LinkedIn, blogs, websites)
Career Services: Proof of communication with Career Services, name of Career Services member
oLog into your Handshake account–How can this tool help you to network?
oSummary of what Career Services does
oInformation on how Career Services can help you with networking
Reflection: What is the value for networking? Why is it valuable to me to join a network?
Use the Networking Written Report Rubric to guide your work.