Networking

Career networking is one of the most efficient and effective ways to find employment. Your career network should be in place for when you need it, both for job searching and for moving along the career ladder. It’s a good idea to start building your network early in your college career.

How Networking Can Help with Your Career Search:

• Find highly desired and unadvertised jobs. Many employers go through friends or coworkers to fill positions before they advertise the job. 
• Getting referred to a job from a contact gives you an edge on other applicants. 
• Contacts can provide referrals or insider information about companies. They can provide information on career fields you might want to explore. 
• Your network can give you advice on where to look for jobs or to review your resume.

Who to Include in your Career Network: 

• Anyone who can assist you with a job search or career move. 
• Career and Professional Planning staff, professors, advisors, family, friends, classmates and professionals working in your field. 
• Past and present coworkers, bosses and UI alumni. 
• Visit with a professional in your field for the purpose of gathering information about your career. 
• Attend Vandal Networking Night and career fairs.
  
  

Helpful Networking Resources:

LinkedIn (Professional Networking Site)
The Riley Guide