ISSUE FOCUS:
HOW TO NETWORK

Undergraduate and graduate students typically find a lot to worry about. They are often anxious not only about classes and GPAs, but also about funding research, securing internships, and landing jobs. And then they stress about how to find the people who can help them determine the best way to go about it all. 

The question of where to find the help they need becomes more pressing as students approach the threshold of "the real world" and the launch of their careers. But the answer is not that complicated ---  the best way to make connections with people who can help is to network.

Networking is simply interacting with other people to exchange information and develop contacts, which helps foster and further your career. Done right, networking is a reciprocal win-win ---  it's people helping each other. READ MORE
> Pathfinder: Resources and More

Networking Opportunities for AISES Members

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> First Step: Keeping the Conversation Going

The scary part about networking is not walking up and saying hello, but what comes after. If you're nervous about how to keep the conversation going after the initial introductions, try preparing a few key points and questions you want to mention before you approach the person. After you say hello, a great beginning is "Tell me more about ... " This involves researching the company, knowing what it does, and coming up with a short list of things that you find exciting and want to know more about. Showing that you understand the business and asking for more information tells the person that you care and are truly interested in the work. Some other good questions are "What's the best part of your job?" "How did you get into your line of work?" and "What has been your biggest challenge?" People tend to feel good when they're asked questions about themselves or what they do, so don't worry about having great anecdotes or needing to be interesting; it's more important to be interested. 

> Networking Do's and Don'ts

Do
  • Talk with career services, alumni, and professors
  • Use LinkedIn
  • Set goals for how many people you will contact
  • Research companies before attending networking events
  • Prepare some conversation topics and questions
  • Always follow up after an event
  • Conduct informational interviews
Don't
  • Be without an opening sentence or two
  • Be unprepared to speak with a professional
  • Be afraid to ask who else you should talk to
  • Give out your business card unless asked
  • Act bored or distracted when talking with someone
  • Leave an event without talking to at least one new person
     
NEWS FROM AISES

Scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000/year and the awards may be accompanied by internship opportunities. Applications are due May 1.

AISES is now accepting applications for a 10-week paid summer internship.
The application deadline is April 7.
SAVE THE DATE

Each regional conference has a number of informative sessions and activities for professionals as well as college and high school students.

The goal of the AISES Leadership Summit is to build the skill and aptitude levels of AISES members in the realm of professional and career development.
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