Mentorship: Networking for the Mentor

Mentorship relationships are not just beneficial to the mentee. 

By taking on a mentee, a mentor is adding a valuable colleague to his/her network.  You may be new to the profession, but you have a wealth of connections that you could be referred to your mentor’s business.  A great mentor will also be a great professional that you should have no hesitation to recommend.

Mentoring is a two-way street.  The mentor and mentee benefit, but in very different ways.

Make a point to send a referral and recommendation to your mentor. Your mentor will return the favor ten times over. 

Mentorship: Networking for the Mentee

A mentorship is a valuable relationship for career success.  

A mentor is an established professional in your field eager to share his or her experience with a mentee who could benefit from guidance.  For the mentee, a mentor is a wealth of knowledge and can offer advice and support.  A mentor can help you get started and advance further in your career.  

A mentor also serves as a tremendous networking resource.  If you have established a mentor relationship, your mentor will have an extensive networking of connections that he or she will want to introduce to you.

Who’s your mentor? 

Guest Blog: Leaving the Law, Gaining Balance

Jennifer Alvey of Leaving the Law graciously invited me to guest blog about what I gained by choosing to leave the law.

Check it out here!

Memorable First Impressions

Making a positive memorable first impression takes work.

But you are well on your way.  You have a prepared and practiced networking profile.  You want to be certain that you deliver it with enthusiasm and confidence, but not arrogance. 

Extend your hand for a handshake when you first meet someone, make eye contact and smile.  Introduce yourself.  When they introduce themselves, repeat their name. It’s nice to meet you Jack Smith.

After introductions, use your networking profile.  I recently graduated from State University with a degree in Theater.  I would love to work at a children’s theater program. 

What next? 

Networking With Alumni

On-campus events aren’t the only place you will find alumni. 

Be certain that you are receiving all emails from your school’s alumni association.  There may be yearly events, monthly networking events or weekly happy hours.  These events are designed to be affordable and accessible for young alumni.   

Other alumni associations you should consider are any organizations you belonged to in college.

Sororities, fraternities, honor societies and similar groups may have a state or regional alumni association.  Search the internet and see what groups are nearby. 

These are great opportunities to network with people with whom you already have a connection. 

Back to Campus: On Campus Networking

Sure you just graduated, but many networking events sponsored by career services are open to alumni as well.  Some are even designed especially with alumni in mind.   These are great events to attend because there is already a built in connection point—your alma mater.  Many alumni choose to recruit from their alma mater.

Email your college’s career services office and ask to be placed on their mailing list for events.  Be certain that your email address is correct and that you check it often.  There may be registration deadlines for some events, so be certain to sign up early.

Are You Prepared? Questions You Need to Be Able to Answer

Your networking profile is designed to elicit questions.  Although you couldn’t be prepared to answer every possible question, here are a few you should be prepared for:

Why are you interested in that? Be prepared to explain how your skills, experience and values lend themselves to your pursuit of this career path.

What experience do you have? If you do not have specific experience in this career, modify the general skills and experience you do have to fit the requirements of your chosen career.

How did you become interested in that career? What first inspired you to pursue this career?  

5 Fast Tips: Networking for New Grads

Clean up your social networking. If you wouldn’t want your employer to see it, you don’t want your networking colleagues to see it either.

Network for Connections.  Make a point to network for connections. When you expand your network, you increase your chances for an introduction to someone who can help you on your career path.

Be confident.  Although you are just starting out, you have skills and experience that are valuable. 

Maintain a positive attitude. No matter the event, remain positive and smile.

Network Intentionally.  Recognize that there are opportunities to network all around you.  Take advantage of them. 

The Graduate's Guide to Networking Book Launch

I am proud to announce the launch of my first book, The Graduate’s Guide to Networking on sale today on Amazon.com. 

An integral part of any job search must include networking.  But where to begin?

The Graduate’s Guide to Networking makes networking accessible to new graduates.  With practical, straightforward advice, The Graduate’s Guide to Networking presents new graduates with the tools needed to create and nourish a network of valuable career connections.  The Graduate's Guide to Networking will give graduates the confidence to network successfully.

Take a look inside The Graduate’s Guide to Networking today!

Get Carded!

In the networking world, exchanging business cards is like a handshake.

For a new graduate, offering a business card displays a level of professionalism that is pleasantly unexpected.

Your business card can be designed simply enough.  Be certain that it includes your full name, phone number and email address.  You may also want to include your major, degree and alma mater.  A graphic or interesting font is also a nice touch.  Just be certain that the font is easy to read.

You can order business cards from numerous online sites, office supply stores or your local printer.  You can often order and pickup your business cards in less than 48 hours.