Career Networking 101

Class Location: Anywhere you have a Web connection!

Description:  By completing the sequence of modules, students will learn strategies used by the most successful career networkers. Students will learn 1) How to identify and approach individuals with whom they can cultivate beneficial relationships for a network foundation; 2) How to grow the foundation to include others; 3) How analyze advice given by network members and how to take action on beneficial suggestions; 4) How to keep network members' active on the job seeker's behalf.

Prerequisites:  Willingness to learn.

Required Text:  Just the stuff here.

Objectives:

1. To understand the importance of strong core networking skills in your career development.
2. To explore the Three Deadly Sins of career networking.
3. To identify online networking groups and determine how they can boost your career prospects.
4. To understand the range and level of usefulness presented by structured networking groups.
5. To overcome reluctance to ask for help from others.
6. To effectively manage your network once it is established.
7. To "work the crowd like a charmer" at networking events by learning effective interpersonal skills.

To the Student: 
To succeed, you will need to read through the material presented here. Then, for it to have any effect, you will need to practice. Students are allowed to begin practice with canine and feline observers, but are encouraged to quickly work their way up to humans, as most job search networks are comprised of them. Results of this class are directly linked to your initiative to learn and willingness to practice. Course faculty are familiar with the tendency of some students to feel a bit queasy about the prospects of career networking. Yet, we urge you to consider how failure to network will likely result in stalled careers, lost opportunities and general dissatisfaction with your life in the workplace. C'mon now, there is no reason why you can't learn to network like a pro. Chances are, you already possess at least most of the required skills.

For fun, let's start with what not to do. We call these the Three Deadly Sins of Career Networking:

    1.  Waiting until you need a job to begin networking
    2.  Developing an "all about me" mindset
    3.  Expecting others to do your networking for you

If you've recently been displaced from your job, chances are you feel desperate and depressed. You self-esteem is taking a major beating. And if self confidence has been a lifelong issue for you, we strongly suggest you seek out professional advice. It could be the best thing you possibly ever do and the rewards will extend well beyond the completion of your next career step.

Finally, bear in mind that the information presented here is at the 101 level. Just as you wouldn't think you knew the history of humankind after taking History 101, we want to remind you that we are teaching the basics here. We aim to give you a good foundation in networking so that continue and perfect this process throughout your career.

Your Career Networking 101 lesson plan consists of the following lessons:
Online networking
Structured groups
Networking for the shy
Managing the network
Working the room

"Unfortunately, we have met job applicants who have been burned by unscrupulous agencies that charged them thousands of dollars for access to their 'hidden networks.' Our advice is to stay away from such companies altogether," states Mike Marshall of All Star Resume.