We’ve all heard that when it comes to career success, networking is key. Apart from getting insider information on careers and companies, information shared through networking contacts is how many hear about opportunities that help them get their start in a new field. The fact is that employers prefer to recruit informally from candidates whose skills and personal qualities are known to them. Also consider that 80 per cent of positions are filled without ever making it to a job ad. Given these realities, networking skills are essential for your job search.
This section includes:
- How to develop your in-person and online networking skill
- How to build your online presence
- Links on how to start networking
Networking
- Why learn to network?
- Learn how to develop a short networking introduction by visiting the Career Centre’s Networking workshop online module on MyCareerCentre online.
Your Online Presence
- Review the Career Centre Social Media Tip sheet to begin building your social media profile.
- Links to a variety of online communities and networking sites and other tools for graduate students and those with advanced degrees.
- Review the 7 LinkedIn Profile Tips for Graduate Students.
- Attend the Career Centre workshop: LinkedIn Essentials for Job Search.
- Check the Events Calendar on the CLNx under "Events and Workshops".
- Schedule a LinkedIn profile critique through CLNx by logging in and selecting “Book an Appointment”.
- For more information on using social media for professional development, consult our tip sheet webpage and look for the tip sheet on Social Media.
Associations for Grad Students
Graduate student associations are a great place to start networking while you are still a student. The contacts you make can evolve into important sources of support and information for your career development. Networking is based on reciprocity. Others will also be interested in your work and in bringing you into their professional networks.
- UTM’s Graduate Students’ Association
- University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union
- Student groups, events and opportunities across UofT
- Graduate English Association
- Financial Optimization and Risk Management Society (FORMS)
- Graduate Management Consulting Association (GMCA)
- U of T Operations Research Group, may be relevant to those in Engineering, Technical Management or Consulting, or any field that uses quantitative analysis to spark innovation and optimization:
Networking in Industry
Finding networking opportunities within industry requires researching people, groups and events that you can engage with, relevant to your career interest area. First, start with who you know; they may know and be able to connect you with others for networking. Many tools and techniques for researching and finding contacts and venues for networking are outlined in previous sections of the Grad Pages.
- Business and trade directories, and professional associations
- Information interviewing is a useful technique to start networking.
- Continuing education events, conferences and trade shows can also provide access to people in your area of interest, industry information and professional development. Consider volunteering at events if access is limited to insiders. If student memberships are available, consider joining industry associations while still a student and show up for events and industry conferences. Consider volunteering at events if access is limited to insiders.
- Attend employer panels and events hosted by the Career Centre and graduate student associations. These events provide opportunities to network with employer contacts, many of whom are interested in meeting graduate students. See the Events Calendar on the CLNx under "Events and Workshops".
- Make an appointment with a Career Counsellor to develop your networking strategy.
Next: Learn how to: Conduct an Effective Job Search