An event where people talk to each other with the intent of meeting new people and learning Where might this take place? • Company information session on campus • Networking event sponsored by companies or organizations usually in evenings • Conference (often they have networking sessions in between speakers) • Career fair(javascript:void(0)) • After a speaker on campus

• People standing and mingling about the room • Knowing a few people or no one • Might have structured component (speaker, panel) • Might have food and/or drinks • Might have tables to set down your food/drinks on

What to learn • Who will be there • Agenda/structure • Attire (when in doubt, wear business casual)(https://www.thebalancecareers.com/business-casual-dress-code-4051117) Review small talk tips.(javascript:void(0)) Set goals. What do you hope to get out of the event? For example: • Meet and get contact information of 2 people. • Learn about the industry, company, career paths, etc. • Practice talking to 3 new people. • If this is your first networking event, maybe your goal is to just observe. That’s fine if it will help make you comfortable for the future. Bring your resume if it‘s a recruiting event like a career fair or company information session. Eat something if it’s going to be a long event and you aren’t sure there will be food.

Show up early! The best opportunity to connect is helping set up or being first when no one else is there yet. Keep your phone in your pocket/purse. It is tempting to pull out your phone if you don’t know anyone or you are nervous. No one will approach you, however, if you are on your phone. Also, turn your ringer off. Check the agenda to determine if you are supposed to be seated first, get food/drinks, or mingle, etc. Find people to talk to! • Scan the room. • Do you know anyone? • Is there anyone who you know you want to talk to? • Is anyone standing by themselves? • Find the food/drinks. if you don’t know anyone and are nervous going up to talk to someone, get in line for food/drinks. Most likely there will be another solo person there and it’s an easy way to strike up a conversation • Admit if you are nervous. It’s a great opener to just say, “I am really nervous at events like these.” It makes them feel relaxed and want to help you. • Find the organizer. Introduce yourself and thank them. They are also a good person to help you find people to talk to at the event. How to enter a group • Make eye contact with someone in the group. • Wait for a natural pause and ask, “May I join you?” In the conversation • Small talk(javascript:void(0)) • The event or topics in the event • What did you think of the panel/speaker? • Why did you decide to attend this event? • Their work • What is your role? • What projects are you working on? • How did you get interested in this? • Balance talking/listening, especially if you are in a group. • Act like a host. If you see someone who wants to join your group, invite them in. If you know someone, introduce them to the person you are talking to. How to leave a conversation It is totally fine to leave a conversation at a networking event. You are not expected to talk to only one person the entire time. Especially if you feel like you are not engaged in a group conversation. 1. Wait for a natural pause— when a conversation feels like it comes to the end or a natural stopping point. 2. Say, “It was really nice talking to you.” 3. Ask for their contact info if you connected with them. 4. Shake their hand and say, “Thank you.” 5. Do not invent an excuse. There is no need to say, “I need to use the restroom” or “I want to get a drink,” especially if you are not going to do those things. After you leave a conversation • Snap a picture of the front of their business card if you got one. This is the only time to pull out your phone. • Write a note of what you talked about in the conversation so that you can keep everything straight. Food and drinks • Eat beforehand so you aren’t focused on food. • Alcohol- If you are under 21, obviously, do not drink. If you are over 21, do not have more than one or two drinks. There is a fine lining of “loosening up to talk to people” and being remembered as “that guy.” • Do not overflow your plate because you might drop or spill your food. • Pro tip on holding plate, drink, napkin (LINK) After the event • Invite them to connect on LinkedIn. • Send thank you email or LinkedIn message to remind them of what you talked about. • Complete these within 24 hours. Example: Dear John, It was very nice talking to you tonight at the UC Santa Cruz Hewlett Packard information session. I appreciate how candid you were about the upsides and challenges within the marketing department. It definitely increased my interest in your summer internship program so I’ve already started the application. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend in Tahoe with your friends. Thank you, Sam