Networking
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Introduction
Effective networking is all about building trust, sharing information, and creating a positive foundation for future interactions. Networking can happen anywhere and is often most constructive when you least expect it - meeting the parents of a friend, making a new acquaintance at a wedding, talking to a seatmate while carpooling or flying, etc. These are all opportunities to grow your network of professional relationships. Below, we've included information and tools to help you connect with alumni and make the most of in-person interactions.
Getting Started
Making the decision to start building your web of professional relationships is the first step. Below is a list of things to keep in mind when you have the opportunity to connect in-person with alumni and other professional connections--friends of your family and family of your friends are both good places to start. Find more helpful tips in this guide: Making and Using your Network
Resources
As a student at Whitman, you have access to two powerful resources to help you research and connect with Whitman graduates working across the professional spectrum. Before you reach out, make sure that you have developed a strategy that includes: the purpose for your request, questions you’d like answers to, a solid introductory email (like the one we found here), a list of people you’re interested in learning about.
Activities
Seek out opportunities to meet alumni and build new relationships through college sponsored programs like Whitties Helping Whitties. These networking events and job shadowing opportunities will allow you to connect with alumni in a variety of professional fields - they are a great way to extend the initial contacts you make on Whitman Connect to continue the dialog or move your conversation into a workplace setting. For more information, look to the Whitties Helping Whitties website for online content and a list of activities.