Professional Networking

When you connect with professionals in your field, you are "networking". Learning how to meaningfully network is one of the most effective tools for being noticed by hiring managers, for growing a network of supportive professional contacts while on the job, and for sharing and learning while in your profession.

Learn ways to connect by clicking here to view our Networking and Informational Interviews handout.

Video on professional networking

Ways to connect with professionals

• Using the personal network you already have with friends, family and prior employers is a good place to start - can they connect you with someone in your field?
• UWRF faculty in your field of study are an invaluable resource for finding opportunities to connect with professionals in your field.
  
• Joining campus organizations related to your field of study and actively participating in their activities will connect you to peers who may be long-term professional contacts and friends.
  
• Gaining experiences in your field of study through on-campus work, internships, volunteering, part-time work, and summer work is a great way to meet professionals in your field. Such experiences often lead to full-time employment opportunities.
  
• Attending a conference or event is an ideal way to connect with professionals, or use the Encyclopedia of Associations.
• Use social media like LinkedIn - see below section. 

Using Social Media

LinkedIn is the social media tool of choice for professionals to interact with peers and grow their professional network - this is the place for professional, not personal, interactions. While some professionals may use other social media like Facebook or Twitter for their interactions, the same rules of professional networking referenced below apply to other social media types.

• Before using LinkedIn to connect with professionals, remember to clean-up your profiles, images and content on Facebook, Twitter and other social media where professionals may find you. Google your name to see what's out there.
• Learn how to interact effectively with professionals using LinkedIn, and learn how to set-up your LinkedIn professional profile to give a positive impression.
• Use the UWRF LinkedIn Mentor Network to connect with professionals who have volunteered to talk with UWRF students about their career path and field of work.