Boise State CG 2024 DM Accessible - Flipbook - Page 20
YOUR GUIDE TO NETWORKING
The ability to cultivate and leverage professional connections is a cornerstone of career development. At Boise
State Career Services, we recognize the importance of empowering students to navigate the professional
landscape with conodence. This guide provides you with the tools and resources necessary to network efectively
while you are a Boise State student.
The Benefits of Networking
•
•
•
•
Enhanced Career Exploration: Gain invaluable
insights into diverse industries and specioc roles
by connecting with professionals in your oeld of
interest.
Skill Development: Network with established
professionals to identify essential skills and
competencies needed for you to be successful in
your career.
Employment Opportunities: Foster relationships
with potential employers, increasing your visibility
and marketability, ultimately enhancing your
chances of securing internships and desired
positions.
Industry Knowledge: Build connections with
alumni working in your target industry to stay on
top of emerging trends and discover potential job
opportunities.
What Networking Looks Like for Students
As a student, networking can take on many forms.
Here are some examples:
•
Chatting with a professor after class about their
research interests
•
Connecting with a guest speaker in a class, or at a
student organization event and asking questions
about their career path
•
Conducting an informational interview with a local
employer
•
Attending a career fair and having brief
conversations with recruiters from various
companies
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Own Your Networking Journey
The idea of networking can feel intimidating. Here are
some tips for connecting with people in your oeld.
• Start Small: Networking doesn9t have to be
overwhelming. Begin by connecting with
classmates, professors, or alumni through online
platforms like BroncoLink or LinkedIn.
• Go to Campus Career Events: Boise State brings
employers to campus all the time to network
with you. Attend every career-related event you
can such as career fairs, company information
sessions, and department-specioc networking.
• Join Student and Professional Organizations:
Student organizations provide a platform
to connect with like-minded peers, develop
leadership skills, and potentially network with
professionals who guest speak at events. Join
professional associations for your career oeld
as a student member and attend their events to
directly connect with the professionals you need
to have in your network.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help: Schedule an
appointment with Boise State Career Services to
create your own personalized networking strategy.
Resources to Help You Speak to Employers
•
•
Informational Interviews: Informational interviews
are one of the best (and easiest) ways for you to
network as a student. See pages 12-14 for more
information.
Questions to Ask an Employer at the Career Fair:
See page 17 for more information.
