Networking: Get Connected
Networking can seem mysterious, intimidating, or even unsavory, but it's really not.
It's just about connecting with people - your people & new people. People you've worked, studied or hung out with. People you want to work more closely with. Simply put, a network is a group of interconnected people.
We all have networks because we all know people.
The art is to to cultivate your network - to keep track of all the people you know. LinkedIn and UVM Connect are handy tools designed for just that. They provide a legitimate place to stay in touch as paths often diverge, but can powerfully reconnect in expected and delightful ways.
And we can all benefit from connecting with more people.
Who else shares your interests & what are they up to? Who knows about great internships or a course/faculty recommendation that could ignite your passion? What are others who shared your major doing for work after college?
This is what Career Interest Groups are about.
As a Catamount, you are part of UVM's robust and inspiring network. You belong here, so claim your seat at the table and let's get you connected! To help your find others who share your interests (within a vast network), we created 6 industry-based Interest Groups. Check them out below and join as many as feel right to you!
Meet Your Career Interest Groups
Career Interest Groups are powered by UVM Connect
UVM Connect is the easiest way to tap into the UVM Network. Joining is fast, easy and free.
Once online you can join your group, search for people of interest, and get inspired by all that's possible!
Don't wait: activate your free account and join your Interest Group(s) today!
Tips for Using UVM Connect
Join at many Career Interest Groups as you want.
There is no obligation and you can leave anytime! To join multiple groups, select your first Career Interest Group when you activate your account and log in the first time; join additional groups (as many as you like) using the left navigation.
Remember that the folks you find here have already raised their hands to help.
Search the directory for alums with interest jobs, who share an identity, live in an area of interest, or had the same major, etc... and then click on those with a "Willing to Help" banner to see exactly how they're offering to help. Some will let your shadow them for a day at work, others are happy to meet for coffee, or offer resume feedback.
Explore possible paths for yourself by seeing other people's journeys.
Find someone with a job that sounds interesting and see what they studied, where they interned, or how they got started. You might even reach out to see if they have advise to offer... (Alums love talking about themselves - I'm mean really, don't we all?!)
Ask for and use leads.
Ask the folks you're connecting with who else you should be connecting with - if they say, "Oh, you should talk to so & so" be sure to reach out to [so & so] and tell them who recommend them. In this way, networking can help you discover new opportunities, expand your job search, or simply connect with cool new people who hold common interests and passions. (See below for more on informational interviews)
Your Guide to Networking
Networking is the process of gathering and exchanging information with individuals to help focus your career planning. When you network, you are intentionally developing relationships that can help you gain a greater understanding of an industry, career path, or company. While networking is not a readily available source of jobs, the relationships you develop may lead you to a connection that becomes a future job or internship.
Tools to help you network online more effectively
Below, you'll find a series of tools that will help you connect with UVM alums and prospective employers. Remember, you can always come by the Career Center for help practicing your networking pitch!
- UVM Connect is an exclusive network for UVM alums and students, this tool connects you with alums working all over the country. From the directory, you can search and reach out to alums who have offered to provide career support in various ways -- such as meeting in person, offering to shadow, sharing industry expertise.
- LinkedIn – Alumni Insights Tool allows you to research and reach out to the roughly 75,000 alums on the platform. Search alums by industry, region, and keyword. If you are just getting started on LinkedIn, joining UVM groups on LinkedIn will help you to grow your UVM network.
- Not sure how to reach out to alums or other professional contacts? Check out these Sample Communications using UVM Connect and LinkedIn.
Consider a job shadow
A job shadow is a great way to get exposed to what a career is really like while making some useful connections.
We have resources to help you find a job shadow and get the most out of it.
What about informational interviews?
An informational interview is a structured process of networking where you reach out to professionals to learn about career field and gain insights into your job search. You identify people in fields of interest, ask if they’d be willing to talk or meet with you, and arrange a time in which you interview them about their career. You should develop and ask most of the questions.
Here are some steps to get started:
- Know your purpose. Think about what you are hoping to get out of the meetings.
- Identify contacts in your field of interest. Start with your existing network -- friends, family, friends’ siblings and parents, and current and former colleagues. Alums are an invaluable resource; check out UVM Connect and LinkedIn to identify potential contants.
- You have limited time, so plan your questions well. Prepare 5-10 questions to ask. Check out these Sample Networking and Informational Interviewing Questions.
- Be sure to follow up with a thank you message. Don't be shy about keeping in touch afterward.
Find More Networking Resources on Brightspace
From building your first resume to landing your first job, the UVM Career Center has developed a series of self-paced learning modules in Brightspace to help at every stage! Explore networking opportunities, learn interest groups for tailored career counseling, practice your elevator pitch & more.
Join Us on Brightspace