What is Networking and Why is it Important?
This activity aims to review vocabulary related to networking.
Discuss
How do you find a volunteer opportunity? An internship? A job or career? [Note to Instructors: Allow students to share answers like applying online, in-person, job sites like LinkedIn or OhioMeansJobs, personal contacts, and others.]
Success with finding opportunities like volunteering, internships or apprenticeships, even employment can happen because of what you know but also because of someone you know. Networking means meeting and talking to people who can share ideas, advice, or opportunities with you. It is a powerful tool and skill. It’s about building relationships that can help you learn and grow in school, work, or life. You can network in many ways, like talking to people you already know or new people at events or using websites like LinkedIn. Learning how to network can help you find support, learn new things, and discover opportunities to reach your goals.
Review
The Language of Networking (PowerPoint) is arranged from foundational to more detailed and includes prompts in the slide notes to facilitate any discussion. Feel free to modify the vocabulary list to meet the student’s needs.
Networking: Using existing relationships or meeting new people and building relationships that can help both of you in your interests or careers.
Networking Event: A gathering where people meet and talk to make connections.
Connection: Someone you’ve met and can reach out to for advice, help, or opportunities.
Collaboration: Working together with others on a common goal.
Introduction: The first time you meet someone and exchange names or a quick greeting.
Being Present / Active Listening: Focusing closely on what someone is saying to show you’re interested. This includes asking questions if needing more information or if not understanding.
Icebreaker: A simple question or activity that makes starting a conversation easier. [Feel free to practice an icebreaker with students, there are some ideas in slide notes.]
Cold Call / Cold Email: Calling someone or sending an email to someone you haven’t met.
Elevator Pitch: A short summary about who you are and what you do, shared in about 30 to 60 seconds.
Informational Interview: A meeting where you ask someone questions to learn about their job or field.
Worksite Tour: Visit a workplace where you can see what happens there, learn about different jobs, and meet people who work in those roles. It’s a chance to explore a career, ask questions, and see what a typical workday looks like.
Job Shadow: Spending time with someone at their job to see what they do during a typical workday.
Follow-Up: Reaching out to someone after you first meet to stay in touch. Depending on how you communicate with someone, this can be done through an email, card, or text.
Mentorship: A helpful relationship where an experienced person guides someone newer to the field.
Professional Profile: An online summary of your skills and work experience, often on professional networking websites like Handshake or LinkedIn.
Social Media Networking (Social Networking): Using social media sites like Handshake or LinkedIn to meet and connect with people professionally.
Handshake: A networking website for college students and alumni focused on career connections and advancement. It has opportunities to connect with employers, career fairs, and job or internship opportunities.
LinkedIn: A professional networking website for people to expand their professional connections, showcase their skills, and find job or internship opportunities.