Linkedin Developing Your Professional Network

November, 2013

Catherine Weldongraduate student career advisor

caweldon@mines.edu

old school It’s not what you know; it’s who you know……..

new school…… It isn’t who you know, but who knows you and understands the value of what you know!

Professional Networkingwhat is it?

The creation and cultivation of professional friendships and acquaintances

Life blood of strong and stable careers and businessesOne of the most neglected aspects of professional

development

P—Put yourself in relationship’s way

O—Take advantage of relationship

opportunities

T—Train for conversation

T—Try something different

Y—You have only the opportunity presented;

take itProfessional Networking Made Easy: Priming the PumpBy Matthew Moran.Article is provided courtesy of Cisco Press.Date: Jul 21, 2006.

POTTY Training works!!It just takes time and patience

LinkedIn – Why Use it?Leading social media tool for recruiting & connecting

Easier for recruiters to find the right candidateReconnect with colleagues and share contactsDevelop new professional contacts for conversationParticipate in YOUR professional associationsEngage with companies and groups become knownContribute to meaningful dialog – be helpful“Follow” companies – let jobs come to youResearch similar companies/jobs

225 million subscribers, maybe more like 50 +/- million active

LinkedIn TipsLinkedIn TipsArrange Profile from your Resume

What tools do you use? What problems do you solve?

Professional looking photograph

Headline is your “grabber” – make it professional, memorable, concise

Select strong and descriptive “keywords” used throughout

Describe & link to coursework and extra-curricular activities

Ask professors, advisers, and team members for recommendations

Start conversations with alums, recruiters, industry leaders

Ask questions and engage in groups to be seen

Explore Groups, Companies, and career paths

Linkedin/alumni

Linkedin/alumni

BINGO!

Finding Alumni Contacts

LinkedIn – Your GroupsLinkedIn – Your Groups

Dear Lisa,

LinkedIn – Your GroupsLinkedIn – Your Groups

LinkedInhttp://Linkedin.com/studentjobs

4,172 Entry Level, Internship in Engineering22 near 80301 zip code

667 “Mechanical” “Entry level”372 “Environmental Science” “Entry Level”

http://students.linkedin.com/

www.linkedin.com/studentjobswww.linkedin.com/studentjobsEngineering

Advanced search

ResearchGate.comResearchGate.com

Next step: Face-to-FaceNow that you have made new contacts and

built relationships, go to those conferences and shake hands!

Your brand is reflected in the materials you use and share with others