Did you know that spring is career season? That’s why there are a lot of career fairs, interview workshops, and recruitment processes around this time of the year. It seems like a perfect opportunity to share some of our best networking tips (and Miami’s Career Center resources) below!
Dress to Impress, But Stay True to You
Sure, we all want to look polished and professional, but let’s keep it real – comfort matters too! Find that perfect balance between professional and authentic and wear something that will make you feel most confident.
Need help with your business clothes? Check out Miami’s Professional Attire Grant and the Suit-Up with JC Penney events!
Craft Your Elevator Pitch
Ah, the classic compact self-introduction. Keep it short, sweet, and oh-so-impressive. Bonus points for throwing in a dash of personality! But where to start?? Miami has several detailed instructions, including some formulas to try, from the Career Center here!
Listen and Follow Up Like a Pro
Listening is not only polite, but it’s also a great way to learn and connect on a deeper level. When you’ve made some solid connections, don’t let those contacts gather dust in your inbox! Send a personalized message reminding them of your awesome conversation and expressing your interest in future opportunities. Trust us, a little effort goes a long way.
Here’s a start for you.
- “It was great to meet you at Miami University’s Career Fair last week. I really enjoyed our conversation about *****. It sounds like [company] would be an ideal place to start a career.”
- Be sure to add a few details to remind them of who YOU are. Something unique about your conversation or your credentials!
Embrace the Awkwardness
Let’s face it, networking can sometimes be awkward, uncomfortable, and downright cringe-worthy. But we’ve all been there! Embrace the awkwardness, laugh it off, and keep on mingling. Who knows, you might just stumble upon your next big break while discussing the merits of pineapple on pizza.
Practice Makes Perfect
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a great networking game. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to flex those networking muscles whenever you can. Whether it’s at a formal event or striking up a conversation with your barista, every interaction is an opportunity to hone your skills.
Other helpful resources from the Miami’s Career Center:
You can also check out our earlier blog: Networking: How to Get Started!
There you have it! Remember, networking is not just about scoring that dream job (although that’s a pretty sweet bonus); it’s about building meaningful connections that can last a lifetime. So, mingle like there’s no tomorrow. Happy networking! 🌟
Chi Truong | Class of 2026
