Networking
Career Development and Calling
Why is Networking important?
Networking is an invaluable tool and is a skill you will use throughout your career. You learn more about specific career fields and build relationships with professionals. Starting this in college allows you to have time to cultivate professional relationships and build your network. The majority of jobs that people get are through the connections they have built.
Where to network
LinkedIn is a social media site for professional networking. You use it to highlight your professional and educational accomplishments and connect with other professionals. Recruiters use it to view your profile like a resume and may reach out to you with opportunities that match what you are looking for. Be sure to follow Bethel University!
Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are excellent opportunities for you to learn about different career fields. You are gathering information, asking for advice, and learning about a career field or major. Remember, you are not asking for a job.
Set up an informational interview by:
- Identifying people in your field who you could interview (alumni, management at your internship, church members, friends of your parents, professors, etc.)
- Contacting the person and clearly identifying yourself, your connection, and your intention for meeting
- Preparing for your meeting by making a list of questions and researching their field and organization
- Bringing paper and pen for notes, your contact information, and a copy of your resume (only if they ask for it)
Employer Showcases
The Career Development and Calling Center provides opportunities for students to network with organizations in their field of interest and learn more about what they do.
Job Fairs
Log into Handshake and click on the "events" tab to see which fairs are coming up. For questions on these fairs, email our office at career-development@bethel.edu.
Resources
- LinkedIn Profile Checklist (pdf)
- Informational Interview Process (pdf)
- Interview Follow-Up (pdf)
- Elevator Pitch 101 (pdf)
- Job Fair Checklist (pdf)
- How to Connect with Recruiters (pdf)
- Steps for Pursuing a Career Change (pdf)