Networking is one of, if not the most important aspect of recruiting and the business world as a whole. Today we heard from Rob Cullen, a recruiter who came in to talk to us about networking tips and tricks. As I have been a business student, networking is something that has been consistently reinforced as the most important thing you can do as a student to get your name out there for future employers. Rob gave us some good advice on everything from handshakes to Linkedin to in-person networking events.
As a part of the Pitt Business curriculum, we all take BUS0010 our first semester freshman year. This course is meant to lay a groundwork for everything we need to know as students learning all about the business world. One of the things we had to do in this class was make a professional Linkedin profile. I’ll admit that my LinkedIn isn’t the prettiest, but the real importance is having a professional photo (with no alcohol in it; thank you, Rob for that advice), and keeping it up to date with what you are up to. I have been trying to connect with more potential employers and people who could help me land a career since I have been going through Pitt Business. Rob emphasized the importance of online networking and how your network can not only benefit yourself, but others looking for a job. By connecting a new person to someone in your own network, you are in turn strengthening the connection you have with both people, and through helping others you expand your network.
Something else Rob emphasized when it comes to networking, specifically in Ireland, is the importance of building a human connection first, rather than a business connection. If you can connect with someone on a hobby, pet, sport, or anything unrelated to work, it makes it easier in the future to ask them about business. He told us that when you are at a networking event, the only thing you should be trying to get from someone is a cup of coffee, and when they agree to go out to coffee, that is when the professional talk should go down.
He also talked about body language at networking events, and I thought it was interesting how he demonstrated closed and open circles. I think that in general it is always important to keep your circle open in the business world, whether it be literally in person or just in a more theoretical way.
Overall, today’s speaker taught me a lot about networking, and reinforced a lot of things that I already knew. As our trip is coming to an end, I am looking forward to reflecting back on the trip as a whole, but I am sad that its ending so soon! See you tomorrow after out visit with Foodcloud!
(PS, todays photo is from our visit to the beautiful Glendalough National Park on Saturday due to my lack of picture taking today)