Whether you're looking for a job or looking to make contacts in
your field, networking is a great way to connect to others and advance your
professional development. Here are 5 ways to leverage your Marist
network: 
While this article was written specifically for Marist College students and alumni, the tips should be applicable to any college or university alumni community.
Most Marist graduates are happy to help fellow alumni with their careers. This is especially true of Marist grads who are members of the Alumni Career Network, who have agreed to assist Marist students and alumni with the job search process, give feedback on your resume, give advice as to where to look for openings, provide information about industry trends and give suggestions as to how you can become successful in careers similar to their own. If you're not already a member, contact Career Services to find out how to join.
2) Use LinkedIn
LinkedIn makes it easier to build your network.
- Make sure you have a complete and
updated LinkedIn profile
- Use LinkedIn's search feature to
search by college and look for other Marist alumni, as well as faculty,
staff and administration
- Invite them to connect - do not use
the standard LinkedIn language, but instead, customize your
invitation by highlighting that you're a fellow alum looking to connect with
other Marist grads
- You can also search by location or company
3) Be Clear About What You're Asking
Assume that the people you're reaching out to are busy. So be specific about the logistics and content of what you're asking:
- Do you want a 15-minute phone call? To meet in person or virtually for coffee?
- Do you want to know about the culture of their company? Are you looking for a job? Do you want to transition into their industry?
And don't forget to prepare a clear and concise message about yourself, your strengths and career history.
4) Understand that Networking is a Process
- Plan and
prepare to network - you can't just "wing it" and expect to be
successful
- Network -
via online outreach, in-person networking event, phone conversation,
etc.
- Follow
up - Following
up takes time, so people often skip this step, thus missing a
critical opportunity to nurture their network. If someone
has taken time to speak or meet with you, be sure to thank them and
also keep them posted as to what's happening with you.
An occasional email or phone call is a great way to keep
the connection alive and makes it more likely they will remember
you.
5) Be Generous
Networking is not all about getting - you also have to be willing
to give. Join the Marist Alumni Career Network and offer to help
other alumni with career questions, information about what it's like to work
in your field, internships at your company, etc. While you might
think you don't have a lot to offer those with more career experience than
you, there are often areas where you can provide help, such as your familiarity
with social media, your ease with digital tools and your
generational perspective as a consumer.
Networking is a crucial communication skill for professional success. Building this skill takes time, but it's worth it. In the past year, nurturing my Marist network has yielded me lasting professional relationships, plus an executive coaching client and two speaking engagements! What can your Marist network do for you?
Gilda's Bio
Gilda Bonanno gave her first major speech as valedictorian of
Marist College, where she shared the stage with commencement speaker James Earl
Jones (the voice of Darth Vader and CNN) on Leonidoff Field, in the days
before the Campus Green was built.
She is now a professional speaker, trainer and coach who helps people transform their communication, presentation and leadership skills so they can have more confidence, influence and success. She has worked with leading organizations, including GE, Travelers, Praxair, Assa Abloy, Wells Fargo and Yale University, on four continents from Chicago to Shanghai and Rio to Rome.
Since 2006, Gilda has run a successful business that reaches countless people globally. She has delivered thousands of in-person programs, her YouTube channel has received over 1 million views and her digital newsletter has reached subscribers in over 45 countries since 2008.
In addition to her Marist degree, Gilda holds a master’s degree in history from Fordham University and an Advanced Business Certificate in Management from the Uconn School of Business.
To find out more about Gilda, please visit: www.gildabonanno.com
To find out more about Marist please visit:www.marist.edu
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