Through the Eyes of a Professional-II

Name: Rebecca Gentry
Job Title: Manager of Loyalty Systems
Member of Professional Social Networking Site?: Yes

1. From your own experiences can you please tell me about a specific instance or general stage in your career where you found networking to be either beneficial or detrimental to you getting a job or promotion?

I’ve gotten my last three jobs through networking. This was beneficial for me because I was better able to judge the appropriateness or “fit” of the particular jobs, as I worked with the people in my networks previously. It was also easier for me to express my goals for advancement.

2. To what degree do you feel building a network is important for your career field in comparison to other careers?

My position is quite specialized, therefore it's important to network with other contemporaries in my industry for trends and innovations.

3. Do you feel that online networking is becoming more important than face-to-face networking? Why or why not?

Yes, because the online world is always at your fingertips. Face to face interactions are less permanent and impressionable than online ones. 

4. From your own experience and the experience of friends and/or colleagues which form of networking provides job-seekers with the best opportunity to market themselves?

Personally, I feel that face to face can provide better opportunities for self marketing. Online profiles are one dimensional, and it is difficult to convey special personal qualities and abilities merely through words. When you are face to face with someone, they are able to see your flare.

5. What advice would you give soon-to-be college graduates entering the professional world regarding networking?

Use all of your resources: online, face to face, and experience. Its all about marketing yourself. The best thing to do is get yourself out there.

Networking Importance: It isn't who you know, but who knows you and knows what you know

     "Networking involves deliberately building contacts and reputation to 'get the success you want by tapping into the people you know'.^{1 "}This reminds me of the saying, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." However, according to Moran (2006), that phrase has a negative connotation.² The phrase insinuates that knowledge is not as important as your network, so he changed the phrase to make it more accurate: "It isn’t who you know, but who knows you and knows what you know."

     I always took the "original" statement to be true without much thought because so many adults, specifically professors and other professionals, have engraved this idea into our minds to seem important and true. However, Moran's updates and revisions to the popular adage make a lot of sense. I am shocked that I have not realized before that knowledge was left out of the original phrase, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." I mean what's the point of getting an education if all that matters is who you know?

     That being said, I would also like to consider adding expertise to the equation. Knowledge is important, however it is a broad term that does not imply any sort of direction. Expertise, on the other hand, focuses employers' attention to a more concentrated kind of knowledge that you have encompassed. In my opinion, the whole point of a college major is to become an expert in the field you want to start your career. Furthermore, in order to become an expert in your expected career, you should become knowledgeable of a wide range of skills that are required and/or expected by employers.

     According to Nardi, Whittaker & Schwarz (2000), the idea of networking can be dated back to the 1940s, but they argue that the difference is the current "intensity and absolute necessity of networking for practically everyone.^{3 "} So, why is networking so important? While considering this question the term social capital comes to mind. Social capital refers to the connections within and between networks⁴ and the resources that we can access through our contacts.⁵

     In other words, who you have in your network should be people that have something to offer you (i.e., the potential to help further your career). For instance, my mother tried to add me to her LinkedIn network, but her career has nothing to offer in furthering mine, so I politely and respectfully declined her as part of my LinkedIn network and instead added her to my Facebook network because I perceive Facebook to be more of a social network than professional network. In addition to being able to receive something from your networks, you should also give back. Reciprocate; offer your knowledge and who you know to others, so your relationships are not one-sided.

Succeed at the Communication Career Fair

What:      Communication Career Fair

When:     12:00- 5:00 on Wednesday October 26, 2011

Where:    DKR Texas Memorial Stadium North End Zone-The Club (8th floor in the Red McCombs Red Zone) 

Why:           Network

Who:           List of employers that will attend the fair: http://communication.utexas.edu/ccs/career-fairs.

How:           Below are some easy steps to help you succeed at the Career Fair

Entering a Conversation: 

1. Initiate the conversation; don't wait for the employers to approach you!
2. Prepare a 20 second elevator speech and PRACTICE before you use it on a potential employer.
3. Relax! Make sure you remain conversational and genuine during your conversation.

Engaging in Conversation: 

1. Converse.  Don't expect the employer to carry on the entire conversation.
2. Show interest by asking questions.
3. Reciprocate.  The employer wants to talk to someone who is truly interested in them.

Exiting a Conversation:

1. Exit gracefully.  Be respectful of the employer and NEVER abruptly leave the conversation to speak with another employer.
2. Exchange necessary information.  Make sure to give them a resume or business card, and also make sure to take contact information from the company.
3. Make sure to thank them for their time!

Follow Up:

1. Use LinkedIn or other professional networking sites.  This is a great way to stay connected!
2. When you follow-up, make sure to remind them of something unique about yourself or a piece of information that will help them recall your conversation. 

Good Luck! 

*Advice and information found on College of Communication website,  http://communication.utexas.edu./ccs/career-fairs.