General Inquiries:
careerweek@studentaffairs.duke.edu

Co-Directors
Holly Duke
Racquel Williams
Megan Wilson
George Dorfman ‘85, MA ‘01
Lisa Dilts, '83
Dede Olson
Alicia Garcia, '06
Jay Mehta, '07
Robyn Hall, '08

Networking Tips

What is networking?

1. Talking with people - anyone - who can provide insight. Informational interviewing is a form of networking
2. Learning about career fields and jobs, and expanding your contacts
3. The only entry into the hidden job market (finding job opportunities that are never advertised)
4. The most effective means of finding a job!

It is NOT

1. An interview for employment
2. A guarantee of employment or even employability
3. Business card swapping at a meeting or conference
4. Cold-calling people out of the phone book or the Duke Connect contacts
5. Passing out your resume indiscriminately

Why do it?

1. Leverage your Duke education. Alumni, parents, administrators can all be helpful.  If they're impressed with you, they're likely to think of you when opportunities come up, and to refer you to other people
2. It's an ideal way to learn about positions, companies, industries, career fields and career paths.
3. You can get a sense of your "fit" within a field, company or position.
4. You'll gain confidence in your ability to describe your interests, skills and values. You'll be better able to articulate in subsequent "real" interviews why you are the ideal candidate.
5. Most jobs are never advertised (10% are advertised in print; 10% online).

How to network at the Career Conference

1. Identify alumni whom you want to meet, and find out which sessions they'll be in.
2. Figure out how they can be helpful to you.  For example, are they in a career field you’d like to explore?
3. Find something you have in common.
4. Treat it like a conversation.
5. Remember, they were students once, and they're here because they want to help.
6. Be willing to admit if this is your first time networking; ask for feedback on your approach.
7. If you'd like more time with them, tell them! Ask if they'd be willing to continue the conversation over the phone or by email. They may even be able to meet you later during the weekend.

Sample Opening Questions

1. I've always wanted to be in xyz field. Can you tell me what qualifications most people have to enter the field? Do you have to have a graduate degree to get to the upper levels?
2. Your career field is known for its low pay. How do lower level employees make things work?
3. I notice that you call Washington, DC home. Is it a good place for young people to live and work?
4. I'm thinking of working for a company like xyz. Since yours is a predominantly male field, can you tell me strategies for being successful as a woman?
5. You and I both have degrees in history. I notice you're now an entrepreneur. Did you always want to go into business for yourself? Why did you choose history as a major?
6. What advice would you have for getting your foot in the door in the xyz field?
7. Your session was really interesting, and I'd love to hear more about your experiences with xyz.