Networking

Goal for Today’s Class

Discuss the importance of networking and create your own 30-second
verbal business card
 Today’s Agenda
• What is networking?
• Why is it important?
• Useful vocabulary
• Tips for effective networking
• Breakout rooms
o discussion questions
o 30-second verbal business cards
• Whole class discussion
• End of course survey
What is networking?

• Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with other

professionals in your field.
• Can take place in person at conferences and trade shows
• Can take place at professional society and industry meetings
• Can take place on line through social medial and LinkedIn
• Can consult your friends and family
Why is networking important?

• Offer and receive valuable career guidance

• Learn about job opportunities
• Share important insights
• Stay updated on industry developments
Useful vocabulary

• to hit someone up (verb) – to get in contact with someone, often to

ask them for something.
• to mingle (verb) – to mix; to talk to many different people at a social
event.
• to strike up a conversation (verb) – to start a conversation with
someone.
• to reach out (to someone) (verb) – to make an effort to contact
someone.
• icebreaker (noun) – a communication strategy used to relieve tension,
often when striking up a conversation with someone.
• social capital (noun) – the positive value of human interaction in a
particular context, such as in society or in a business
Using the vocabulary words in the previous slide, complete the
following sentences (remember to use the correct form of the word, e.g.
verb conjugation or plural noun)

1. There is no greater _______________ than talking about the weather.

2. After having separated seven years ago, my ex-husband
______________to me, but I wasn’t interested in meeting him.
3. I love _________________ at social events; I talk to absolutely
everyone!
4. If you need a place to stay when you visit London next month,
______________ and you can stay in my spare room.
5. The best way to _______________with someone is not to ask what
they do for a living, but to ask them about their passions.
6. _______________ is incredibly important if a company wants to forge
great relationships in its
teams.
Tips for Networking
• Focus on the other person. Listen to what they say instead of what you
want to say next.
• Ask questions. You learn more by listening than by speaking.
• Wear appropriate clothes that make you feel good.
• Make eye contact.
• Exchange business cards, or take a picture of the other person’s name
badge and add him /her to your Linked In contacts.
• Remember to smile! 
• Practice, practice, practice in front of a mirror. “Practice makes
perfect!”
• Make notes after the event so you remember who is who.
When you meet someone at a networking event for the first time, you
should:

• smile
• shake hands
• briefly introduce yourself
• listen attentively to the other person’s introduction
Breakout Rooms:

• Create your 30-second verbal business card, or “elevator pitch” to

briefly introduce yourself.

• Get feedback from your fellow classmates.

Breakout:

30-second verbal business card, or “elevator pitch”

Your name:
Hi, my name is Pascal Malgrange.
Your recent degree and field / title and company:
I just graduated from U Penn with my BS in Computer
Engineering.
Mention a pertinent course you have taken / give an explanation of
what your company does:
I studied programming with a concentration in AI.
Mention what type of job you are looking for. / give an explanation of
what your job responsibilities are:
I am looking for a programing position in cyber security.
Whole group

• Share a few elevator pitches with the whole class

• Whole class discussion

o How do you use your networks?
o Where are the best places to network in Benin?
o How can technology help with networking?
Surveys