Networking
Over the course of your work life, networking will be the single most effective method of advancing your career. While networking may not “get you a job,” it does play a role in many hiring decisions. Many job vacancies are never advertised, but instead filled through some form of personal or professional referrals. Employers prefer to hire candidates they have met, or those referred by a trusted source.
Among Cornell graduates seeking a first position, personal contact has proven extremely important; for example, more than 20% of job seekers responding to a recent postgraduate activities survey found their jobs through networking. Check out more in the Canvas Module on Networking, including tips on creating a positive and professional social media presence.
What is Networking?
One of the best ways to expand your career knowledge and interests (industry, company, or specific position) is to learn from someone who is connected to it first-hand. Building your connections will provide you an invaluable opportunity to develop and prepare for your career goals. This is what networking is about.
- Networking is talking with people who will learn about you and your interests, and then help you gain insight into your career options and goals.
- It is a two-way process that involves developing and maintaining connections with individuals, and mutually benefiting from the relationship.
- Networking is an ongoing process that takes time and attention; it is not something you do only when you are looking for a job.
- Successful networking requires preparation and practice.
- Networking can be done in-person and online. Valuable tools for online networking and connecting with Cornell alumni included Cornell’s CUeLINKS and LinkedIn.
- In addition to expanding your career interests, effective networking will provide an opportunity to let people know who you are and what you want to do or collaborate with others on projects of mutual professional interest.
Key Module
Visit the Networking module in Canvas for more information on creating connections, building a profile, using LinkedIn’s alumni tool, and other topics. There is also a page on informational interviewing including over a hundred questions to choose from.
LinkedIn is a social network designed for career and business professionals to connect. LinkedIn is also a valuable resource for finding jobs, exploring careers, and connecting with Cornell University Alumni. You also have access to thousands of online courses via LinkedIn Learning. If you have not yet created a LinkedIn profile, or you are looking for strategies to update and improve your profile, use the Networking module in Canvas to explore more tips and resources.
CUeLINKS
Cornell’s Professional Networking platform connects you with Cornell Alumni and your community to help you achieve your personal, academic, and professional goals
Get Networking Support
Did you know Career Services does LinkedIn profile reviews? We can give you feedback for how to enhance your profile or use little-known features of LinkedIn. You can also schedule a Networking Strategy appointment.
