Missouri State University Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 32
NETWORKING
Networking is meeting people, making connections, and building relationships.In fact, 85% ofjob hires are a result of networking.Your
network is essentiallya web of people you know personally, professionally,or academically.In some ways, your network consists of
everyoneyou know. Your list may include co-workers, family, family friends, friends,instructors and professors, colleogues,previous or
current employers, and anyone else who might be willing to help.
GROWING YOUR NETWORK
Events like career fairs, workshops, and information sessions
are great for networking. Employers aren't just seeking fulltime hires-they're also looking for interns, summer workers,
volunteers, and future hires. Be prepared with a brief
introduction or elevator pitch.
You can also expand your network online. Social media helps
you research companies and professionals, keeping you
informed on their news and contacts. Networking sites like
Linkedln and Handshake are designed to connect
professionals, so make sure to use them to your advantage.
Linkedln
With over 800 million members, Linkedln is the top
professional social media platform, and it will be useful
throughout your career. It's a dynamic, visual version of your
resume, showcasing your experience and interests to make a
strong first impression. Use Linkedln to communicate, expand
your network, and find opportunities.
Linkedln Tips
• Customize your Linkedln URL to something memorable, like
your name.
• Make sure to have a professional photo as your profile. You
can get updated free professional photos anytime by visiting
the Career Center's Professional Headshot booth at the MSU
Bookstore.
• Keep your Linkedln updated like a resume, with your
summary, education, experiences, and skills.
• Connect with people from career fairs, workshops, or
networking events within 24-48 hours.
• Send a personalized message when connecting, explaining
your invitation.
• Follow organizations and influencers that match your goals.
Join groups, starting with university and industry ones.
• Engage with relevant company posts by commenting, liking,
or sharing.
• Search for Missouri State University's Linkedln page and click
on the Alumni tab. Then search for your major to find out
where alums from your program are working. Connect with
them for potential opportunities.
Handshake
Handshake directly connects Missouri State University students and alumni to tens of thousands of opportunities both locally and across
the country. Handshake pays attention to your activity,job interests, and the locations where you are looking for employment. Be sure your
profile is accurate and complete since the platform will use your details to send you job recommendations and notifications.
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All MSU students have a Handshake account, pre-loaded
with their academic program information. Log in through
My Missouri State or the Career Center website.
Update your privacy settings so employers can find and
view your profile.
MSU CAREER CENTER
Scroll through and search for relevant job openings
frequently. Many employers search specifically for Missouri
State University students.
• Turn on notifications so you know when employers are
reaching out. Edit your preferences to choose when you want
to hear from Handshake.
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