By now you are probably well aware that networking is an essential part of the career exploration process. However, many students often get a little squeamish when the topic of networking comes up. It could be because they don’t know exactly what it means to network, or they don’t know how to do it effectively.
Well, as a UNC student, you have an incredibly powerful asset on your side – other Tar Heels!
Imagine you have been out of school for 5 years, and you are progressing nicely in your career. You have had a few promotions, and your career is really starting to gel. You get a notification on you Apple Brain Implant, letting you know that someone has sent you an I-note via Linked In.
The subject line reads “Greetings from Chapel Hill”. Intrigued, you open the message –
“Dear Jeff,
I hope this note finds you well. I am fellow Tar Heel finishing up my Junior year, and I came across your profile on Linked In while researching alumni who work in the sports marketing field. Your background and experience in the field seem very interesting, and matches with the type of work I hope to pursue upon graduating. Would you be willing to chat with me briefly about your career path? As a student, I would love to learn more about the challenges, skills, and day to day duties that encompass a sports marketing career. Please know that I am not contacting you in search of a job – but more so just to learn about your experience so that I can better prepare for what may lie ahead. Thanks very much for considering this request. I am happy to connect via phone, email, skype, or in-person at your convenience.
In the Carolina Way,
Michael Jordan”
Now, think about it; if you received that email 5 years from now, would you respond to this student? Would you be willing to lend your advice to help a fellow Tar Heel succeed? Of course you would. So now consider the 100,000+ UNC alumni who have profiles on Linked In who would be happy to help you!