Networking

Introduction

• introduce section and outline
• this section focuses on how to find good networking opportunities and how to make the most of them
• linkedin section will focus on linkedin specific networking
• Networking is generally looked down upon in ECS/STEM circles but when used properly it's a really good tool
• Networking is not everyone's cup of tea just like LeetCode is not everyone's cup of tea, both are like vegetables though the more you eat the healthier your outlook but in truth it's possible you could survive without them it just may not be as pretty

Where

Via ECS Student Orgs

• your closest circle of connections will be UTD upperclassmen and alumni
• people you meet in classes and orgs are the ones most likely to help you for not much in return
• if someone is in a Student Org in ECS most likely they want to see other people in ECS succeed so never be afraid to ask for advice
• going to events, going to socials! talking to officers afterwards
• being part of programs that ECS Orgs host (ACM Projects/Research, WWC/SWE Ladies in Tech, ACM Mentor Program, IEEE Forge, HackAI, HackUTD)
• joining org officer team(s)

Via Industry Events

• Most ECS Orgs are focused on landing you opportunities and almost all of them will host "Industry Events"
• get partner companies to bring representatives and talk about working at their companies
• can get recruiter/SWE contacts at those companies
• can establish a relationship with recruiters by attending these kinds of events and the recruiter will remember you later when you apply
• if you actually talk with them

Via Conferences/Conventions

• There are a lot of conferences and they are a great chance to network
• again you meet a lot of recruiters and engineers
• conferences cost money so look into scholarships if this is a concern for you
• many of the diversity-oriented orgs will have a specific convention they send some of their members to (WWC -> Grace Hopper Convention, SWE -> WE Convention, NSBE -> NSBE National Convention, etc.)

How

How not to be Fake

• This is most people's fear when it comes to networking and how no one wants to be perceived
• being genuine is hard, you should be honest with people but don't be blunt, share your goals and what you want out of relationship
• people aren't dumb, they know you are talking to them for a reason -- don't waste people's times
• some chit-chat is fine but get to the point eventually
• be yourself, maybe the other person doesn't vibe with it and that's fine not everyone has to like you :(
• before you start a conversation with someone make sure that you know what you want to ask and want to get out of the convo
• don't set up meetings just for the sake of setting them up! have a game plan, make a list of questions/topics so that you actually have something to talk about

How to build a relationship

• periodic check-ins
• meet at an event -> get contact info -> reach out/follow-up -> reach out in the future about relevant events
• even if you don't join a specific company that someone was talking to you about they probably care about your future so keep them updated!

How to mutually benefit

• good networking relationships work because both parties are their for a reason
• if the opposite part isn't interested you (isn't your advocate) then they aren't going to make an effort for you
• make sure that you ask the other person how their life/work has been and if they are struggling with something maybe you know someone or some info that could help them (DON'T give unsolicited advice! that's just annoying)
• often times recruiters want to reach more students on campus and you could be their point of contact for student orgs that you are in or just a sounding board for potential ideas and their reception

LinkedIn

Follow Ups

• the most common and justified use of LinkedIn networking is for follow-ups
• after you meet a recruiter or someone at an event you may want to continue to conversation online but don't have their contact info
• this is not the same as randomly reaching out to recruiters
• has the highest chance of success
• most applicable if you actually had a conversation with the person -> made possible by asking questions at or after an event

Cold Calling (Direct Messaging)

• These are pretty difficult to do successfully
• link resources for LinkedIn DM formats
• not much harm as long as you remain respectful

#LinkedInfluencer

• hard to achieve this status
• requires regular posts and engagement with people
• definitely a specific format
• link to past UTD LinkedInfluencers (Aayushi Choudhary, Hersh Goshar)
• not necessary, some infrequent linkedin posts when you win something or accomplish something is more than enough
• a #lifestyle