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September 27, 2007
Networking: Alumni Want to Hear From You!
If you attended the CSO’s Job Searching Beyond the Fall Interview Program Workshop yesterday, you heard a lot about the benefits of networking. Recently while meeting with alumni to obtain advice for current students, the topic of networking has also arisen multiple times. When asked whether they receive networking phone calls from current students, many alumni are disappointed to tell the CSO that the answer is no. Not only do these alums want to hear from you about what is new at the law school, but they also want to share advice with you based on their own experiences.
Networking is about building relationships. It can help you establish connections in a certain legal market, obtain advice about law school and legal practice, and learn more about different practice areas. True, networking will not always get you a specific job, but it can help you to gather information that may be useful to you throughout your career. And networking skills are skills you likely will be expected to have throughout your career as an attorney. So start now! You can network at specific events, including conferences and meetings held here at the law school. You can also network by contacting people on your own.
To effectively network on your own, start by creating a list of people to contact, including Case Western Reserve alumni and alumni from your undergraduate institution. Send a short note or make a polite phone call requesting a brief informational meeting at a time that is convenient for the person you are contacting. Talking to strangers can be difficult so prior to the meeting, take some time to prepare by thinking of things you have in common with the person and developing specific questions that the person might be able to answer. Think of the meeting as an opportunity to learn from the person and build your network by asking the person if he or she has suggestions about additional people you might contact to discuss your interests or career goals. After the meeting has occurred, send a thank you note to show you appreciate the person taking time to talk with you.
If you need help identifying a list of people to contact, the CSO is available to help. We are constantly meeting alumni who are willing to talk with students and share career advice. We’re also more than willing to help you prepare for a networking meeting so stop by to schedule an appointment with a counselor.
Posted by kcc17 at September 27, 2007 10:05 AM