Networking

Tag: Networking

Expanding Your Network – Tips For Finding and Connecting With New Professional Contacts

The Power of Networking

Did you know that nearly 70% of jobs are never advertised publicly? They exist in what experts call the “hidden job market.” Employers often fill these roles through personal recommendations and professional connections rather than job boards or company websites. That means your network is one of the most valuable tools in your career journey. The more you invest in meaningful connections, the more access you’ll have to unadvertised opportunities.

So, how can you effectively leverage your network? Let’s dive in.

Why Networking Matters

Many job openings are shared through word-of-mouth, meaning you’re far more likely to discover them through personal conversations than scrolling through job postings. In fact, 80% of hidden jobs are filled through direct professional connections. Building relationships with industry insiders provides:

  • Access to job openings before they’re publicly posted
  • Insights from experienced professionals in your field
  • Long-term relationships that can help you grow
  • Exclusive knowledge of trends that keep you competitive

The more strategic you are with networking, the greater your chances of unlocking career opportunities that others never see.

Types of Networking Contacts

Not all professional connections serve the same purpose. Here’s a breakdown of key networking contacts and how they can support your career growth.

Guidepost Contacts

These individuals provide general direction and career insights. You don’t need to maintain a long-term relationship with them, but their advice can help you navigate your industry.

Intel Contacts

Intel contacts offer valuable inside information about specific industries, companies, or roles. These are the connections you’ll want to cultivate over time, as they provide long-term value to your career.

Decision-Maker Contacts

These are the individuals who play a direct role in hiring decisions, but they’re not always HR personnel. Building strong relationships with decision-makers can help position you for opportunities when they arise.

Prioritizing Intel and Decision-Maker contacts will give you the most strategic advantage in networking.

Networking Strategies for College Students

If you’re a student looking to build professional connections, start early and be proactive. Here are some strategies to get started:

  • Attend Industry Events – Conferences, career fairs, and professional meetups help you connect with people in your field.
  • Leverage Alumni Networks – Platforms like LinkedIn, Voyager, and Career Shift are great for finding alumni willing to mentor and share opportunities.
  • Join Professional Platforms – LinkedIn and industry-specific forums allow you to build credibility and make valuable connections.
  • Find Mentorship Programs – Look into professional associations or student organizations that offer mentorship opportunities.

Informational Interviews: The Ultimate Networking Tool

What They Are

Informational interviews are conversations with professionals designed to learn about their career path and industry—without the pressure of a job application. They are 8x more likely to help students land internships and future positions than traditional applications.

Why They Work

Since most professionals love to help students, these interviews provide an organic way to build relationships, gain insider knowledge, and position yourself for future opportunities.

How to Make Them Effective

  • Focus on mutual interests—topics they enjoy discussing.
  • Be authentic and let your enthusiasm shine through.
  • Remember: most professionals genuinely want to help students succeed.

Getting Responses to Your Outreach

Cold outreach can be intimidating, but these strategies will help you get responses.

Craft Compelling Messages

  • Be specific and brief—get to the point.
  • Show you’ve done research on the individual.
  • Provide a clear call to action (e.g., requesting a 15-20 min Zoom chat).
  • Request meetings far enough in the future to show professionalism.

Target the Right People

  • Reach out to individuals with shared interests or connections in your field.
  • Make sure to highlight commonalities to create a stronger connection.

Conduct an Informational Interview

For more information on how to conduct an Informational Interview, click here!

Follow Up Thoughtfully

  • Wait one week, then send a friendly reminder.
  • If no response, send a third email using another email address if necessary.
  • Still no response? Try calling or reaching out on another platform.

Contact Rotation Strategy

Use this approach to stay organized and increase your chances of getting responses:

  1. Research: Find contacts and study their background.
  2. Reach Out: Send personalized messages with clear requests.
  3. Wait Period: Move to the backburner while focusing on other leads.
  4. Follow Up: Reconnect after a reasonable time frame.

Maintaining Your Network Over Time

Your network is only as strong as the relationships you maintain. Stay connected by:

Leaving with Homework

End every conversation with specific follow-up actions.

Expressing Gratitude

Send a personalized thank-you within 24 hours of any meeting.

Providing Value

Share articles, events, or introductions that could benefit your connections too. Networking should be mutually beneficial!

Final Thoughts

Expanding your network is one of the smartest moves you can make in your career. Whether you’re a college student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, building meaningful connections will open doors to hidden opportunities and long-term success.

Start today—reach out, build relationships, and watch your career grow through the power of networking.

Informational Interview with Kylie Zajdel ’22: Development Operations Coordinator at Seattle Symphony

I had the opportunity to conduct an informational interview with Lawrence alumna Kylie Zajdel ’22. Zajdel currently resides in Seattle, Washington, where she works in Development at the Seattle Symphony. In this reflection, I will touch on some of the main talking points from our interview, including Zajdel’s career path, network building strategies, and advice for Lawrentians interested in pursuing Arts Administration.

No “Typical” Career Path

During her time at Lawrence, Zajdel majored in music theory, flute performance, and French and francophone studies. Although she knew early on that stage fright would prevent her from pursuing a career in performance, she discovered a passion for being involved in music offstage. In the summer of 2021, Zajdel interned as the Student Operations Intern at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee. This experience introduced her to the world of Arts Administration and solidified her desire to stay connected to the arts without performing.

Currently, Zajdel works at the Seattle Symphony as the Development Operations Coordinator, focusing on the operational and developmental tasks that enhance the donor experience. Just before our meeting, she discussed career paths in Arts Administration with her boss, only to conclude that there isn’t a typical path in this field. She emphasized that everyone finds their own way into Arts Administration, and no two paths look the same. According to Zajdel, it’s all about discovering what interests you and gaining first-hand experience.

Networking is Really, Really Hard…

I asked Zajdel how she built a network within her field, to which she replied that she is currently in the process of networking within the Seattle-based arts community. She prefaced her answer by saying, “Networking is really, really hard…”. Despite this candid admission, she emphasized the importance of consistently putting yourself out there and taking risks when interacting with others in Arts Administration. Zajdel advised starting with connections that may seem the most outlandish, as you never know the extent of someone else’s network

Final Advice: Don’t Give Up!

Lastly, I asked Zajdel if she had any advice for students interested in pursuing Arts Administration. She matter-of-factly responded, “Just don’t give up.” Zajdel sent in roughly 50 applications within a year before acquiring her current position. She mused that, although the rejections hurt, not every job you apply for and want is the right job for you. Zajdel emphasized, “No matter how many rejections you get… you just have to keep going and waiting for the right job and the right person to relate to you [when reading your application materials].”

She also stressed the importance of researching not just the organization but also the individuals you’re applying to. Zajdel stated, “If you can find one thing to connect with on, chances are they’re going to be like ‘that really reminds me of me’ and you are going to get an interview.” She highlighted that the best way to achieve this connection is through your cover letter, urging students who are about to enter the workforce to “make yourself a person, not just a piece of paper.”

Edited with the help of Copilot.