how to start your network

How to Start Your NetworkCASSANDRA THOMPSON, COLLEGE CAREER SPECIALIST, COMMUNICATIONS

2 QuestionsWhat do you want to do?

Who do you know?

Make a list of 10 peopleAny connection-even loosely related

Brother’s girlfriendRoommate’s dad….but he works in accountingThat guy you met one time when you visited your friend at UCLA and are Facebook friends with him

Still can’t think of anyone?

ProfessorsPanelistsGuest speakers

No really, I’ve got no one to talk to.

Use Linked In!

Did you know Linked In has an alumni feature?

https://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=17827&trk=vsrp_universities_res_name&trkInfo=VSRPsearchId%3A1678088614419024170

It will now be your best friend.

Okay, you have your 10.

Now contact them. Dear Mr. Producer, My name is Cassandra Thompson and I’m a friend of Taylor Swift’s, a current intern at 1989 Productions. I am a current student at Cal State Fullerton in the College of Communications, and I am very interested in working in television production after I graduate. Taylor has spoken very highly of her time at your company, so I thought you would be a good person to reach out to in order to learn more about the industry.

Would you possibly be available for an informational interview? I would love to hear more about what you do, and how you got your start in television production.

Please let me know if you are available for coffee or lunch sometime next week. Or if that is too much time, even 10 minutes on the phone would be great. I’m sure you are very busy, so whatever is most convenient for your schedule. I look forward to hearing from you.Sincerely, Cassandra ThompsonPhone #

Keys to the emailFormal greeting- “Dear Mr./Ms. so-and-so”Personalize each email

Who you have in commonWhere you met beforeSomething about the company

Ask to hear about their company or careerNEVER ask for a job or internship (or even help with

these things) in the first emailOffer to take to coffee, and then phone callBE POLITE

the Key to this way of networking….

NEVER write ANYONE off.

Before your meeting Research the person, company,

industry Dress appropriately-business

casual Bring a notebook and pen Check directions, parking, etc. –

ESPECIALLY if in L.A.

THE question you NEED to ask:

Is there anyone else you think I should speak with?

Write a thank you note.

And don’t forget….

Need more help?Come see me!Cassandra ThompsonCareer Center-LH-208Call 657-278-3121 to make an appointment