Networking

Networking is all about discovering and utilizing connections between people and tapping into your circle of friends, family, professors, previous employers, and Wake Forest Alumni. It is estimated that between 70-85 percent of jobs are obtained through networking. Harvard Business Review notes that “A mountain of research shows that professional networks lead to more job and business opportunities, broader and deeper knowledge, improved capacity to innovate, faster advancement, and greater status and authority.”  

Check out these videos for great networking tips: 

• Networking Virtually: Strengthen Your Network and Make Meaningful Connections
• How Can I Intentionally Build My Professional Network?

Join the Wake Network

By joining the Wake Network, you’ll have access to a searchable directory to find alumni of a particular program, year, company, or location. Plus, when you keep your information up-to-date on the Wake Network, you can ensure you will receive information about alumni events near you so you can continue to grow your network. 

Join our LinkedIn Group

With thousands of alumni members, the School of Business LInkedIn Group is a crucial resource to help you stay connected with fellow Biz Deacs while keeping you informed of Wake Forest University School of Business events, discussions, careers, and networking opportunities.

Network on LinkedIn 

With more than 400+ million members throughout the world, LinkedIn is both the largest and most advanced business network in the world and it optimizes your ability to:

• Keep your network fresh and active
• Strengthen your global connections
• Know more about people you’ve met or are about to meet

Create an Effective Profile

Your profile is a key component of your experience on LinkedIn and having a complete profile is important to show you’re an active participant in the ecosystem. Consider these top tips for creating an effective LinkedIn Profile: 

• Profile picture: Pick a picture that is friendly and aligned with your role as a leader. 
• Headline: By default the headline is your current position. However, you can customize it to demonstrate your expertise and vision for your role. 
• Custom URL: A custom URL is easier to communicate and more professional. 
• Experience: List the key positions you had in the past and briefly explain your role.
• Summary: The summary is a personal note where you can share a bit more about the vision you have for your role or company. 
•  Multimedia: Add multimedia content to your profile to make it more engaging. 

Next Steps, Get Connected!

Use LinkedIn to identify and connect with interesting alumni in companies, job function, locations and other areas of interest. Start by building 5-10 connections on LinkedIn with alumni and professionals by sending well-written personal connection requests.

Informational Interviews

Information interviews are a helpful way for you to build connections at an organization or within an industry that interests you. When reaching out to ask for an informational interview, describe your curiosity about learning more and be honest about your motives – informational interviews are truly about learning more information and building your network, they should not be used as an opportunity to ask for a job. 

• Research the company and person
• Prepare insightful questions
• Develop a 1-2 minute elevator pitch that describes your background and goals
• Be able to clearly articulate what you would like to take away from this conversation
• Be polite, professional, and appreciative of their time – a handwritten thank you note can go a long way! 
• Keep in touch by following up via email or connecting on LinkedIn