Keeping in Touch

Yay! You’ve landed the coffee chat, hit it off with the professional you spoke to, and made sure to send an email thanking them for their time. Now what? Students and young professionals often fall into the trap of not fostering the connections they have made. Networking is a lot like taking care of a plant; once you plant the seed, you have to water and look after it on a consistent basis. Keep reading for two tips that will help you cultivate those long-lasting professional connections!

Make sure to update your connections on any progress or changes you undergo in a timely manner. For instance, if you are striving to work in a quantitative analysis role, updating the professionals you connect with on any new technical skills is a great idea. This way, they are constantly reminded of who is in their close network and are able to see a commitment to reaching goals. On the other hand, if you decide to make any pivots or adjust your goals, letting others know of this could lead to direct introductions to new professionals who could be more helpful to you.

Remember that professional relationships go beyond corporate lingo and asking for referrals! When networking and speaking with individuals who work in the roles you dream of, make sure to come off as personable and interested in their lives. This will help you build more genuine connections and the overall experience of networking that much more enjoyable.

If you have any questions about networking or anything related to your professional development, make an appointment with us at the Career Readiness Center! A Career Peer can sit down with you and walk you through the process, answer any questions, and help build your confidence. See you soon!