Several Clemson PRSSA students will hopefully attend the networking event hosted by South Carolina PRSSA in Greenville. Event details are here (scroll all the way down to Upstate December Meeting), note that there’s a $15 fee and that you need to RSVP.
I’m also keeping track of students who want to go, so we can carpool. Please RSVP here also if you’d like to carpool.
This might be a good time for some advice about how to network at these professional “parties:”
- know that it’s OK and expected to be nervous
- prepare a brief introduction of yourself. As you approach people, shake their hand, and introduce yourself: “Hi, I’m Mary Poppins, communication student at Clemson. I’m really interested in sports public relations!”
- ask lots of questions. Ask for advice, ask people what they do, what they like/dislike about their jobs, etc. Prepare some questions in advance so you don’t run out of things to ask. People like you more if you listen to them than if you keep talking.
- make business cards for yourself. It’s awkward to carry resumes to a party, but if you don’t have business cards, how will you keep in touch with that person?
- wear comfortable, office-appropriate clothes. Avoid showing cleavage, very short skirts, very high heels, striking makeup. Even though it’s called a party, wear what you would wear a work, maybe a tiny bit more festive. People come to these events after work, and you don’t want to be the only one wearing sequins!
- keep your right hand open and dry. Hold your food & drink in the left hand.
- take it easy on the drinks. If you ask me, stick to non-alcoholic drinks, so you maintain complete control of yourself.
After the party, follow up with the people you connected. Send them an email, connect with them on LinkedIn of if appropriate, on Facebook or twitter. Find a way to keep in touch.
Please be assured that I (Dr. V) will do my best to take care of you and introduce you to people, so you don’t feel abandoned, left out or awkward!
December 3, 2008 at 7:59 pm |
Thank you for the advice! It will be useful in a lot of different business situations. I’m going to try to make it, but I’m also ATTEMPTING to save money for New York over the holidays!
December 3, 2008 at 10:41 pm |
If you’re going to an event where you’ll be wearing a name tag, be sure to place it on the right side of your chest, not the left. In America, we read everything from left to right. As such, when someone is facing you, it’s easier to read something that’s visible to their upper left (your upper right). Plus, it’ll also be easier for them to read your name as you lean to extend your arm to shake someone’s hand.
December 4, 2008 at 2:13 am |
This is a great list. I would add to remember to ask for a business card in return, especially if you don’t have one to hand out. If you’re going alone or with another person I would also suggest you arrive early. Usually people will immediately introduce themselves to you in order to get the conversation (and event) started (and then introduce you to others).