On the Day of the Networking Event:

In January Lawrence Technological University will be hosting our 4^th Career Networking Reception.   Based upon your feedback, we have made several exciting changes  that should make this event a productive and efficient experience for you as a participant. 

• Employers in attendance will be easier to find and will have designated areas and signage that clearly identifies the company or organization
• Where possible, employers will be clustered by industry
• We will post the list of registered employers on this website
• In addition to providing opportunities to network with individual companies, information sessions are being developed regarding employment opportunities in specific industries.
• Information sessions will explore areas such as: employers expectations and in demand skills, terminology of the industry and protocol for conducting effective employment campaigns within these industries.

Employers will also  be available to meet with you in informal networking settings. If you have participated in our events previously you  know that the value of this activity is to provide  an  opportunity to build a network of contacts and conduct effective follow up campaigns.  Conversations with employers will be brief and they will probably talk to a large number of participants over the course of the evening.  Your opportunity to make the biggest impact will be dependant on what you do after the fact to enhance your networking campaign.  

To register for the January event:  click here:  Networking Reception Registration Form.  You will receive an email confirmation of your registration shortly after registering

Suggested dress for the event is business attire but it is suggested that you wear comfortable shoes.

---

How Can You Make The Most Of This Networking Campaign Concept?

Keep in mind that your goal will be to learn more about their organization and see if any common interests or needs exist. 

Think about this event as a "foot in the door opportunity".  The real value of this type of networking event often occurs after the fact as you build your networking relationships. 

Identify the key skills and or traits employers in this industry seek, if you have those skills, how can you customize your follow up approach to them? 

Make sure you find out how or what you need to do to formally follow up on relevant opportunities Iike; do you need to complete an online application, send resumes to a specific address?  Ask for a business card so you have accurate contact information.

To keep a relationship active, send a brief thank you note after the event reinforcing any relevant information you want them to know about  you.   

Stay positive.  Even if your conversation doesn't net any immediate connections, ask for suggestions for additional contacts. 

Traditional job fairs are thought of as opportunities to create an individual moment at the event, networking receptions are opportunities to develop relationship connections.  How you nurture those connections is the real worth of this type of event.