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Career Matters | Nicholas Networking

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Many jobs are advertised only by word of mouth, and according to the Nicholas School Career Services Office, 75 percent of professionals find jobs through networking—more than all other methods combined. That’s why establishing a professional network has become a critical job search and job advancement skill.

The Career Services Office offers advice on networking on its Web site, with topics including establishing a network, understanding networking, and sample questions to ask your networking contacts. The online advice columns are geared to anyone from recent graduates to seasoned professionals.

A networking action plan is continuous and consists of self assessment, setting clear goals, developing contact lists and effectively communicating your goals and desires through writing and informational interviewing.

One of the key ways in which Nicholas School alumni can network with each other is via the Alumni Career Network. This Web-based tool is available to alumni and current students seeking advice about career fields, employment and internship opportunities, and general career assistance. If you’re looking for fellow alums who have moved to your area, you can search by city or state. Alumni working in a particular field or for a certain organization can be found by searching under employer or professional expertise. You also can search for a specific person by name. (And it’s a great way to find old friends.)

Alumni are urged to participate in this voluntary network by completing or updating a survey that asks for information about your job history, professional expertise, and professional affiliations.

For privacy purposes, the network is password protected so that it can be accessed only by members of the Nicholas School community. Contact the Alumni Affairs office or Career Services office if you need assistance with a password.