TWC | How to Network like a Professional
Networking
Interacting with other people to
exchange information and develop
contacts, especially to further one's
career.
Where Does Networking Take Place?
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www.twc.edu
• Formal Networking Events
• Conferences
• Informational Interviews
• Happy Hour
• Coffee
• Alumni Events
• TWC Events
• LinkedIn
• Social Media
• EVERYWHERE!
WHY Network?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 80% of jobs are never posted. In
addition, networking allows you to clarify and define your interest in various
career fields by hearing firsthand experience from professionals.
Prepare
So, you want to network…now what? Before you jump right into networking, do
the following to allow yourself to be prepared and put your best foot forward.
• Assess your networking and career
goals (looking for advice, industry
knowledge, jobs…looking to be
BLANK position in 5 years, looking
for this type of job/graduate school
after college, etc.)
• Develop your 30-second pitch to
introduce yourself. Prepare several
versions of this to use depending on
the audience.
• PRACTICE your pitch until you are
very comfortable with it.
• Be prepared to communicate your
strengths, skills, and review your
accomplishments.
• Develop solid questions; focus on
industry specific questions.
How to find Networking Events in D.C.
• Eventbrite
• MeetUp
• Virginia Chamber of Commerce
• Network Under 40
• Washington Network Group
• Capitol Standard
• LinkedIn
• America's Future Foundation
• Center for American Progress
• The Heritage Foundation
• SAIS (Paul H. Nitze School of
Advanced International Studies)
• Toastmasters International (Helping
members develop as leaders and
communicators)
• Woodrow Wilson Center
• Young Consultants of DC
• Young Education Professionals
• Young Nonprofit Professionals
Network of DC
• Young People For (part of People
for the American Way)
• Young Professionals in Foreign
Policy
