Networking

1. Name cards out!
Technology away!
Curtis Kuznecov – T25 & T32
Comm 202
Tutorial #7

2. Agenda
 Informational Interviews
 Networking at Events
 Action Items

3. Where does networking happen?
Chance meetings (i.e.
sitting beside someone
on an airplane)
Facilitated events
(company info sessions,
networking events)
As a result of a direct
request (informational
interviews)

4. Informational Interviews – Why?
1. Get your foot in the door (faster)
2. Gain insight about a company, industry, or career
path
3. Practice your interview and networking skills
4. Find a potential mentor
5. Show them who you are beyond your resume and
cover letter

5. Informational Interview Assignment
• Contact details (name, company, title, phone, email
• List of questions asked
• Major insights gained – What did you learn during your
informational interview? **This is the most important
part, should be 40% of final paper.
• Did you request/receive any information regarding
additional connections?
• Follow up action – What will you do to maintain this
connection? *Screen shot of thank you email required
• What are your next steps having conducted this
information interview?

6. Informational Interview Assignment
• Due Thursday April 14th (note that this is during the
final exam period)
• Minimum of one page
• In-person and not current UBC
student/staff/faculty or family member
• Look at potential questions on the Course Blog
• Worth 10% of your overall grade

7. Info Interview Approach
Hello Dion,
My name is Curtis Kuznecov and I am currently working towards my bachelors
of commerce at UBC. I have been selected to interview at your firm and have
been meeting Andrew Darcovich on a regular basis. He gave me your contact
information and told me you would be a great person to talk too. I was
wondering if you could spare anytime and have a quick phone conversation
with me? I would love to talk about your experience transitioning from studying
at UBC to working in New York and more about the desk you work at. Interest
rate swaps are something I don't know much about, but it sounds really
interesting. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards,
Curtis Kuznecov

8. Info Interview Follow-Up
Hi Dion,
Just wanted to thank you again for taking the time to talk to me, I really
value the advice you gave me. It is always nice to hear from someone who
has gone through the whole process. I will keep in touch and provide you
with any updates regarding the recruiting process.
Many Thanks,
Curtis Kuznecov
Hi Curtis – happy to chat. We have Thursday off for US Thanksgiving so I
can give you a call in the morning or lunchtime PST if that works.
Dion

9. Networking at Events

10. • Alumni, senior students, and local professionals convening
for an evening of networking with this semester’s COMM
202 students
• Excellent opportunity to practice and refine your networking
skills and learn more about how to make the most of your
time at Sauder!
SAVE THE DATE:
COMM202 Networking Event
Thursday, March 10th from 6-8PM
COMM 202 Networking Event
10

11. Networking Event Mechanics
Web to web
Eye color
Name tag on
right Smile 
Comfy Shoes

12. Assessing the Room

13. Bursting the Bubble

14. The Approach
Avoiding the awkward:
• Don’t interrupt. When
joining a networking
circle, wait for a lull in the
conversation.
• Never have food and a
drink, you need a free
hand to shake!
• Go with a wingman! But
not a Siamese twin

15. Introduce Yourself
 Just simply say hi!
• Hi, my name’s Curtis, Curtis Kuznecov.
• Hi Sabrina, it’s nice to meet you. My name’s Andy.
 Show you’re interested in talking to them
• Hi Andy it’s great to meet you as well. I was actually hoping to
chat with you this evening as I noticed on your LinkedIn profile
that you…and I would love to hear more about your experience.
 Start the conversation. Ask a question / have them talk about
themselves / Stay positive
• Do you have any advice for students…looking to make the most
of their time at Sauder? …looking for a career in your field?

16. Continuing the Conversation
• LISTEN
• Be careful not to monopolize peoples’ time
• Listen for facts, feelings, free information and implied
statements
• Introduce others, tying them into the conversation
• Identify commonalities
• Ask open ended questions

17. The Graceful Exit
• Spend 5 to 10 minutes with one person; wait for a lull
• Excuse yourself kindly and assertively:
o “It was nice to meet you”
o “I’m glad you were here today. It’s been great
chatting with you. Thanks so much.”
o “I don’t want to monopolize all your time today.
Thank you for taking time to speak with me and I
hope you enjoy the rest of the event.”
• Shake hands and exchange cards or ask to connect
(if the conversation was meaningful)

18. Follow It Up
• After great conversations, send a personalized email or
LinkedIn request (or maybe an informational interview
request?  )
Hi Sabrina,
It was so great to get the chance to speak with you at last night’s networking
event. I was really inspired by what you said about “building your personal brand”,
and I am looking forward to putting your advice into practice.
I would love to continue our conversation about your experience at YVR. I
understand that you are very busy, but it would be great to meet for about 20
minutes. Would you be available to meet on Monday or Tuesday next week?
Coffee is on me!
Thank you,
Alison Buchanan

19. COMM 202 Networking Event

20. 202 Networking Event Pet Peeves
1. Asking questions and not listening to the
answer
2. Asking rapid-fire questions so no one
else can speak
3. When a person’s outfit is distractingly
unprofessional
4. When students only talk about their
option choices or career path! Try
connecting over a common interest
beyond work and school

21. 202 Networking Event Pro Tips
1. Eat dinner beforehand
2. Do some research on the delegates, but don’t
get consumed in stalking every LinkedIn profile
3. Dress classy and comfortably
4. Have a few interesting questions / topics to chat
about ready to go. How do you want to be
remembered?
5. When all else fails, find a 202 TA and we’ll help
you join a circle
6. Head to an area that is less packed
7. Manage your energy – take a breather if you
need it

22. Action Items
 Start looking for info interview candidates
 Networking Event on Thursday, March 10th, 2016
From 6:00-8:00pm in the CPA Hall
Networking Reflection due Monday, March 14th
@11:59pm on Turnitin
Next Week is … lecture!!

23. How to Submit Resume/CL
 You will submit your documents TWICE
 Once to Turnitin.com for marking (by 1:59pm)
 Secondly to COOL (this is how you will receive an
interview for the Employment Interview assignment) (by
midnight, same day…but just do it right away so you don’t
forget!)
 Full instructions on how to submit to COOL are on the
course blog under assignments / resume and cover letter