Learning from Networking

One of the most common questions that people have asked me this summer is, "Why do you want to go into ______?" Whether the question comes from my boss as we discuss my future with the company or it initiates a conversation with a HR representative from a major PR company, it is important to cater the answer to whom you are speaking. Although I would like to consider myself well-informed about the differences between marketing, PR, advertising and brand management, the lines sometimes blur in my head and in practice. Other interns might have a set goal of working in a specific industry, but I am still open to this entire realm of jobs. However, when talking to someone that can help connect me to an interview or networking opportunity, I know it is important to express a greater interest in the appropriate industry. For example, I attended an event last week that focused on cosmetics and the fashion industry, which is something that I am not sure I want to enter; however, showing an interest in these industries gained me a few connections and business cards.
A few days ago I went to an event sponsored by Cosmetic Executive Women that specifically targeted young women in the beauty/fashion/retail industries. The Cocktails and Connections: Career Insights event was "geared toward enhancing your career building skills. Some of the industry's top HR experts are on hand to give tips on successful interviewing, improving your resume and cover letter, and how to make yourself a marketable candidate through social media." This was my first networking event ever and I honestly had no idea what to expect. The event consisted of multiple five minute one-on-one conversations with the various HR representatives. From the moment I walked in, I was intimidated by the confidence that the other women displayed and immediately realized that I was the youngest attendee. Thankfully I had the chance to eavesdrop on a few of the conversations prior to having one of my own, so I sort of knew how to start and what should be the focus.
Then came the hardest part - actually having the multiple five minute conversations. I learned a lot of valuable information and received tips to put into practice right away. Here are some of the highlights from the night:

1. Set up a LinkedIn account and start connecting! I thought that LinkedIn was primarily a networking site for those already employed, but I was so wrong. There are groups to help connect you with jobs, university alumni groups and networks for individual companies. These past few days have been spent finalizing my profile and connecting with as many people as possible.

2. Use your Twitter account effectively. It's important to create conversations with companies (or at least show that you are attempting to initiate a dialogue) and not just Tweet "So hungover! Sad the H&H near me is closed. :-/ Need bagels&lox NOW." Because my Twitter account isn't exactly something I would want to share with HR prior to an interview, I keep mine locked. As the summer ends, though, I will go through and delete the questionable Tweets and focus on communicating the image/message that I want to present.

3. Fake it until you make it. I spoke with a young publicist from a reputable PR agency. She explained to me that her PR major helped her understand the industry theoretically, but it took time and effort to understand her role and how to effectively execute her assignments. She Googled and Wikipedia-ed certain aspects of her job so she could perform better.

4. Show enthusiasm for every contact in every industry. As the night went on, I found that showing energetic enthusiasm towards the industry my connection worked for resulted in a more genuine conversation and landed me more business cards. You never know where networking could lead.

Rebecca