Authentic Networking Tips
So I haven’t been on this specific trip, but I’m really looking forward to exploring one of my favorite cities with 120 other advertising students. I’ve been lucky enough to go on a few other networking trips with the SOJC in the past, so here are two valuable tips based on my experience:
- Before you leave for each agency, come up with one or two thoughtful questions to potentially ask each professional you network with. Chances are, it’s gonna be a little tricky to actually have a long one-on-one conversation, so know what you’re going to ask ahead of time. At the end, ask them if you can follow up for an informational interview. Just by asking one interesting question in person, you can spark their interest and get the chance to talk to them one-on-one on the phone for half hour after the trip (or even grab coffee in NYC)!
- Talk about the work you’ve produced with professionals, but make sure to incorporate memorable stories from your experiences — chances are they relate. They’re more likely to remember a story they can visualize. Rather than saying, “I’m highly skilled in client relations from this experience,” mention that one time you didn’t have the same opinion as your client about the tone of a certain ad and how you eventually came up with a solution that one late night in Allen.
Time to hop on my red-eye flight. See you soon, New York!
Rita Herbstman 05.03.19 | #1