In this Seminar, International students will learn how to improve their networking skills for a more productive job search.

1. NETWORKING IS…
”Channeling though a process of
discovery through the
establishment of mutually
beneficial connections.”

2. Panel
Discussio
n
In this Seminar, International students will learn how to improve their
networking skills for a more productive job search.
Dis cu s s ion Top ics : 2 0 min . e a ch
A. Cu ltu ral Norms & US Social Skills
B . Steps to I mproving Networking Skills
C. T h e Power of Practice F u els Confid en ce
D. Networkin g Gen erates Op p ortu n ities

3. COOPERATIVE
EDUCATION Q. What are Culturized Social Skills?
Cultural Norms
& US Social Skills
( 20 min.)
Topic A.

4. Where? At a career fair talking about jobs with recruiters gives
international students little time to make meaningful connections.
When? While networking at events or conferences which usually
allow for a larger window of opportunity to talk with professionals
Why? Research says a lack of US culturalized social skills are a
contributing factor to low job search strategy implementation.
Networking Utilizes Social Skills

5. What are Social Skills?
Social norms are the rules of acceptable behavior in a society. How does improving
your networking skills in the US relate to culturalized social skills?
Culturalization is . . .
The process of adapting to one's new cultural environment; the acquisition of
values and behavior compatible with the new society which one is now a member.
Socialization is . . .
Adapting one’s behavior to the norms of a new culture; going out and meeting new
people; a process of making social advances starting a connection with someone.

6. US Cultural Norms International Cultural Norms
• Smile, shake hands firmly when meeting someone.
• Age is regarded as “old fashioned”. Use first names
on a name tag, crossing legs signals modesty.
• Have direct eye contact with the person, relaxed
posture and other appropriate nonverbal behavior.
• Don’t be late, but call to let someone know you will
be late or not attending at all.
• Open discussion about accomplishments and
expertise showing confidence in your abilities.
• Bowing, nodding the head when meeting someone,
• Age signifies more knowledge and respect. Using
first names, crossing legs are deemed inappropriate.
• Eye contact, especially with persons of higher status
(i.e. employer, interviewer) is disrespectful.
• Personal relationships maybe more important than
time. Being late may not be a problem.
• Citing accomplishments and skills may be too
individualistic, self-serving or considered boastful.

7. COOPERATIVE
EDUCATION
Making Small Talk for
BIG Returns
15 Steps to
Improving
Networking Skills
Section B.

8. Schedule networking events to maintain and expand your professional contacts.
Volunteer to establish rapport with decision-makers and influencers.
Conduct informational interviews w/industry professionals or
alumni and ask for career advice. Prepare questions early, their
time is valuable. Follow-up w/updates on your progress.
Use small talk to open a
conversation or renew a
relationship.
If you say
you will
come to
an event,
show up
Look for
chances to
use your
skills in the
community
Be selective
and definite
about what
you ask for
from people
Connect in
person, by
phone and via
social media –
build trust
Use meal
times or
coffee
breaks for
networking

9. Take your job search seriously. Block out time
on you calendar – and keep that appointment!
Nice touch! Handwritten notes
of thanks make you memorable.
Find common ideas, likes, dislikes and possibly, personality traits
Note the date and reason for follow-up on a person’s business card.
Get to know
people first,
notice what’s
important to
them
Plan a
follow up
time to
reconnect
w/updates
Send a link
to an
article of
mutual
interest
Make time
for
networking
even when
busy
Send hand
written notes
people get
way too
many emails

10. Offer your skills to help with events on campus,
you can get noticed and build key relationships.
Working hard counts on coop – but poor social interaction
skills could keep you from being hired there again later.
Although it may be uncomfortable at first, the more you practice, the easier it gets.
Face time is
critical –
people will
help you if
they know
you
This takes time to master.
Do better
than the rest,
exchange
ideas, ask for
feedback
Use your
expertise to
help others,
build working
relationships
Ask first,
then refer
others – a
friendly act
that builds
trust
Build your network
now before you
need it

11. COOPERATIVE
EDUCATION
Q. Suggestions for Getting
Started Around the
“Run-Around”
Topic C.
The Power of
Practice Fuels
Confidence

12. Getting Started:
•Learn about work authorization options, employer concerns
•Attend Seminars, info sessions and promote hiring via STEM ExtensionKnow CPT/OPT
•Improve English speaking proficiency skills, small talk techniques
•Attend ESL Conversation group, on-campus student group meetingsConversation
•Attend Seminars to improve your self-introduction
•Participate in practice sessions, and introduce yourself to everyoneElevator Speech
•Increase the frequency of attending off-campus networking events
•If you register, you must show up – especially if registration is sponsored!Show Up
•Personal satisfaction and you will leave a good impression w/influencers
•Increases your confidence, pushes you to grow by supporting othersCome Prepared

13. Practice Makes Perfect Checklist
 Getting Started: “I am going to…” “I can achieve this by…” Priority #
Date
Due
Learn about work authorization options, employer
concerns on CPT, OPT, visas, short-term hires, costs,
filing forms
Attending Seminars, info sessions, ask
UC INTL, promote hiring
options to employers
Improve English speaking proficiency, conversation
skills, small talk, and building rapport with influencers
ESL Conversation group, go to
on-campus student group meetings
and elevator speech
Start networking more often – SHOW UP to the ones I
registered for!
Add dates of events with reminders,
make business cards
Never come unprepared to an event, or event a
conference call.
Do informational interviews,
Volunteer - Expand my network!!

14. COOPERATIVE
EDUCATION
Q. What are the benefits
of networking?
Give and you shall receive!
Topic D.
Networking
Generates
Opportunities

15. 5 Benefits of Networking
•Generation of opportunities that should align with your goals
•Increases high quality referrals, job leads and businessReferrals
•Look: Where are you spending time & energy? Who do you know?
•Keep: Track what is generating the best results, omit the rest.Connections
•Raising your profile, reputation and visibility – your personal brand
•Building your credibility and other’s confidence in youCredibility
•Positive influence transferred to decision-makers
•Chances to meet positive influencers – could lead to VIP invitationsInfluence
•Personal satisfaction and you will leave a good impression w/influencers
•Increases your confidence, pushes you to grow by supporting othersHelping Others

16. 5 Ways Networking Generates Opportunities
•Maintain regular contact with network, keep them informed
•Personal, phone, email, social media and meet them face to faceCommunicate
•Look: where are you spending time & energy?
•Keep: Track what is generating the best results, omit the rest.Keep it Simple
•Ask for advice, offer your time and support their efforts
•Don’t be a complainer, keep a positive outlook –much more attractive!Build Rapport
•Have a laser focus on where you are going – Don’t get distracted
•What do you need to ask for to get there?Stay Focused
•Have a strong support team (family, friends, co-workers, advisors)
•Find mentors where you volunteer, work, shop, go to church, do sportsAccess Mentors

17. 5 Professional Networking Strategies
•Practice networking by attending lots of different networking events.
•Turn great contacts into clients, partners and colleaguesPractice
•Get comfortable hearing “no”, over and over and over again.
•Being intentional will make you tenacious about your job search.Be Intentional
•Don’t burn any bridges, be genuinely nice to all. Watch making promises.
•Pay attention. Listen with a smile when you think they may be wrong.Be Amazing
•Give your time, your advice, and especially your referrals.
•Gain cultural competencies, be inclusive/respectful of other’s differences.Value Others
•Grow your network by constantly adding to your LinkedIn contacts.
•Accept contact requests strategically and with caution.Add Contacts

18. COOPERATIVE
EDUCATION
… Connecting With People
… Building And Nurturing Relationships
… Sharing Information
… Tapping Into The Hidden Job Market
… Learning About Career Opportunities
… Pooling Resources
… Expanding Your Contacts
Q&A
Fireside Chat
Networking is…