This is the presentation by Marla McGraw from OCD during the West Coast Forum 2010 Bidding & Networking meeting on 10/10/2010

1. West Coast ForumWhat to Expect/Networking Marla McGraw Corporate Outreach Office of Career Development

2. Agenda What to Expect at the Forum Preparation Networking at the Forum Networking in a group Networking one-on-one Alumni reception Corporate visits Panels/presentations Roundtables Office hours Career Fair/Expo Following up after the WCF…

3. What to Expect… Network with corporate representatives and alumni Learn about trends, new ideas and information in a variety of industries Participate in case competitions Tour various companies Career exploration – vet out possible functions/industries in which you may be interested

4. Preparation Know your story (Odyssey) and practice your elevator pitch Do industry research on those companies in which you are most interested Prepare questions you may want to have answered while you are there

5. Networking at the Forum Vary by type of setting and corporate representatives present Are you in a group of people or speaking one-on-one? With whom are you speaking – alum, corporate representative or both? What is the setting?

6. Networking in a Group Fewer than 10 Recruiter/representative’s background Corporate culture Ideal candidate qualifications More than 10 Ask relevant questions to all! Any size group: Be courteous Don’t discuss your own background Listen to others Exit group politely Thank and ask for a business card Additional Resource: OCD Guide to Career Networking on iMpact for sample questions

7. Networking 1 on 1 Introduction Mention if you’ve met others at the company Engage in small talk Ask short, targeted questions Maybe share your Odyssey Be aware of those who may be waiting Pleasant demeanor and good eye contact

8. Alumni Reception Alumni representatives from the West Coast – may not all have corporate presence at the WCF May be networking in a group or one-on-one Be aware – though they are alumni – they are also evaluating you Don’t use the “buddy system” Be aware of your fellow students and don’t corner an alum or monopolize their time Ask for business cards!

9. Corporate Visits On-site company tours of Bay Area firms/companies Take notes if possible to use for future outreach or for additional questions in other settings May have an opportunity to ask a question in a group setting Ensure questions are relevant to the group Do not try to share your background within a question Do introduce yourself, “My name is John Smith, I am a first year MBA” prior to asking a question Do keep questions positive and non-confrontational

10. Panels/Presentations Panelists/presenters speak on a particular topic to a group Students can ask questions at Q & A session after presentation – group networking rules apply Do not try to approach a panelist or presenter prior to their session

11. Roundtables Corporate representative sits at a table with other students during a timed session Corporate representative drives the content/type of discussion Students may be able to ask questions – rules for group networking apply Thank the representative and ask for a business card at the end of the session

12. Office Hours Usually, networking one-on-one Questions can be targeted to your specific background Be prepared with your story or Odyssey Be aware of the representative’s role with the company; this will change the type of questions you ask

13. Career Fair/Expo Companies have tables with displays and corporate representatives You may need to wait in a line to speak with someone Can be networking one-on-one or in a group setting Take business cards, write down conversations for future follow up/outreach

14. Follow Up – Post WCF Organize your notes and business cards Write thank you notes within 24 hours of your return Follow up with those representatives with whom you’d like to conduct informational interviews/collect advice Keep track of your outreach efforts – especially for an off-campus search!

15. Questions?...