Networking Skills
Overview
Developing strong networking skills while you're in school opens doors to new contacts and professional relationships.
Review the resources on this page to learn how to craft your elevator pitch, use virtual networking tools, and successfully navigate networking events.
Crafting Your Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch is a quick statement of approximately two to three sentences that lets you communicate who you are and what you're looking for to potential employers and contacts.
Elevator pitches aren't about directly asking someone to give you a job. Instead, a well-developed elevator pitch allows you to clearly and effectively share your interests and goals for the purposes of making a connection with another person and gathering more information about an organization, a field or a specific opportunity.
Using Virtual Networking Tools
Networking is the process of developing relationships with fellow professionals in fields that interest you. In-person networking events include hiring fairs, CLEs, conferences and mixers.
Since most of these events have been on hold due to COVID-19, you should consider virtual networking instead. LinkedIn and the KU Alumni Mentoring Platform are great resources to explore virtually.
Networking Events in Four Easy Steps
Networking involves interacting with other people to develop professional contacts. Learn how to navigate professional networking events, including what you should do before, during and after the event.
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