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Speed Networking 101

Speed Networking 101. UK Alumni Association. Background. We will likely hold up to 10 jobs in as many as 3-4 different fields during our years of employment. Over 80% of jobs are still found through some form of direct contact and/or networking.

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Speed Networking 101

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  1. Speed Networking 101 UK Alumni Association

  2. Background • We will likely hold up to 10 jobs in as many as 3-4 different fields during our years of employment. • Over 80% of jobs are still found through some form of direct contact and/or networking. • Networking is the number one way to find out about new opportunities and land a job!

  3. Background • The job market is slowly improving, though still tight. Layoffs are common. • Baby boomers are having to work longer than expected. Young professionals are experiencing an extremely high rate of unemployment. • Networking events of all types are a growing trend with professionals and alumni association members.

  4. Outcomes of UK alumni focus groups reflect that our alumni would like more career-related programming.

  5. Additional alumni feedback • Alumni of all ages indicate that career support is a very valuable service. • Alumni indicate they are interested in posting job descriptions to help other alumni. • Alumni are continually looking for ways to build their careers and businesses. • Younger alumni would like to see clubs offer more networking opportunities as those individuals are building their identity in new communities and establishing careers.

  6. Goals of Speed Networking Events • Professional development • Meet new people/increase networks of UK alumni • Learn about career opportunities or other fields • Learn about community volunteer opportunities • Become involved in local UK Alumni Clubs • Have fun!

  7. Planning • Form a committee to help delegate responsibilities. • Have at least 2 committee meetings before the event, one of which is at the event site. Especially be conscious of room set-up and acoustics. • Elect one board member to be the central contact person for all event marketing/promotion.

  8. Planning • Choose a date and time that works well for professionals. • Select a convenient location with good parking. • Restaurant and bar meeting rooms work well. • Consider offering a cash bar and some light snacks.

  9. Planning • Strive to keep the price minimal (i.e. $5-10 range). • Offer discounts for UK Alumni Association members. Encourage alumni to bring guests. Guests do not have to be a UK graduate. • Encourage UK Alumni Membership during the event. Have brochures available.

  10. Planning • Determine if there will be a speaker on a business or professional topic or just speed networking. • Determine speed networking format (i.e. How will the rotations occur? See later slide for more details.) • Keep the audience engaged and entertained. • Allow participants to mingle before and after the event.

  11. Planning • Collect a few door prizes to be given away at the end of the event. Business related books, gift certificates, and UK logo items are always popular. • Have a written evaluation which would include suggestions for club volunteer opportunities, future events, locations or speakers.

  12. Speed Networking Formats For groups of less than 20: • Form one large circle with chairs and give each participant a chance to share for 3-4 minutes. For groups of 20 or more: • Set tables for 6-8 participants. Have each participant share for 3-4 minutes. Allow 15 minutes for each table to share. Rotate tables 2-3 times.

  13. Speed Networking Tips • Have a clear rotation system in place. • Enlist club officers to serve as table timers/moderators. • Use a loud buzzer or whistle to signify the time for tables to rotate.

  14. What to Share? Encourage participants to share some of the following: • UK Major • Current job or if searching for a job • If their employer/company is hiring • How long they have been in the community • Community volunteer work • Favorite UK memory, class, professor etc.

  15. Speed Networking Tool Box • Nametags • Sign-in sheet • Timer • Whistle or bell • Networking handout • 30 Second Commercial handout • Door prizes • Evaluations

  16. Survey ResultsWhat Did You Enjoy Most About the Event? • Networking/meeting new people • Getting to know other local UK grads • Opportunity to learn about a variety of positions • Structured environment • Having fun • Meeting other professionals • Talking about UK

  17. Closing Thoughts • Hold club professional development/speed networking events on a regular basis (i.e. quarterly, monthly etc.) • Speed Networking events tend to attract more people each time they are held.

  18. Questions? Please feel free to contact your UK Alumni Career Counselors for more information. Caroline Francis, Ed.S., NCCC, MCC Kelly Higgins, M.A., NCC cfrancis@uky.edukelly.higgins@uky.edu www.ukalumni.net/career 1-888-9-UKCATS (852287)

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