This handout helps you understand how to define and grow your network. Networking leads to more information about opportunities, industries, and companies.

1. Career Center
Networking is Key
To successfully navigate the job search, you must utilize the people that you know! Networking allows
you to learn about different industries and current openings, helps you make contacts at companies, and
enables you to gain the “inside scoop.” While obtaining a job or internship is the goal, effective networking
does not solely consist of asking someone to help you find a job. You must inform your contacts about
your career interests and goals before they can help you.
Before you can start networking you must identify your network.
Step 1: Personal Connections
Relatives and Friends:
Academic Contacts (Professors, Administration):
Former Employers (Part-Time Jobs, Internships):
Campus Organizations and Community Involvement (Clubs, Sports, Volunteer Work):
Networking Events (Career Fairs, TechConnect):
Professional Associations:
Step 2: Virtual Connections
DukeConnect:
LinkedIn (1st, 2nd, 3rd, Group):
Duke Alumni Association:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Step 3: Connections of Connections
Who do your connections know?
Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 •
Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor • 114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708

2. Action Steps
In order to apply what I have learned in this workshop, I will:
Duke Career Center • studentaffairs.duke.edu/career • 919-660-1050 • Bay 5, Smith Warehouse, 2nd Floor •
114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Box 90950, Durham, NC 27708
Prepare and Practice
• Create and Consider your introduction for different contexts
• Seek out opportunities to practice (e.g., networking events)
Expand Network
• Access Alumni and Professional Networks (utilizing tools such as LinkedIn and DukeConnect)
• Join and Get involved in Professional Associations
Nurture Network: Establish
• Timeframe
• Activity
Individual Action Steps