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Networking Opportunities and Resources

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that 48 percent of all job connections are made through personal contacts, therefore networking is an essential aspect in your career development. Through the Frank L. Ciminelli Family Career Resource Center (CRC) and the UB School of Management, students have a variety of networking opportunities with local and national employers and alumni. Start by reviewing the list of events and resources below. 

• How Does Networking Work?

   

• What Are Some Important Tips?

   

• Employer Information Sessions

  Companies like to educate their candidates about their recruitment programs and company culture before the interview. Attend the open information sessions, ask questions and meet the company representatives. To learn which companies have scheduled on-campus information sessions, check our job opportunities database regularly.

• Job Fairs and Relevant Events

  Meet recruiters and alumni, learn about their openings, hiring practices and expectations. Attend our annual Network Buffalo and Network New York events, respectively held November and January.

• Mentor Program

  Provides a way for UB Management students to contact School of Management alumni and friends who have agreed to assist in your career planning. This is NOT a job referral program; it is designed to provide opportunities for you to speak with professionals for information on their companies, jobs, career paths, industry trends, to offer geographic specific advice and potential leads to other opportunities. (General Networking Tips)

• Alumni Queries

  Our system provides students with access to more than 20,000 School of Management Alumni across the world for informational interviewing. Come into the office to fill out a request form. (General Networking Tips)

• MBA Advantage Program

  MBA’s are invited to meet with alumni/professionals working in the various functional areas, to hear “Realistic Job Previews”.

• Professional Associations

  Consider joining local and national chapters of the appropriate professional association, and actually attend the meetings! Ask a CRC associate director and faculty about appropriate associations.

Important Networking Tips

Have questions prepared ahead of time, click here to view 40 Questions to ask in an Informational Interview.

• Always be polite and appreciative and respectful
• Do not monopolize their time
• If you get voice mail, be brief (10-20 seconds), speak clearly and leave phone number, but say you will call back on a specific date/time
• Do your research about their company before you reach out to them
• Do not ask for a job
• It’s always better to meet in person, if possible
• Use summer, winter and spring breaks to do your geographic-specific networking
• Always send a thank you within a few days
• Follow-up is YOUR responsibility

In addition to the resources above, we encourage current students to take advantage of the following:

• CRC Library - How to Work a Room, By Susan Roane
• UB School of Management Student Organizations
• Networking Resources Sheet with information on the following:
  • Career Resource Center Networking Resources
  • Internet Networking Resources
  • Check Your Email Etiquette BEFORE hitting the Send Button!