The KEY to Expanding Your Network: Professional Associations

Brittany ChuUSC Career Center

Why Are You Here Today?

• What programs are people in?• Why I chose this topic• Define: Professional associations• What do YOU get out of joining them?

• Define: Networking

Already Part of a Professional Association?

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this presentation you will have:• Explored various professional

associations online• Thoughtfully considered the

organizations you would like to join• Looked into potential conferences

you can attend• Learned how to network effectively• Practiced exchanging business cards• Learned how to maintain contacts

after events

BEFORE

1. Research Professional Associations

• Mission statement• Values• Beliefs• Quality check: • Research (ie: journal articles published regularly)• Current Events• Current Members

• Membership Fees + Subscriptions + Benefits• Future Goals

Navigating the Career Center Website

http://careers.usc.edu/

Investigate Their Impact on the Field

• Walk through various websites:• IEEE (Electrical Engineering)• PRSA.org (Public Relations) • FGI.org (Fashion Group International)• NASPA.org (Higher Education & Student Affairs)

• Gwen Dungy tribute: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkhmRAjiqJs&feature=related

• 2011 Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h37NLuD4wB0

• What industry are YOU interested in?

2. Join Professional Associations

• The ones that resonate with you the most!• After becoming a member, sign up for:• Updates• Blogs• Newsletters• Membership Benefits

• Keep current & up-to-date on the latest trends and

movements in field! This will keep you ahead of the curve!

DURING

3. Seek Out Professional Development Activities

• Local, regional, & national conferences• Round-table discussions• Mixers• Socials• Workshops• Webinars• Panels

4. Network With Professionals

• That are in your field of interest• Laterally (ACROSS with peers/colleagues)• Vertically (UP with senior level practitioners)• Vista Print: Print 250 FREE business cards!• Create a LinkedIN account!

*NASPA Placement Exchange in Arizona 2012http://www.theplacementexchange.org/event/

*Social Media Revolution:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SuNx0UrnEo

5. Exchange Business Cards (Activity)

Before: • Prepare what you would like to say• Remain calm, cool, and collected heading in- SMILE!

During:• Shake their hand and introduce yourself• Find commonalities and similar points of interest• Remember to stay confident, relaxed, & comfortable

After:• Write down context of conversation on back of each card • E-mail employers immediately when it’s fresh in your mind

AFTER

6. Maintain Contacts After Events

• Keep in touch with those met at professional development events through E-mail

• Stay in constant communication; Check-in• Great for future references! • Referrals, Letters of Recommendation • Resource: Connect you to others in their field

My Personal Journey

PAST:• UC San Diego: Undergrad • Visited Career Center Soph Yr• Counsel from Career Advisor changed my life!• NASPA, CISAC, & SLI in Seattle, Washington• Applied to Graduate School for Masters Programs

PRESENT:• USC 2ND Year of Grad school: M.Ed PASA Program• Philly, PA. Graduate Intern here- Full circle!

Concluding Remarks

You are now equipped with the resources to:• Network comfortably & confidently!• Join professional associations that speak to you• Tap into your strengths & talents• You now have the SECRET to establishing,

maintaining, strengthening, and expanding your network! So go out and do it! And share what you’ve learned today with others!

Any Questions?