Career Prep 2009 Summer Blog

Laura Reynolds writes: try to introduce yourself to people you do not know and try to find out about what they do at your firm. This way it teaches you how to not rely on being surrounded with people you already know and it makes me more personable. Amanda Karpati notes: When meeting with senior people, make a point to distinguish yourself from the group (subtly). Be prepared to deliver your 30-second pitch and make sure that it highlights your commitment to the company/agency/firm. At dinners and receptions, be cognizant of the social atmosphere. Make sure your delivery reflects the conversational tone appropriate for those events. Natalia Soto-Crespo writes: When meeting with senior executives and attending networking receptions it is key to dress for success and maintain a language level appropriate for the setting. Business clothes are a must, including the same elements needed for an interview, while letting the conversation show your attributes. Conversation should be the key ingredient in a setting like this, so be prepared to ask intriguing questions that are not too delicate, such as politics and religion. Also be aware of the current situation, keep up-to-date in new best seller books, etc. Be knowledgable and impress them. Jarrett Arrington says: I make sure that I am abreast on the information that is most relevant to the purpose of the networking session and the people who will be there. I talk to people who know some of the activities that the senior people are involved in or projects that they are working on so that I may ask insightful questions.