Expand Your Network

There are millions of job positions that are waiting to be filled however, you will probably only find about 25 percent of them online. The other “hidden” jobs are not advertised and filled by word-of-mouth, through personal connections. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, approximately 70 percent of jobs are found through social and professional networks. Networking is the key to breaking into this “hidden job market.”

The easiest way to start is by reaching out to people you already know. Your network already includes family, friends, neighbors, NAU faculty and staff, and colleagues.

Good networking also means meeting new people. Reaching out to family, and family friends is a great way to begin. There may be someone in your personal network working in an industry you are curious about. LinkedIn is another way to expand your network. One of the best tools for networking (and gaining career insight) is informational interviewing. (need new link) Consider setting up lunch or coffee with anyone whose career path you admire, or who may otherwise be able to help you. Even if you are not interested in their particular career field, you will almost surely gain some valuable advice and connections to people they know.

Brainstorm to think about who your connections are and who they might know. 

Write down the names of people already in your network. Consider people you know:

• NAU professors and staff members
• Former supervisors or colleagues
• Parents’ and family friends
• Classmates and club/organization members
• Recent alumni (Connect with the Alumni Association and attend events such as Thrive)

After creating your list of your current contacts, you can start thinking about who these people can connect you with. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know!

Read the below blogs for more ideas!

“Networking” isn’t as fancy as it sounds. It can occur at any time, in both formal and casual settings. Informal networking can take place at family gatherings, appointments with your doctor or dentist, conversations with other students at social events, academic department gatherings, or even in the grocery check-out line. When others know you are a student, they are always interested in your major and career goals. Use this time to tell them more and ask them if they know someone you can talk to!

The FCB Career Development Office  hosts a wide variety of employer events throughout the academic year, from intimate, industry-specific employer panels to large career fairs. See our calendar of events on our website and company networking events in Handshake.

• FCB Career Fair each semester
• Company events in Handshake – Virtual and in person events hosted by our employers
• Mock Interviews – Before each Career Fair employers conduct mock interviews at the FCB CDO. A great way to practice and build your network.
• Guest speakers in class – always introduce yourself and ask for a business card. 
• Pathway events – Introduce yourself to company speakers and ask questions.
• Alumni Thrive events 
• Franke Leadership Week – is generally held in March. This is a series of speakers and panels discussing careers or the future and allows you to meet with industry connections.
• Conduct an “informational interview”
• Student Clubs and Organizations
• Talk to your Faculty & Staff – we know people!
• Classmates in the same major
• Volunteer – gain experience and network