We asked W. P. Carey Alumni: What is a valuable networking question students should consider asking?
Here is what they shared:
- Inquire About Exciting Projects
- Seek Advice for Younger Self
- Ask About Networking Opportunities
- Understand Teamwork Highlights
- Show Interest in Current Activities
- Learn About Role and Path
Inquire About Exciting Projects
When networking with career professionals, I ask them, “What is an exciting project you are working on at your firm?” This can elicit both personal and professional pride and create a deeper connection. It may also give you an understanding of their role within an organization.
Nicole Marlette-Schilling, BS Management ‘06, Strategic Human Resources Manager, Insight Enterprises
Seek Advice for Younger Self
Networking is all about connecting with people in your field, building genuine relationships with them over time, and helping each other by sharing knowledge and leveraging different strengths.
As a student trying to get connected, attending clubs and organizations that brought in industry professionals was beneficial. Asking them, “What advice would you give your younger self? What is one thing you wish you knew when you were in my shoes?” was insightful.
Abby Godfrey, BS Marketing ‘18, Marketing Manager, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
Ask About Networking Opportunities
A valuable networking question for a recent W. P. Carey grad would be: “I’m eager to connect with other professionals in my field and expand my network. Do you happen to know of any specific organizations or networking events that could help me out with this? I really want to make the most of my time and effort when it comes to networking, so any tips or guidance you can offer would be super helpful!”
Jon Schneider, BS Marketing ‘99, President and Founder, Recruiterie
Understand Teamwork Highlights
The question I always tell new graduates to ask is, “What are the highlights of working with teams at this organization?”
For me, I love working on new projects with teams that promote great causes affecting our organization’s community. Seeing the outcomes from collaborations is what drives me to see how they affect the organizations afterwards.
Jacob Monka, MA Communication & Media Studies ‘21, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, California Foundation for Independent Living Center
Show Interest in Current Activities
A valuable networking question a student should ask is, “What are you busy working on these days?”
This question is beneficial to ask when networking because it’s all about building relationships to the point where the other person likes you, knows you, and trusts you. Sometimes, what the person is most excited about is not even work-related; it could be family-related, something they’re working on in the community, a non-profit, etc. By asking open-ended questions, you allow the other person to share what’s most top of mind and establish a meaningful relationship.
Joe Forte, BIS Communications & Small Business ‘10, Co-Founder, D-MAK Productions
Learn About Role and Path
Understanding the role, responsibilities, and the path to get there is crucial when networking. Consider asking:
- “What experience do I need in order to qualify for this role?”
- “What are the biggest challenges of your job?”
- “What does a typical workday consist of?”
Allison Smith, BA Business Communication and Public Relations ‘13, Sr. Content Marketing Manager, Netradyne
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