Assignment: Networking
As explained in the various assigned readings, networking is an essential element in building your professional brand and in marketing yourself. Learning to network requires planning, practice, and reflection. This assignment is designed to provide you with precisely that.
For this assignment, you must attend three professional events during the semester and attempt some type of networking while you're there. You should follow the PERM method (Plan, Execute, Reflect, Modify) as explained in the PDF reading, "Introduction to Networking at Events." Follow the steps below to complete the assignment.
1. Select three professional events to attend. There are a number of different professional events that can qualify for this assignment. Such events might include any of the following:
a. Conferences, symposia, workshops, training sessions, speaking events, etc.
b. Professional luncheons or dinners with at least 15 people in attendance.
c. Employment-oriented events such as company information sessions, company presentations, or training sessions.
d. Professional chapter meetings or events for professional organizations.
e. Meet-up groups for professionals or targeted audiences.
f. Certain university-sponsored events, particularly those that attract employers or professionals in addition to students.
g. If you are unsure whether an event will count for the assignment, please email the instructor at least one week in advance of the event to request approval.
2. Learn about the event and, if possible, who will be there prior to attending. Write out your networking goals, including the types and number of contacts you'll make. Plan out a strategy of how you'll accomplish your goals. Make pre-event connections if possible.
3. Execute your strategy with the knowledge that you should be flexible in your approach. Remember that your goal is to connect and offer value to others. While you are at the event, please take a selfie/photograph of you with signage, a schedule, etc. to put into the final assignment report. (You can do this discreetly; it doesn't have to be a glamour selfie.)
4. Conduct any follow-up activities within 24 hours of the event.
5. Reflect on your success and failures regarding the execution phase. What worked? What didn't work as well as you had liked? What could you have done differently or better?
6. Modify your approach in order to improve it for the next event.
7. Write a report on your set of networking activities following the instructions below.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.