Foundations of Professional Networking

This unit introduces the core concepts, practices, and interpersonal skills required to build and sustain a professional network. Students will learn distinctions between networking and related activities, identify venues and strategies for meeting people, practice small-talk and introduction techniques, and begin creating a personal networking vision and support plan to prepare for advanced networking activities.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze core networking concepts by distinguishing between networking, marketing, and selling, and by identifying actions associated with effective professional networking
• Apply networking strategies to identify appropriate venues, events, and groups for building relationships and to plan specific approaches for initiating connections
• Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills—including small talk do’s and don’ts, professional introductions, Ask-Offer-Thank sequences, and responsible use of informal channels—to initiate and advance conversations
• Evaluate personal support systems and develop a preliminary networking vision and action plan that identifies family, friends, clubs, and referral strategies to convert initial contacts into ongoing professional relationships