Assignment: NETWORKING

Professional organizations can be found in every community for you to join. These allow you to network, and expand your continuing education. Most communities have Rotary, Kiwanis, or Toastmasters. Many other organizations are available that are career specific. Being involved in these type of organizations, allow you to meet vast numbers of individuals, and build a strong network which will aid you in the future.

1. Identify at least two professional organizations in your geographical region that are related to the field or industry in which you are working.

Name of the organization:

Short description of the organization:

What is the cost of joining?

Discuss the networking events the organization offers.

Give the URL of the organization.

Would you realistically join this organization?

Why or why not?

2. Ask your supervisor if and how they networked to find a job.

Discuss the results of your conversation.

3. Create a personal brand statement for yourself for networking use.

A personal brand statement should include:

a. What I do (your skills, etc.)

b. My best selling points (what value would you bring to your career job?)

Add your thoughts on the following:

c. Why I want to connect to others

d. I want to talk to the following people - make a list (your comfort network - family, friends, neighbors, friends' parents, parents' colleagues, classmates, etc.):

4. Post your "Personal Brand Statement" to the Group Discussions Board. Read the posts of the other interns, and submit an appropriate comment. Include copies of one comment here (Including the name of one of the persons you replied to)

5. Detail the best piece of advice you received this week. Who was the employee? What was the advice?