When we asked survey respondents about the most important factors in
landing their first jobs and to share their most important piece of
advice for the graduates that follow them, networking came up so
often that we felt we needed to devote a whole section to this
important job-hunting technique.
"I got my current job through a classmate in one of my classes at
grad school who set me up with an interview and put in a good word
for me."
-- Nick Bertoni, benefits and recruitment coordinator, Schulman,
Ronca, & Bucuvalas Inc (SRBI), 2001 management grad
"There is no doubt in my mind that networking is the best way to find
a job. Once your foot is in the door, the opportunities seem
endless!"
-- 2002 broadcast news grad
"Through networking contacts, particularly from my internships, I
found a entry-level position at a commercial real-estate firm. Over
the past year, I have gained valuable experience that will translate
into a quality career whenever the economy picks up."
-- Anonymous
"Networking and having people put in a good word for you ALWAYS helps
get you closer to finding employment."
-- Shannon Patterson, media coordinator, John Scott Advertising, 1998
marketing grad
"I found out about my current job from a friend who had graduated
from my university a year before me. I had no previous knowledge of
the employer or the job description. I am very settled in my job now
and since I have been here, I have learned how to work in the middle
of 'Corporate America' and politics, while learning many essential
computer skills that I did not learn in college."
-- Anne Johnson, senior corporate relations coordinator, U.S. Chamber
of Commerce, 2002 economics grad from the University of Dallas
"Networking is the KEY!!! Never pass up a meaningful conversation ...
you never know where it will take you!"
-- Anonymous business-school grad
"My attributes were forwarded onto the hiring managers by
word-of-mouth. I felt like I had the job at the beginning of the
interview."
-- 1999 communications studies grad
"Since finishing school I have realized how valuable it is to network
within your industry/field because oftentimes it does boil down to
who you know."
-- Tarah Brown, human resources supervisor, UPS Capital Corporation,
1998 management grad
"Networking is absolutely key. Having a great resume, work
experience, etc. ... is very important as well, but it is a
tremendous help to have contacts when job searching."
-- Ali von Staudach, senior account executive, CNET Networks, 1999
grad in communication studies
"Establish relationships, make network connections, and learn to
interact with people who have different personality and communication
types."
-- Cherrie, a 1999 grad
"I obtained my position with the assistance of a Stetson University alumni."
-- David LaRocque, information analyst, EDS, 1998 grad in human
resource management, Stetson University
"Through many interviews, I realized that it isn't always what you
know but rather who you know. Networking skills are essential."
-- 1998 marketing grad
"The job-hunting process is pretty tough, especially when you are
first starting out with no experience. Use friend and relative
connections for job leads."
-- 1998 marketing and 2000 MBA grad
"I've landed both of my first two jobs as a result of networking. I
landed an interview for my first job after speaking with a woman at a
wedding in my hometown who was an HR representative at First Union
[bank]. My second job presented itself after speaking to the
boyfriend of an old high-school friend of mine."
-- Anonymous business-school grad
"I had the opportunity to meet with a personal friend of my advisor
and Stetson University MBA alumni. He worked for a consulting company
that specialized in the healthcare industry. I had never heard of the
company before, but after interviewing with them, I liked the people
and the company more and more. I've now been consulting for
healthcare, pharmaceutical and life sciences companies for over three
years. ...I still give lots of credit to the classes, professors, and
advisors at Stetson for providing me with the needed resources."
-- Brad Peska, CISSP, manager, First Consulting Group, 1999 grad in
computer information systems, Stetson University
"I lucked into a lot of my positions through information from friends
and past employers. I wish I knew of better ways to find employment
opportunities in the private sector."
-- 2002 wildlife and fisheries science grad
"Contacts were the most important factor in landing my first job. One
of my good friends was one of four employees at the firm, and when
they needed someone, he made sure I was at the top of the list."
-- 2002 marketing and Japanese grad
"Connections helped me, and that's what I've heard from so many
people. I try to network and think of as many people as possible who
I might know who might be able to help me out finding a job."
-- 2002 anthropology grad
