Laila Terry | Peer Guide Mentorship Program + 7 Tips for Networking Success

 

PEER GUIDE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

 

The Peer Guide Mentorship Program provides individual professional development support to students by connecting participants with a Peer Guide. Peer Guides are encouraging new undergraduate business students who are interested in receiving individual career support and guidance to apply to the Peer Guide Mentorship Program for the Fall 2023 semester. Peer Guides are striving to connect with new students, especially underrepresented students (students of color, first-generation, low socioeconomic status). Each Peer Guide Mentor discusses career resources and shares their own experiences with navigating internships, career exploration, networking, and getting involved on campus. The program is a one-semester commitment and is individually designed to support students around their goals.

 

If you are interested in being a mentee, please fill out this link to a qualtrics form to apply for the program.

 

Please contact Brianna Davis at bdavi179@uncc.edu if you have any questions.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

As a participant of the Peer Guide Mentorship Program, you will be able to:

●      Identify the Niblock Student Center competencies.

●      Clarify personal and professional development goals for the 2023-2024 year.

●      Explore career resources and opportunities within the Niblock Student Center

●      Connect with undergraduate business students at events and through the Mentorship Program

PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS:

●      Be actively involved and engaged within the program.

●      Meet with your mentor twice per month throughout the semester.

●      Attend at least two professional development events.

●      Complete the professional development plan with your mentor

 

COMPONENTS:

As a participant of the Peer Guide Mentorship Program, you will have the opportunity to participate in:

●      A week-by-week guide to developing core competencies

●      Organized goal setting with your mentor

●      Create a career profile

  

 

7 Tips for Networking Success

Laila Terry

1. Attend business networking events

The first step in successful networking is knowing where to go to make connections. While almost any activity or event can serve as a networking opportunity, small business owners and professionals with local businesses can benefit from attending local business events.

2. Choose a goal

It’s hard to get what you want out of your networking endeavors if you don’t start with a clear agenda. Before attending meetings or events, determine what your goals are for the experience. For example, you might want to make new connections, donate your time to the community, or simply learn about the latest developments in your business or industry.

3. Get social in your off-hours

Just because you’re off the clock doesn’t mean it’s time to stop networking. If you want to expand your reach, try to chat with attendees at your health club or pilates class. You can even make business connections at your child’s school activities and sports events. After all, parents are typically looking for something to chat about besides what’s happening on the soccer field!

4. Know your worth

It’s not enough to provide your clients with a great product or service. If you can’t articulate what it is you do, then you can’t hope to convey that information at networking events. Whether your goal is to generate referrals or simply build your virtual Rolodex for the future, take time to generate an elevator pitch that conveys what you do, for whom you do it, and why customers should choose you over your competition.

5. Identify conversational icebreakers

If you want to overcome initial awkwardness and make a good first impression, consider opening with a compliment. For example, you might tell the person sitting next to you at a seminar that you like their shoes or tie. Similarly, asking a question gives contacts the chance to talk about themselves. Ask how they got into the field or what they think of a recent development affecting your industry.

6. Bring a buddy

Sometimes starting conversations with strangers is easier if you have a familiar face by your side. If you have a friend or coworker who’s also looking to expand their network, consider attending professional events as a twosome. Just be sure you make an effort to connect with other attendees rather than sitting in the corner chatting the whole time.

7. Find a reason to follow up

Making connections is only half the battle; you also have to take steps to keep the relationship going. Even if you aren’t currently job hunting, strive to reach out to your contacts a few times a year to follow up. You could forward a relevant article, invite them to a seminar or conference, or even just send a friendly note during the holidays.