The Journal

Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: News

Media Credit: Sam Dittmann Assistant Director of the Career Services Department Rebecca Spear talks to students about how to network and be prepared for the job world.

"Networking with Ease," a seminar held by Rebecca Spear, assistant director in the Career Services Department, enlightened over a dozen Webster University students on how to make day-to-day networking a habit.

Spear said networking is a process that makes others aware of who you are, your job search and your career focus. Networking also increases one's knowledge on different fields of study other than one's own, making anyone capable of knowing how to relate to people when looking for a job.

"Your major has nothing to do with the job you'll find," Spear said. "In fact, some of the best jobs are self-created and very different from your field of study."

Nadja Cajic, a freshman psychology major, said that although she plans to change majors, she attended the seminar to better understand people, networking and how to use networking as a tool to find a job.

Spear talked about three types of networking contacts that were based on three groups of people. The first group of people is people you already know that refer you to the second group, who she referred to as "bridge people." This group refers you to the last group of people, the decision makers and those who give you jobs.

"It's not what they know. It's who they know," Spear said.

Sean Barber, a sophomore video production major, said the lecture taught him how to network much better with people from different fields of study and with decision makers.

"I've learned that everyone is a valid contact," Barber said. "Anyone can refer me to someone else and that person may have other contacts that may help me find a job."

At the lecture, Spear mentioned some networking tips, such as being realistic and having achievable goals, being open-minded and always being prepared. If students go to a college convention or something similar, they should bring a business card or resume with them.

Spear also said all contacts should be treated similarly, especially when looking for a job.

"Treat everyone equally," Spear said. "Sometimes secretaries have great influence with the people behind the scene, those who will give you jobs."

Stephanie Goggin, a sophomore media communications major, said people tend to go straight to the major management when looking for work.

"When people go and look for a summer job interview, they don't think that maybe it's a good idea to say hi to an employee at the front desk," Goggin said. "Having in mind to treat everyone equally - disregarding their management position - has been my major lesson."

At the seminar, Spear said that being committed and patient were very important aspects in job searching because networking was an ongoing process.

"Never waste your contacts or resources," Spear said. "Keep in touch with those people you meet at on-campus interviews, events or university activities. Be polite and never forget to say thank you."

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