Networking: Like a Boss!

Patty Rivas, a health/fitness blogger at Reach Your Peak, Social Media Strategist & Graduate Student at Rutgers University read the Social Media Week "Skip Your Career Fair" post and took the advice seriously. Now she's eager to tell you her experience, advice and how she networked like a boss while in NYC. This voicemail below is also a result of guidance, developing Patty's skills and finding her niche working with me. Enjoy the post! - Kevin O'Connell

Two weeks ago, I rode into New York City to attend some Social Media Week events. I had no idea what to expect, but I was really excited that a bunch of events were free. There are bigger events that do charge, or you need to purchase a pass for, but luckily, the events I attended were free of charge AND awesome!

I started my day at Likeable Media, which was my favorite event of the day. Their event was called “Social Media Strategy in 30 Minutes.” I actually got on the list for this event (it was full) because of one of The Niche Movement’s tips, which was if an event is closed out, simply email the creator of the event. I figured I wouldn’t get a response or if I did they would just say, “It’s full, sorry.” The Marketing Director of Likeable Media emailed me back within minutes saying she had put me on their list!

"I immediately thought of The Niche Movement, and what they preach: Go places other college students aren’t going."

Once I walked into their office, I immediately thought of The Niche Movement, and what they preach: Go places other college students aren’t going. This event was the perfect opportunity to network with Likeable Media employees (if you’re looking to get into marketing and social media marketing). Everyone was very friendly and open to questions. If I were a student looking for a job, I’d network, get some business cards, and follow-up for an informational interview.

The next session was a panel discussion with founders of companies like Tumblr and Buzzfeed. While this would have been a harder event to network at (since there were hundreds of attendees), the founders did stick around after the session to mingle with attendees. Also, think of who is going to these events…other like-minded people like you! Everyone is there to network and meet new people.

The last session was yet another great networking opportunity. While the session was based on building apps, there was great discussion revolving around social media as well. Two start-up founders led the event, which was capped at about 15 people for a smaller feel. This also meant you could mingle with the founders afterwards and ask them questions about apps, business, or how to create your own start-up company. I was able to get contact information for both people and have since followed up with them.

When you think of “job search” you may think of career fairs, or looking through Monster.com. Be creative with it! Find events like Social Media Week which often have free events or student discounts. Browse meetup.com to find business or entrepreneurial related Meetups in your area. People go to those events with the intention to network, so don’t be afraid to go and get your name out there! If you follow the tips The Niche Movement provides, such as ditching career fairs, you will find the job of your dreams…one in which you’re happy and fulfilled.

Patty Rivas, @pattyrivas13 a health/fitness blogger at Reach Your Peak, Social Media Strategist & Graduate Student - Rutgers University

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Bring the Niche Movement to Campus to meet with students, staff or host your next workshop, keynote or training.

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I'm a student leader graduating soon.

If you are reading this and are a college student or a recent graduate within the last two years think about the type of company culture you want to be a part of. Apply to be part of the first Niche Movement Cohort where we will work with your niche and discover employers that have jobs that you want. Applications due March 10th.  

I work with student leaders.

If you are reading this and work with student leaders that you want to help land a job they love then share The Niche Movement with them.

I already found my niche and want to tell my story.

And if you happen to stumble upon The Niche Movement and you already found your niche then share your story. Or we can help you recruit top, talented college who by helping you create appealing job description, screen candidates and host internships or jobs on our website.

Skip Your Career Fair (SMW edition)

Two weeks ago I wrote Why You Should Skip Your Career Fair and it picked up a lot of traction but I was frustrated because I wanted to fit more into the post other than one resource, Creative Mornings. So today I am announcing I will be releasing a “Skip Your Career Fair Series” over the next 3 weeks. Once a week I will blog about a resource, event, organization or concept on why you should skip your career fair and network somewhere else.

I am very excited to attend a few events next week as part of Social Media Week and just like Creative Mornings, Social Media Week is worldwide but is located in NYC, Miami, & DC on the east coast. So college students, here’s why you should be just as excited as I am to attend SMW:

1. It’s Social Media Week! If you are looking to work in the digital field or land a job that has anything to do with social media, the key players are going to be there. Also, industries from health to fashion and everything in between will be represented.
2. Workshops are either free, have a student fee under $50 to attend, or a small fee (< $10) to tune in virutually. To find out if they are free you will see “open” or “global pass required.” Once you click on attend it will tell you what you need to do to attend.
3. Each event has “contact event organizer” in case it is closed out, you’re not sure how to register or you want to learn more. Just like I suggested in my last post, this is at least a way to introduce yourself and tell them you are a college student trying to get your foot in the door.
4. My favorite event I can’t wait for and this could open doors for all of you is “Fast Company Presents: The Most Innovative Social Media Companines in 2013”
5. Last but not least there are ways to get invovled. Imagine if you volunteer for at one of these host sites or introduce a speaker. This is networking 101 and could be great for you to meet people in the industry you are trying to work in.

If you are looking to work in a major city at a “Facebook-type” company then I highly recommend immersing yourself in social media week and even if you can’t physically be there follow the twitter convo. I know the Big East Career Fair is coming up in March, but guess what, none of the companies on the list include the companies or figure-heads involved at Social Media Week.

College students and recent graduates: If you are in the middle of networking and preparing to interview Kevin will personally start critiquing your resume for free and give you feedback. Just send it to thenichemovement@gmail.com, quickly introduce yourself and let Kevin know what field you are trying to get into. Remember, you want to tell everyone you are job searching and it can never hurt to get too many eyes looking at your resume.

So over the next 3 weeks I will be releasing a “Why You Should Skip Your Career Fair” series by the middle of each week.

Kevin O’Connell, Founder – The Niche Movement

Bring the Niche Movement to Campus to meet with students, staff or host your next workshop, keynote or training.

Engage with the Niche Movement - Facebook - Twitter

I'm a student leader graduating soon.

If you are reading this and are a college student or a recent graduate within the last two years think about the type of company culture you want to be a part of. Apply to be part of the first Niche Movement Cohort where we will work with your niche and discover employers that have jobs that you want. Applications due March 3rd.  

I work with student leaders.

If you are reading this and work with student leaders that you want to help land a job they love then share The Niche Movement with them.

I already found my niche and want to tell my story.

And if you happen to stumble upon The Niche Movement and you already found your niche then share your story. Or we can help you recruit top, talented college who by helping you create appealing job description, screen candidates and host internships or jobs on our website.