Speed networking events, like the CNMS Career Connection Social on March 13, offer a unique opportunity to meet professionals, build connections, and gain career insights — all in a fast-paced format. Whether you’re a networking pro or new to these events, preparation and strategy are key.

Here are some tips to make the most of this valuable event:

1. Share an Impactful Introduction
Prepare a 30-second commercial that highlights your name, major, career interests, and a fun fact or personal touch to make you memorable. Practice your delivery to sound confident and authentic. Talking about personal projects is also fair game.

2. Be Curious and Professional

Treat every interaction as an opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level. Make eye contact, smile, and show genuine interest and enthusiasm for the work professionals are doing. The energy you bring leaves a lasting impression, even if your chat is only a few minutes long.

3. Have Questions Ready

Prepare a few thoughtful questions ahead of time. If you have access to the list of attendees ahead of time, look through the list and come up with more tailored questions. In general, you can inquire about career path, company culture, or advice for students entering the field.

3. Use a Digital Business Card

Leave something with the professionals you connect with by creating a digital business card. This can simply be a QR code that leads to your LinkedIn page or online portfolio, or you can create a free one using sites like Popl.

4. Take Notes and Follow Up

Bring a notebook to jot down names, industries, and key takeaways after each conversation. After the event, send follow-up emails or LinkedIn requests to continue building these relationships. It’s never too soon to build a network when you’re on the job market! Check out the tailored AI prompts in our Career Guide for some additional ideas.

Don’t Miss Out!

The CNMS Career Connection Social is your chance to network with professionals in Natural or Mathematical Sciences and build relationships that could shape your future career. RSVP today to secure your spot!

The day you've been preparing for has arrived.

The doors open, and you get in line. You have your padfolio and resume in hand. Your outfit is wrinkle free and freshly pressed.

You're ready to go except there's one problem. You have NO IDEA what you want to say.

Does this sound familiar? Here are five tips so you don't find yourself unprepared for a speed networking event ever again.

1. Make a Good First Impression. Confidently approach the employer, give good eye contact (and a firm handshake if you're comfortable with it), and introduce yourself with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. 
   
   
2. Prepare Your Elevator Pitch. This is an important part of your conversation, so make it count! You'll be telling the employer who you are, what you do, and what you are hoping for in the interaction. If you want to know more specifics about what goes into the elevator pitch, you can check out this post here. 
   
   
3. Focus on Relationships. Remember why you are at this speed networking event: to meet employers and build relationships. By keeping the conversation relationship-centered and focusing on a true give-and-take process, you're guaranteed to have a more positive experience by helping each other. 
   
   
4. Ask Good Questions. Because speed networking is fast-paced by nature, you might find yourself talking about yourself too much and missing out on the opportunity to make a meaningful connection. To avoid this from happening, be ready with a few good questions in mind so that it's a two-way conversation. Here are some informational interview questions to help you get started. 
   
   
5. Go in with a Goal in Mind. In order to assess the quality of the conversation, ask yourself what you'd like to accomplish by the end of the event. Are you looking for a full-time career opportunity? A part-time internship? Or informal mentorship? Use the goal you've set to help drive your experience.
   

Keep these tips in your back pocket and you'll walk away from the next speed networking event feeling optimistic and encouraged. Need a place to practice? Check out the CAHSS Career Connection Social happening on Thursday, March 7 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.