With Siggraph over but many more industry events coming up, I wanted to share some tips on how to prepare yourself for similar events.
Not only are they a great opportunity to mingle with colleagues, meet some new people and learn something interesting but they are the BEST opportunity for networking.
Whether it's Siggraph, Monsterpalooza or an industry baseball game there is always the opportunity to network and here's a few tips on how to be prepared.
- Business cards. Bring a handful, if you don't have any, get some. They are a very effective way to give out your contact information.
- Update your online. Update your LinkedIn, reel and resume. Hopefully someone will be checking it out during or after the event.
- Bag of goodies. Bring a notepad, pen and printed copies of your resume.
- Know your skills, strengths and weaknesses. If you meet a potential employer you should know your resume and be confident in your area of expertise.
- Enjoy yourself. These events are fun and if you happen to find yourself in a mini interview, let your surroundings fuel some conversation.
- Research the event. If it is something like Siggraph, find out who's going to be there and who you are interested in speaking with.
- Be memorable. Hundreds/ thousands of people attend these events and if you are going to, for example, a job fair then you want the people you mingle with to remember you. Eye contact, strong conversation and the points I mentioned above are important.
- Follow up. If you met some great people, you want to follow up. Connect with them on LinkedIn or send a follow up email (if you got their business card).
Some great resources for preparing for networking events -
http://blog.skillset.org/index.php/2013/07/making-the-most-of-networking-events/
http://bschool.pepperdine.edu/career/content/workaroom.pdf
http://bschool.pepperdine.edu/career/content/workaroom.pdf
Find some industry events that are coming up -
