Clinical Experience: What it is and How to Find it

Stock Photo by Sean Locke
http://www.digitalplanetdesign.com

Gaining clinical experience is not limited to Biological Sciences majors or pre-medicine students. It’s a crucial experiential learning activity for anyone who is interested in learning more about career options in healthcare or may be considering graduate study.

While there is no official, overarching definition for the term “clinical experience,” it generally involves a hospital or healthcare setting and some level of patient contact. For most undergraduate students, this experience falls into three categories: shadowing, volunteering, and completing an internship or research project.

Shadowing is a great way to learn about careers in healthcare, because it provides students with key insights into a “day in the life” of the care team. While one may have a general sense of what a nurse does, the nuances and complexities of a nurse’s role are most easily observed through a shadowing experience. Shadowing generally doesn’t involve direct patient contact, but the observer instead follows a healthcare provider over the course of one day or multiple sessions. If you are still exploring your options, shadowing might serve as an excellent avenue to clarify your career goals. Even if you’re sure of your goals, I still highly recommend shadowing each member of the care team (including physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, and physical therapists, to name a few) to get a sense of how your desired profession typically works with the group.

Are you interested in a more hands-on experience? If that’s the case, you may want to consider volunteering. You may have some direct patient contact, and if you have any certifications or licensure, you may be able to get even more involved. Volunteering can be short-term, project-based, or long-term, and as a volunteer, you may have the opportunity to move between departments depending on your experience. As a volunteer, you will likely interact with healthcare providers more regularly, giving you the opportunity to build rapport with industry professionals and conduct informational interviews as you build your network. While volunteering is another great avenue for exploration, it’s also crucial (and sometimes required) for students who are interested in pursuing a professional program after graduation.

Perhaps the most in-depth experience is an internship or research project. Both serve as an opportunity for students to obtain valuable, applied experience that is often the most directly related to their career goals. An internship or research experience may last for one-quarter, or span across multiple terms. It could be on the DU campus, or beyond – in a healthcare or industry setting. Since they are so hands-on and often are project-driven, these experiences are ideal for students who have some idea of their career goals and are seeking more in-depth professional experience for their resumes. While these experiences are also important to students, if you are a recent alum who is planning to complete a gap year before applying to a professional program, you may want to consider doing additional research or completing an internship.

So, how do students and alumni find these opportunities? Obtaining clinical experience is, in many ways, similar to the internship and job search. I suggest students take a multifaceted approach; for example, a student might apply to a hospital-wide volunteer program (reactive) while reaching out to their network to find a physician to shadow (proactive).

Both Johns Hopkins and RIT maintain lists of summer research and internship opportunities, and hospital websites typically have extensive information about their volunteer initiatives. Professional groups, such as the Colorado BioScience Association (DU is a member!), also host a wealth of resources and programming for students interested in finding clinical experience or connecting with researchers.

If possible, take a certification course to become a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), EMT, or pharmacy tech. The skills that you will develop through these programs will allow for you to deepen your volunteer or internship experiences and potentially increase your level of patient contact.

Finally, leverage your status as a member of the DU network! Is there a professor here at DU who is working on research in a field that interests you? Reach out to them. Have you found a physician on Pioneer Connect who lists “job shadowing” as part of their volunteer services? Drop them a line. Many of these shadowing, volunteer, and research experiences aren’t listed in a curated job board, so you will want to think creatively about your search for clinical experience and don’t shy away from using a number of strategies.

Interested in learning more about finding clinical and research experiences? Career & Professional Development will be hosting two workshops coming up on this very topic!

“Navigating your pre-health journey: Finding clinical experiences” is on Tuesday, October 3 at 4 pm in ECS 410. This workshop will be given by Kimberly White and while it is open to any interested students, is tailored toward those in Natural Science & Math.

“Finding research experiences,” in partnership with the Undergraduate Research Center, will be held on Thursday, November 2 at 4 pm in ECS 410. This workshop will be given by both Kyle Inselman and Kimberly White and is intended for all majors.

We hope to see you there!

A New Grad’s Guide to Job Networking: 6 Simple Tips

Would potential employers spare me time for a brief introduction or even a handshake?

This would probably be a normal thought of any fresh graduate anxious of attending any job networking event. It’s the lack of professional experience that makes them rethink whether to go or not. But hey, there’s no reason not to go! Keep in mind that there’s a lot to gain from attending such events.

From someone who’s been there and done that, here are a few tips to carry you through your job networking experience:

Prepare yourself

There’s nothing that a good preparation cannot solve. Practicing introductions can be a good start. After all, you’re going to meet and reach out to your potential employers.

You have to be able to convey who you are, what you can do, and what areas of the industry you want to explore. Think of an elevator pitch for yourself, so during the networking event itself, you will have ready spiel for introduction while branding yourself at the same time.

Research

Arm yourself with enough knowledge about the industry you want to get into. Study industry trends. Know the top companies in that industry, their respective vision and core values, and assess each company’s strengths and weaknesses. Potential employers would appreciate that you are passionate about the industry and the company’s goals rather than just landing a job.

Say hello

Don’t be too intimidated to talk! Smile and say hello or give out a compliment to break the ice. Strike a conversation, and get engaged in it. Company representatives in a networking event would talk about the company and what they do. Listen to them and show interest by asking follow-up questions.

Have clear career goals

Once you’re in a conversation, you and the company representative would probably talk about your career goals. Be clear about your short- and long-term career goals. By letting the company representative know your skills and the position you are looking for, he or she can give you insights and pieces of advice on breaking into the industry, getting referred to the right company among others.

Share ideas for possible contribution

While you may get excited about meeting your potential employer, don’t forget that networking should not just work for you, but for them as well. While being informed about the company and the industry is appreciated, showing them how you can contribute to their company is more impressive.

Be brave enough to share insights of your own. If you feel you can offer alternate solutions to their company’s weak spots, speak up. Company representatives and potential employers want strong applicants who can be instrumental to their organization’s growth. Add value to your image by showing that the company will benefit itself for hiring you.

Reconnect and follow up

Just because the networking event may be over doesn’t mean you’ll leave your chances to luck. If you have their business cards, you can send them a thank you note for the good and insightful conversation you had. You can also use this opportunity for them to remember you, and add in that you are open to talking again in the near future.

10 Business Lessons I Learned from Watching Hockey

By John Burton ’76

I have a great appreciation for how difficult hockey can be. I broke my nose one of the first times I ever played the sport. It was just a simple pickup game with neighborhood friends so nobody wore much equipment. When an older boy lifted the puck, it quickly snapped my nose and took me out. I never held it against him as hockey is a rough sport and it’s best not to whimper about your injuries. My father was good friends with the great “Terrible Ted” Lindsay from the Detroit Red Wings, so I had the opportunity to see the many stitches in his face up close. I have always viewed my own injury as a little badge of honor.

Attending college at the University of Vermont in the 1970s turned me into an avid fan of college hockey. I’ve been going to college hockey games for the past 35 years (Go Cats, Go!). Now my young grandson is learning the many lessons that hockey has to teach and even has Catamount stickers on his hockey helmet.

Just like in a hockey game, businesses need to size up the opponent and pick the best strategy for the situation.

Here are 10 lessons I have learned from hockey that also apply to running a business:

1. The great Wayne Gretzky said that the key to success in hockey is knowing where your line-mate is headed so you pass the puck right where they will be. Make sure to leave enough space in your task hand-offs to let others receive them where they really are at the time.

2. Every time you don’t shoot at the goal, it fails to go in. Don’t wait too long before innovating. Often hesitation can be your worst enemy.

3. Winners in hockey move fast. Never stop focusing on the fundamentals, such as skating. Keep training on business basics, like writing and speaking, as you can always get better. Trust in the fundamentals.

4. From high school on, hockey is about being steady on your feet, so others can’t take you out of the play. As your business grows, work on stability so you don’t make an easy target for the competition. Make strong moves and others will tend to stay clear.

5. Sometimes hockey players take out the opponent rather than going for the puck and sometimes the reverse is true. Businesses also need to size up the opponent and pick the best strategy for the situation.

6. In hockey, every position needs to be able to quickly switch from offense to defense. Successful business people are always prepared to promote or defend their work based on the circumstances.

7. Great hockey players learn to trust their teammates by doing their individual role the absolute best way possible. It is critical to not do other players work for them but to hold your position and eventually the puck will come your way. The key to a successful business is to refine and improve your special role and always be ready to quickly respond when the work comes your way.

8. Each shift, period, game and season has a life of its own in hockey. In business, success comes from just focusing on the work at hand and not fretting over past struggles.

9. In the game of hockey, it takes a whole team to succeed, not just a few superstars. Refine your office teamwork and involve the whole team. Teamwork is a thing of beauty that everyone can be proud of.

10. Sometimes a hockey game is all about the final minutes or seconds. Often a business finds that most of the success happens at the end of the day, week, month or year. Work as hard at the very end of every single day and every little project as you do at the beginning to find business success.

-John Burton ’76 is president and co-owner of NPI Technology Management

Bloom\’s Taxonomy with verbs

Bloom’s Taxonomy Across Stages of Language Acquisition

Bloom’s Taxonomy Across Stages of Language Acquisition

Levels of thinking and language functions Level of thinking and academic language move from concrete recall to more complex and more abstract in any undertaking.	Language use across stages of second-language acquisition Moves from simple to complex in grammatical tenses, forms, vocabulary, etc.
	Preproduction: (Level 1) Nonverbal response.	Early Production: (Level 2) One-word response.	Speech emergence: (Level 3) Phrases or short sentences.	Intermediate fluency: (Level 3) Longer and more complex sentences.	Advanced fluency: (Level 3) Near native-like.
Creating Appraise, argue, assess, choose, compare, defend, estimate, judge, predict, rate. select, support, value, evaluate	Teacher mismatches animal with its environment and asks: Is this the right environment? Find the right environment.	What are the best materials for the duck to build a nest?	What makes a good home for a bear? (Examine settings and evaluate: “A cave makes a good home.”)	What would happen if you put a worm in the desert?	Recommend a different environment for a mother duck to raise her ducklings. Defend your choice.
Evaluating Arrange, assemble, collect, compose, construct, create, design, develop, formulate, manage, organize, plan, prepare, propose, set up	Point to the animals that live in the soil.	Say the names of the animals that live in the soil.	How could you change a scorpion so it could swim?	What would a camel need to survive in the desert?	How would you protect the wildlife in a forest where hiking was popular?
Analyzing Analyze, appraise, calculate, categorize, contrast, criticize, differentiate, discriminate, distinguish, examine, experiment, question, test	Show me an animal that cannot lie in the forest.	Name the parts of a fish that help it live in the water.	How are raccoons and squirrels the same? How are they different?	How does a bear use its claws to catch fish? Gather berries?	Why do you think a bear hibernates in winter?
Applying Apply, choose, demonstrate, dramatize, employ, illustrate, interpret, operate, practice, schedule, sketch, solve, use	Show me what would happen I we put the fish in the desert.	Tell me what would happen if we put a fish in the desert.	How could you change the body of a fish to make it fly?	How would you capture and transport scorpions to a zoo?	How would a deer camouflage itself in the forest in winter? In the desert?
Understanding Classify, describe, discuss, explain, express, identify, indicate, locate, recognize, report, restate, review, select, translate	Show me where a deer lives.	Tell me which animals eat meat.	Why is a toad the color it is?	Explain how a snake catches its prey.	Why do fish need gills to live in the water? How do gills work?
Remembering Arrange, order, define, duplicate, label, list, name, recognize, relate, recall, repeat, reproduce	Where is the raccoon?	What is the name of this animal?	What are the body parts of a turtle?	Give the definition of a mammal.	Tell me everything you know about a clam.

Source: Adapted from Bloom’s Taxonomy, Halliday’s language Functions, and Krashen’s Stages of Language Acquisition. Contributors: Mike Gaddis and Cynthia Bjork. As shown on the Journal of the National Staff Development Council, Winter 2008.

The End of Life Doula Movement

Doulas have traditionally supported women during childbirth, but recently there has been a surge of interest in learning how to support people at the end of life as well.

UVM’s fully online End of Life Doula Professional Certificate program helps caregivers prepare to meet the growing demand for end of life support as people live longer.

End of Life Doula End of Life Doula Program

s support clients with individualized, compassionate care in a number of ways including emotional, spiritual, informational, and physical support, which greatly helps to lower stress levels, aid in comfort, and promote personalized, even positive dying passages for clients and their loved ones.

Francesca Arnoldy, lead instructor for UVM’s End of Life Doula certificate program, recently wrote an article for Today’s Geriatric Medicine magazine highlighting of the many benefits of end-of-life care to the caregiver, patient and famil

When it’s time to ask for a raise

Asking for a raise certainly falls into the category of things outside the comfort zone: it may be weird, difficult, and intimidating. Addressing a boss for a salary inquiry has always been one of the things that employees fear because, simply saying, some bosses may face it with a negative attitude or perceive in a wrong way. However, in many cases, going outside the comfort zone is a good thing because it provides new opportunities and allows to avoid wasting time. Are you ready to step out?

You may think “what will possibly happen if I do not ask for a raise this time and wait for another opportunity?” Well, most people who think that way postpone asking for weeks and even months and eventually abandon this idea. As the result, they lose the chance to get compensated for their good performance that may be very important for the overall success of the organization. That’s not the way to build a successful career, agree?

In contrast, people who step out of the comfort zone and ask for a raise do the right thing and succeed. It’s not done that easy: to avoid feeling awkward when the boss decides to ask why he or she should do it, there are some answers that need to be prepared. The infographic from the team of Aussiewriter has a series of smart questions with answers you can select to make the decision whether to ask for a raise today, next week, or later.

It will ask you the questions that will show your worth as an asset to your organization and justify the decision to ask or not to ask. Just start at the bottom and work your way through to the three outcomes: “Stay Cool,” “Take it, it’ all yours!” and “Top yourself!” By using the information provided by this infographic, your voyage beyond the comfort zone may not be so intimidating.

Making a Career in the Arts and Entertainment Industry

We all know that landing a career in the entertainment industry is far from easy, and the industry is hardly known for its diversity. Up and coming film and arts students face many hurdles, which can often keep aspiring talent on the outskirts of the industry.

Careers in the entertainment industry can be even harder for minority demographics. According to a report released last year by the Media, Diversity & Social Change Initiative (MDSC), of the top 100 movies of 2016, just 31% included a female character with a speaking role. Only 13.6% of speaking roles in films went to a black actor, 5.7% to an Asian actor and only 3.1% of Hispanic actors were lucky enough to land a speaking role in 2016’s blockbusters. 2.7% of characters with a speaking role were depicted as having some sort of physical or mental disability, and only 1.1% were depicted as being gay, lesbian or bi-sexual. There were zero speaking roles for transgender characters amongst all 100 films.

This isn’t because there are no minority or LGBTQ actors looking for roles. It’s because the traditional talent scouting process leaves a lot to be desired, disproportionately favoring managed talent. That’s those entertainers lucky enough to have landed a deal with an agency or agent. It’s a problem occurring on a global scale and is particularly important to drama, music and acting graduates.

For years getting into the entertainment industry has been all about who you know, not what you know. But a subtle shift has been taking over. Thanks to new technology and platforms like YouTube, SoundCloud and Special Guest App, some lucky performers have been able to break out into the mainstream.

YouTube, founded by Jawed Karim and Chad Hurley, has given everyday people the chance for a career in entertainment. Special Guest App, the brainchild of Hollywood actor and comedian, Damon Wayans Jr. and successful entrepreneur, Kristopher Jones also democratizes the process of finding talent for live entertainment. “I grew up in LA, and have been in and around entertainment my entire life. My experience with how hard it is to get discovered in Hollywood was the basis for Special Guest App.” The platform offers a way for people to hire live entertainment, from kid’s entertainers, circus performers and dancers, to actors, comedians, singers and DJs.

Likewise, Instagram now also provides a platform for aspiring arts students, including photographers, videographers, illustrators and painters. The platform exemplifies democratization of talent scouting for artistic talent. Future arts students chasing a career in the industry must make use of new technologies and platforms, rather than relying on traditional means.

3 New Career Paths in 3D Printing

3D printing is an amazing innovation that has developed quickly in recent years, with this technology being applied in numerous fields. The potential of 3D printing could be a real game-changer for many industries, from medicine to construction, and even food and leisure.

As this technology continues to develop and become a key factor in many industries, new career opportunities will appear too. Here are three new career paths that have arisen thanks to 3D printing.

Medicine and healthcare

By 2025, scientists expect to be able to 3D print human organs by combining DNA from the patient with modified stem cells. This is bioprinting, a concept that first emerged in the early 2000s, with the discovery that living cells could be sprayed through inkjet printers.

3D bioprinting is set to have a huge impact on the medical industry, providing a viable answer to growing waiting lists for organ transplants, which is estimated to be the leading cause of death in the US.

There are also various research programmes working on other applications for 3D bioprinting, including a firm in Michigan who are developing implants for broken bones. This technology could also have a big impact on dermatology, with current research looking at printing skin directly onto the surface of the body.

Expect to see plenty of 3D printing career paths opening in healthcare over the next 5-10 years.

Beauty and skincare

While a little more left field, there are also opportunities for beauticians in 3D printing, with the technology being explored in this industry too.

One example of this technology, is the Soap01, which is the first 3D printer to print in soap. This printer uses soap scraps as cartridges, printing customisable soap designs and simultaneously upcycling wasted materials.

3D printers are also being developed for makeup, with the MODA by Foreo allowing the user to select a makeup look from a catalogue of images, before printing directly on to your face. The MODA scans your face, and applies makeup in three layers in as little as 30 seconds.

While there is no launch date announced for this technology yet, such a development potentially opens up a host of new career opportunities.

Construction and engineering

Perhaps the industry with the most to gain from 3D printing, construction and engineering are set to be radically changed by this technology.

Being able to 3D print parts means a new way of thinking about engineering, which will affect how many products are designed and built. By 2020, it is expected that more than 100,000 airplane parts will be 3D printed, making planes lighter and more efficient.

While this technology continues to develop, and is not without flaws, 3D printing opens up new options for prefabricated building too. By being able to essentially print building parts, construction can become a faster, cheaper, and more efficient job, with Dubai aiming for 25% of its new buildings to be 3D printed by 2030.

The growth of 3D printing across industries has opened up various career paths, with this technology presenting a host of potential employment opportunities in the future.

Jingle Bells

Jingle Bells

Bing Crosby, The Andrews Sisters

Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh,
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.

Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
Through the fields we go
Laughing all the way.
Bells on bob-tail ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight.

Jingle bells, jing-jingle bells
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh, brruup
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way,
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.

Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
Through the fields we go
Laughing all the way.
Bells on bob-tail ring
Making spirits bright
What fun…

7 Simple Ways to Maximize Your Job Search Productivity

So, you’re out there trying to get your first job. The problem is, since you don’t really have anything in the way of experience, getting a job can be a lot easier said than done. But, you need experience to get experience, right? Well, not necessarily. There are a lot of companies out there that really want to hire students and new grads. The trick is to find these companies. This means that you need to step it up and take your job search to the next level, unless you want to end up schlepping burgers for the rest of your life. Let’s take a look at seven ways that you can maximize your job search productivity.

Try Time Tracking

Once you have decided on the hours in the day that you are going to be job hunting, you need to make sure that you are sticking to that schedule. One way to do this is to start using time tracking software like Time Doctor. This is going to help you stay on track, and it will even show you where you are wasting time so you can start using your time more wisely and get that job you really want.

Get on LinkedIn

These days, you really do need to be on LinkedIn when you are searching for a job. In fact, more than 90% of job recruiters use LinkedIn as one of their main search tools when looking for new employees. If an employer is looking for someone with your qualifications, and in your area, if you have a profile, they are going to find you.

Start with a Plan

If you are just applying for any old job, chances are that all you are going to end up with just any old job. You need to focus on the type of work that you want to do, and find the companies that are offering jobs that you are interested in. Also, you need to create a schedule. Set aside certain times during the day to concentrate on your job search, and only concentrate on that.

Send Thank-You Notes

After each interview, take the time to write and send a personalized thank-you note to the interviewer. This is not only going to help keep you fresh in their minds, but also to show that you are conscientious, and that you really want the job. Those who send thank-you notes often get hired over those who do not.

Create Your Cover Letter(s)

Make sure that you have a generalized cover letter ready to go at all times. If you are applying for different types of jobs, it is a good idea to have several cover letters ready, so you have one for each job type. You can change a few things for each job you apply for to make them specific for those particular jobs. Keep your cover letters organized so you always use the right one for the right job.

Don’t be Afraid to Change Course

It may be that you have concentrated on one area for your job search, and you have spent a lot of time and energy (and perhaps even a lot of money) on your search. This doesn’t mean that you have to continue along this line. It may be that there is a better job in a different area, and you won’t even know about it if you don’t change course.

Get Out into the Real World

A lot of people make the mistake of only using the Internet to find employment. Sometimes, the best way to find a job is to get out there and pound the pavement. Knock on a few doors, ask for applications or to leave your resume, etc. Don’t make the mistake of only traveling down one job search road.

Networking: As bad as a trip to the DMV?

The word networking tends to evoke strong and oftentimes negative reactions in both students and experienced professionals. As DU’s Alumni Career Advisor, I can personally attest that networking generates a negative response on par with finding out you have to renew your license at the DMV, getting your wisdom teeth removed or filing your taxes.

I’ve started keeping a running list of my clients’ viewpoints of networking. Some direct quotes include:

“Networking is kissing other people’s butts.”
“I don’t like networking…it feels like the relationship is transactional and I am trying to gain something from those with whom I am interacting with.”
“The worst part about networking is having to introduce yourself to strangers and make small talk when you really don’t want to… especially when you’re an introvert. It’s painful!”
“I want to network, but I don’t feel like I have anything to offer anyone.”

I find this rising sentiment troublesome as developing a meaningful network is one of the single best investments you can make in your professional success. In addition, all of these comments came from intelligent, talented and capable professionals whom I believe in and deeply respect. What does it say if these individuals feel like they shouldn’t or can’t network?

According to leading research:

Over 70% of all jobs are filled through networking[i]
Networking provides access to knowledge, expertise and influence[ii]
Individuals with strong networks experience higher performance ratings, faster promotions and earn more money[iii]

On a personal level, I also find these negative viewpoints unfortunate. Research aside, networking has been one of my richest professional experiences because it involves surrounding myself with people who support and inspire me. The average career lasts 40+ years. That’s a long time to go it alone.

Defining Networking

When I consider these polar opposite viewpoints of networking, they appear to be stemming from differences in definition. For the purposes of this post, I’ll be using the following definition:

Networking = Making friends and acquaintances with whom you share a professional interest

There are two types of networking: Short-Term Networking and Long-Term Networking

Short-Term Networking: Developing relationships with professionals based on a desired outcome or motive (i.e.) job, sale, etc. This is networking because you need something.

Short-term networking is often time-bound. For example, a job is posted and the application closes tomorrow. You don’t know anyone at the company. You have a hard deadline to find a contact and while, in the ideal world you would be able to build a long-term relationship before you reach out, circumstances do not allow you to invest the needed time.

If short-term networking was a relationship style, at its best it would be your most memorable summer fling. At its worst, a tacky booty call.

Long-Term Networking: Developing relationships with professionals you admire regardless of whether they can help you. This is networking without keeping score.

Long-term relationships require a longer time investment…I know this is shocking. Although they develop slowly and require patience, these relationships can evolve into life-long collaborations and partnerships (did you know that the Founders of Patagonia and the North Face were BFFs????). Long-term networking also serves as the foundation for mentor relationships.

If long-term networking was a relationship style it would be a courtship or a treasured childhood friendship that has stayed with you into adulthood.

In normal person speak, short-term networking is fast-food and long-term networking is cooking at home.

Cooking at home is not only cost-effective, but also healthier and made from better ingredients; however, there are some days when our best option is to stop at a drive through. Just like there’s a time and a place for fast food, there’s a time and a place for short-term networking but if our whole diet is fast food we will likely develop some serious health problems. Don’t believe me? Just ask Morgan Spurlock.

When people say they hate networking, what they generally mean is that they hate short-term networking because we don’t like to build relationships with ulterior motives. Remember, networking is just making professional friends. Would these same individuals say they hate friends? Of course not, who hates friends? Do you also hate puppies and ice cream?

Of course, the act of making friends is very different from having friends. While we can all generally agree that friendship is a fundamental human experience, the pursuing of relationships (professional, personal or romantic) can be intimidating.

With networking, there is also an added sense that we need to sell ourselves. This feeling is especially prevalent in short-term networking because we are building relationships with a desired outcome. What’s ironic is that most people hate selling themselves and, coincidentally, most people also hate being sold to. Even Jordan Belfort, aka Leo DiCaprio in “The Wolf of Wall Street,” hates sales people. The good news here is that the feeling is mutual.

You are officially released from selling yourself, but you are not released from learning how to network.

The question is not, “How do I pitch myself?,” but rather “How do I go about developing meaningful professional relationships?” The answer: change your diet.

Limit “fast-food” short-term networking activities and focus on long-term, healthy relationship development.

Got it. So how do I become a long-term networker?

To develop meaningful professional relationships, consider the following long-term networking guidelines.

Be a fan: If you see a professional you admire, tell them how great a job they are doing and cite specific examples. When a client sends me a thank you note, it makes my day. It means the world to me when I feel recognized and appreciated.
Be genuine: The difference between meaningful networking and brown-nosing is truth and intention. If you think someone is doing a great job, tell them so, but only when you truly believe it.
Focus on what you have in common: Regardless of our level of professional success, we all need meaningful relationships in our lives. If you focus on the differences between you and successful professionals, you will likely become intimidated. Begin conversations with one goal: finding something in common. This could be that you both went to the same school or that you were both camp counselors in Maine. The strongest connections often coming from sharing personal, not professional interests.
Know your value: Research indicates that mentoring and helping others can not only retain employees, but can lead to higher levels of personal satisfaction and meaning.[iv] You have just as much to offer in this relationship as they do.
Start with small, easy to answer questions: Don’t propose on the first date! When initially reaching out to an experienced professional, ask them a question that can be answered in 5-minutes or less. When they respond, thank them and then follow-up on their suggestion. If they continue to respond, then consider requesting a lunch or coffee meeting where you can continue to grow the relationship.
Be patient: One of the benefits of long-term networking is that you get to develop relationships with experienced, successful professionals; however, these professionals can also be very busy.

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Here’s an example of an email I sent to an industry leader, made anonymous to prevent being creepy.

Subject: Compliment/Fan Mail

Rockstar Professional,

My name is Lindsey Day and I am a Career Advisor at Anonymous University (AU).

I’m writing to relay a compliment to you. I was recently asked how I wanted to grow as a leader and I cited you as an example. In your one year here, I have been impressed with your leadership, specifically your ability to be a calm, approachable and even vulnerable leader. When I’ve seen you speak, you have the ability to make any conversation feel like a one-on-one conversation and you are able to remain non-defensive and open even when others are asking you tough questions. This is a quality I hope to cultivate in myself as I grow in my career.

We are so very lucky to have you at AU.

Sincerely,

Lindsey Day

I meant what I wrote from the bottom of my heart. It took this leader one week to respond to me. Here’s her direct response:

“What a thoughtful and generous note! I am sorry to be delayed in responding but I have been hiking and some places I have hiked to lacked cell coverage!

Let’s check in when school starts and see how we might have a further conversation on this. And I’d love to hear about your work!”

Next Steps:

At the Career Center, we’re focused on helping you develop the skills you need to start or grow your professional network.

Consider the following next steps to get started:

Attend one of our upcoming workshops led by DU’s team of job search and career coach experts:
- Networking Basics, May 3rd
- Advanced LinkedIn, May 4th
- Advanced LinkedIn, May 5th
Reach out to DU alumni or your fellow classmates by registering for Pioneer Connect or joining the DU Alumni LinkedIn group. PS- these groups are open to students and alumni.
Make an appointment to meet with your Career Advisor by calling 303-871-2150 to discuss your personalized networking plan.

United States Department of State Events

There are two events held by the State Department this month that are open to all!

U.S. Department of State
International and Domestic Careers Information Session
Tuesday, September 19, 2017

U.S. Foreign Service Officer and Diplomat in Residence (DIR) Stewart Devine will conduct a U.S. Department of State Careers Information Session at University of Denver in Denver, CO during which you will learn about U.S. Department of State Foreign Service (international) careers, Civil Service (domestic) careers, and internship programs.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017, 12:00pm-1:45pm
Sie Center, Room 1020, University of Denver

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Here are 10 lessons I have learned from hockey that also apply to running a business:

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Try Time Tracking

Get on LinkedIn

Start with a Plan

Send Thank-You Notes

Create Your Cover Letter(s)

Don’t be Afraid to Change Course

Get Out into the Real World

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