PTT: Attending a Company Conference

Professional Tip Tuesday

The essentials.

Today I am attending my first real business outing. My company has a HUGE annual conference that includes associates, leadership, and business partners. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the industry and the opportunities I have within my company.

A conference can be so much more than just a chance to get away from your desk and your day-to-day duties (Although, that's a great plus too!).

This Professional Tip Tuesday is how to make the most of this awesome experience! 





Here are 4 big ways to take advantage of a work related conference.
1. GO! 
- Seems obvious doesn't it? But it's easy to get caught up in your work and decide not to attend. This could be a major advantage for career development and future promotions. If your company is hosting or sending you to a conference - it will be in your best interest to check it out!

2. Pick the agenda. 
- If there are break out sessions - pick the ones that are most relevant to you! That doesn't always mean the sessions that apply to your current job. Pick the courses that interest you and what you'd like to do with your career.


3. Take it in. 
- Write down all you can. The name and contact info of the speakers, the main points of the sessions, and the resources they cite to learn more. Especially if you will be at the conference all day long, it will be hard to remember all that you hear. All of these very important people aren't getting together for nothin'. Whatever you are listening to could be the next big thing!

4. Network. 
- Take advantage of breaks throughout the day and lunchtime conversations. You never know who you are sitting next to or how they can help you in the future. Bring business cards and take some notes on the people you meet. Reach out to them after it's over (the same way you would at a Career Fair). They can be great resources on your next project or maybe even during a future career move!

We've all probably attended conferences. Whether it's for an organization or a job, they can be one of the best ways to connect to people that will help you with your career. How do you make the most of conferences? Comment below!

PTT: How to Rock the Career Fair

Professional Tip Tuesday
This time, last year, I was probably freaking out a little bit. The career fair was quickly approaching and all of a sudden everything was starting to feel real. Graduation was 7 months, 3 weeks, and 2 days away. And I still had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. 

Oh, the game of life.

Walking into that career fair for the first time was terrifying and exciting. There were rows and rows filled with so many companies. Employers from all across the country were right in front of me. And I had no idea where life was going to take me.

Career fairs can be an awesome way to see your options, network, and open some doors. It's not very often you get a sea of employers who are hiring all in the same place. With all of that in mind, this week's Professional Tip Tuesday is:

How to rock the career fair. 

As you prepare for the fair, here are some questions to think about: 

1. How should you prepare?

• Research! If you know a little something, it will for sure set you apart from the masses.
• Use that amazing source we all have access to - the internet! 
• Spend 15 minutes and look up at least 5 companies that you know will be at the career fair and write down 2 facts about each of them. You won't regret it. 
• Be ready. Get all of your stuff together in advance. 
• Finalize your resume and have someone look it over. Print 5+ copies (depending on how ambitious you are feeling!). 
• Use a plain folder or padfolio to keep your resumes from getting all crinkled. Bring a piece of paper to take some notes and a pen.

2. How do you talk to employers?

• Be confident. Flash a big smile, go for the handshake if it seems appropriate, and say something super original like...
• "Hi, my name is Anna. I am graduating this May and I am looking for a full time job." 
• The research will help. But even if you see a company there you have never heard of, don't be afraid to wing it. Also, flattery will get you far.
• i.e. "Hi, my name is Anna. I am graduating this May and I am looking for a full time job. [Insert company name] looks like an awesome place to work.. can you tell me a little bit about it?" 
• Be open minded. Don't pass up an employer just because you don't think it's for you. Last year, I got a free trip to Texas just to interview for a company I almost didn't stop to talk to.

  

  My first 'business trip' flying in style into DFW International Airport.

3. How can you follow up? 

• Following up can be one of the most important parts. It's how you develop a network and show initiative. 
• Immediately after you leave a company's booth, take down some notes about what you talked about. Try and be as specific as possible. 
• After the fair, email the person or send them a message on LinkedIn. Use the notes you took to make it feel personal! 
• i.e. "Hi Susie, It was nice to meet you today. It was great to hear how much you like x about your job. I would love to learn more about your role and the company. What next steps are there for applying? Thanks for your time, -Anna"

Those are 3 big things that can help you make the most out of the career fair! Have you attended a career fair before? What are your go-to tips for talking to employers? Comment below.

And in case you were wondering.. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. But I think exploration is what your twenties are for :)

PTT: First Week Success

Professional Tip Tuesday

I made it through the first day.. and it wasn't too bad! If the 'real world' really consists of an occasional free lunch, more company goodies, and hanging out with your peers - I think I will be just fine. It also doesn't hurt that my start date was a Thursday. There is no better way to ease into the 8-5 grind then with a two-day work week! 

The first two days were just orientation for me. We learned about the company's history, the culture, and received our laptops (score!). But now it's time to think about how to successfully rock the first full week! So this week's Professional Tip Tuesday -


How to make the most of the first week of a new job. 

 Introduce yourself - Just go for it!

• As a newbie, you have the perfect intro! i.e. "Hi! My name is Anna. I just started last Thursday. How's it going?" 
• Whenever you get the chance, introduce yourself to people in other departments and different positions. Not only is it helpful to have a better idea of what happens across the company, but it is also beneficial for when you want to further develop your career.

After you make that initial connection - connect! Let the networking begin.

• Following a quality convo with a colleague, add them on your company's intranet site or on LinkedIn. If you can, include a short message just reminding them of something you talked about. "It was great meeting you today in the break room! Looking forward to working with you at Company!"

Ask LOTS of questions - now is the time!

• Take advantage of the fact that you are new and everyone is expecting you to have questions. You are introduced to so many great people and resources as you are training for your new position. And that comes with a lot of questions. But keep 'em coming.. The people training you want you to succeed!

These are three of the biggies for me so far.. but it's only Tuesday! I still have three more days in my work week. What tips do you have for a successful first week and first impression as a newbie? Comment with your ideas!

PTT: Emailing Out New Contact Info

Professional Tip Tuesday

Emailing your network to let them know of updated contact information.

I did it! I changed my email address. But after doing so, I had way too many questions about the best way to send a quick email to my network (I tend to over think things a bit..). I spent at least an hour trying to craft the perfect short note letting everyone know about my new email address. Then I finally got smart and reached out to a former advisor for some help..

So this week's Professional Tip Tuesday is how to write a quick note to inform your network of your changing contact information! 

And a special shout out to Amanda for the helpful information :)

I have already sort of touched on this in the long-winded post about Keeping In Touch but, I thought a simpler post on the changing contact Info could be beneficial as well!

Below is a "template" idea for what you might say in your email. Get creative

1) Opener - What's changing? When is it changing? Why is it changing? 

• "One week from today I will be moving to city to begin my career at company. I start my position with company as on start date as a position title."

2) Throw in a little gratitude.

• "I am grateful for all the opportunities I have had throughout college and I am excited for this new adventure."

3) Get down to business. 

• "My new mailing address will be: 

            Name

            Street Address

            City, State, Zip

            My new personal email will be: 

            email@domain.com

I will no longer be using my old email (the email I used today), oldemail@domain.com. Please add my new address to your contact list and delete the old one."

4) Add a little personality. 

• "Also I recently started a blog about my post-graduation adventures and my journey as a young professional. If you are interested in following me through my blog, here is the website: http://optimisticallyanna.blogspot.com."
• **In this part, give the reader a little something that ties it all together. My goal with including my blog was to stand out. This is your chance to give them something memorable or engaging that will encourage them to stay connected to you. 

5) The closer.

• "Thank you for your continued support and please stay in touch!

Warmly, 

Anna" 

So that is the format I used - based on my supervisor's helpful advice. There probably isn't a right or wrong way to do it so play around and just make sure to add your own personal pizazz! Since it's a mass email, you want to make it feel as personal as possible.

I think signatures are tough too. I tried to keep it extra friendly with the "Warmly, Anna". How do you personalize a professional email? Comment below!

PTT: The Fab 4 for Networking

Professional Tip Tuesday

Networking - the four essential archetypes for the ideal office network. 

I loved the article posted last week on Fast Company - The  4 People You Need for an Awesome Network - and I wanted to share it for this week's Professional Tip Tuesday. If you have ever worked in an office setting, you have probably met a few of the characters described in the post. In fact, I'm sure you have found these people within any experience you might have had. That solid network in your organization can prove to be beneficial throughout your career (**hint, hint: keep in touch!). 

At this point, we have all heard it.. networking is key for any professional. I am here to tell you, it's true. In the business world today, where so many jobs are people based it is crucial that you rely on your network to accomplish your career goals.

The last two years of college, I actively searched for internships and jobs. I was also an intern in the campus career center. With all of that I met A LOT of business people. I was under the impression it was important to connect to all of them. LinkedIn makes that all to easy. I probably sent out a few too many LinkedIn invitations (but that's for a later PTT post).

But to my surprise, the author of this article wisely points out there are only four essential people for that close network. That's not to say you shouldn't make an effort to get to know your coworkers. It's good to stock your network with the people you frequently interact with on a daily basis at the office.

The key message is - The following four character types are crucial relationships for your network. They will make all the difference in your professional and career development.

1) The Social Butterfly - this person is the ultimate connector!

• If the Social Butterfly learns that you have an interest a new project, they will probably want to introduce you to their friend, the head of that project. 

2) The Mentor - This person is ready to take you under their wing.

• This person displays openness and always wants to help. Feel free to ask them questions and definitely go to them for advice. 

3) The Computer Guy - Insider knowledge on the office technology!

• In this technology driven business world, being in-the-know on the cool tech stuff in store for the office is a great advantage! Plus it's always good to have a computer savvy friend when something inevitably goes awry. 

4) The Newer-New-Person - This is your chance to be someone's 'person'!

• The fourth person for the network is the newest employee. We have all been there! Pay it forward with some nice words and key advice. Maybe even tell them about the 4 essentials for a good office network :) 

**(For the original and full descriptions, click here to see the article on Fast Company)


Have you known any of these people in offices or organizations you've been apart of? Any words of wisdom on how to get to know them? Comment below!

PTT: Keeping in Touch

Professional Tip Tuesday

Keeping in touch with people in your network.

I thought this would be a good professional tip to start out with because this can be incredibly difficult! There are certain people that tend to have a natural knack for this sort of thing. Props to them - but it never seems as easy as they make it look. 

I think this is especially relevant as a recent grad. Even though you might be moving away or starting something new, those connections you made in college can be extremely important throughout your professional life!

Today I am just focusing on first steps for staying connected.

So today's tip... In the months following graduation, take a few minutes and write to any important contacts. 

1) Why are you writing? Figure out the main purpose of the message you intend to send out. 

• The first message is easy - your network is interested in what's up next for you! This also gives you the opportunity to update them on your changing contact information. 

**Figuring out why to write can be one of the hardest parts of staying connected. Some good opportunities to write include: new jobs, promotions, moving, or even just to tell them about a book or article they might enjoy! 

2) Who are you writing? Make a list of all the contacts you have had over the past few years. 

• This gives you the chance to make a solid list of anyone you plan to stay in touch with in the future. You might send a select few a more personal update, and the rest a more generic email blast (still consider making it somewhat personalized!). 

**This is a great time to go ahead and make a master document with all contacts. Maybe use an Excel spreadsheet and group them in a way that makes most sense. A good tip is to include a few columns that remind you when you last talked, what it concerned, and through what type of communication method. 

3) What to write? In addition to telling them what's next after graduation, what else do you include? 

• The message can be short and sweet. Ideally you want to make them feel connected to what you are doing next. Make them feel good! This could be as simple as thanking them for an opportunity that served as a stepping stone or complimenting a personal attribute that you admire (and how it has helped you in some way). 

4) How to write? Decide how you want to connect with them.

• LinkedIn or email could be the easiest way to send a quick update. BUT if you want to make it even more personal, consider sending a handwritten card. This is much more memorable and then you can include a business card or personal card with your email, phone number, address, etc. 

5) When to follow up? What should you expect after you have written?

• After you have written, you might receive a short message in return. But if you don't hear from them, do not get discouraged! The people you are networking with are probably busy professionals. They appreciate your update but may not get a chance to respond.
• Consider sending a very short reminder email the week before your old contact information is set to change. 
  i.e. "Hi Bill, I just wanted to send you a quick note to remind you that my contact information is officially changing next week. Below is my new email, phone number, and address. Looking forward to keeping in touch - hope all is well! Thanks, Anna"

**Reach out to your network when it is appropriate. For most general contacts, you might only talk to them 1-2 times a year. With closer contacts, it might be closer to 3-4 times a year. 

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Hope you found this Professional Tip Tuesday helpful! What techniques have you used to keep in touch? Comment below!