Top Tips for Networking at the 2020 BEYA STEM Conference

 

POSTED ON Jan 31, 2020

 

It’s 13 days to one of the largest STEM Job Fairs in the nation’s capital. Career Communications Group, the publisher of Hispanic Engineer and Information Technology magazine, asked one expert to share tips for networking at the conference.

As a college student, face-to-face networking at a career event can be a daunting experience. Talking about yourself might seem phony, but knowing the rules is the best way to approach stress-free professional networking at the BEYA STEM Conference. Avoid missing opportunities to connect with key people by following these simple rules:

Keep your phone in your pocket
It is best to keep your phone in your pocket during networking events. When you are fiddling with your telephone it sends the message that you aren’t available to meet other people.

Be brief
Don’t dominate the conversation. Aim to ask more questions and do less talking.

Don’t interrupt the person you are speaking with
This might seem like common sense, but it happens more often than you think. Everyone wants to be heard which means you can make yourself indispensable by listening.

Don’t force people to network with you
Networking is about building relationships, and like any other relationship, it should be built organically. Wait until you know the relationship will be mutually beneficial before exchanging cards.

Keep your language and stories clean
You want to be remembered, but not for being crass. Avoid stories that inspire you to use coarse language, and leave out any mention of intoxication or criminal activity.

Don’t leave anyone out
If you see someone standing by themselves, go up and say hello. One day you will be the person with no one to talk to, and you will be eternally grateful for the person who stops by and says hello. You don’t want to miss out on a great connection!

Click here to register for the THE BEYA STEM CONFERENCE