Top 10 Tips for a Strong LinkedIn Presence

Show up authentically. Network intentionally. Stay top of mind.

1. Treat Your Profile Like Your Digital Handshake

Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression people get of you.

Keep it current, polished, and approachable.

Use a clear, professional photo (smiling works wonders), a branded banner image, and a headline that highlights who you are and what you do—not just your title.

Think: “Marketing Strategist | CRM & Customer Experience | Helping Brands Connect Authentically”

2. Write an “About” Section That Sounds Like You

Ditch the jargon. Write in the first person and tell your story.
Share why you love what you do, the impact you make, and the values that drive you. End with a warm call to action—something like:

“Let’s connect if you’re passionate about marketing, mentorship, or meaningful networking.”

3. Keep Your Experience Current—and Focused on Results

Each role should highlight what you accomplished, not just what you were responsible for. Use action verbs and measurable outcomes when possible:

“Led CRM strategy for a 10M-member fitness brand, improving engagement by 25%.” Include keywords from your industry so recruiters and peers can easily find you.

4. Use Your Headline Strategically

Your headline follows you everywhere on LinkedIn—make it count.Instead of just listing your job title, use it to communicate your expertise, industry, and passion.

“CRM Strategy Leader | MBA | Turning Data into Meaningful Customer Experiences”

5. Show, Don’t Tell—Add Rich Media

Upload visuals, slide decks, workshop photos, or feature articles and interviews you’ve done. A strong Featured section gives people a glimpse of your work in action. It’s also a great place to link to your website, blog, or published thought leadership.

6. Engage Consistently (Quality Over Quantity)

A thoughtful comment is more powerful than a viral post.
Engage with your network weekly by:

• Congratulating people on milestones

• Commenting on posts that resonate

• Sharing short reflections or wins

• Highlighting others’ successes
  Consistency builds visibility and credibility—without feeling self-promotional.

7. Post with Personality and Purpose

Your voice is your brand. Write the way you speak: approachable, insightful, and real. Mix professional content with personal reflections that show who you are behind the title. You don’t need to post daily—once or twice a week is plenty if it’s thoughtful.

Tip: Posts that teach, uplift, or share a lesson tend to spark real conversation.

8. Curate and Grow Your Network Intentionally

Be selective, not exclusive. Send personalized connection requests—mention where you met, a shared interest, or what drew you to their profile.

“Hi Alex, I really enjoyed your post about marketing analytics. I’d love to connect and keep learning from your insights.”
Engage regularly so connections turn into relationships, not just numbers.

9. Give (and Request) Meaningful Recommendations

A well-written recommendation instantly boosts credibility.
Write short, specific endorsements for colleagues, mentors, or team members. They’ll often return the favor. Ask for recommendations after completing a project or achieving a milestone—when your impact is fresh in their minds.

10. Be “Always-On” Without Being Always Online

You don’t need to live on LinkedIn to build a strong presence.
Instead, adopt an always-on networking mindset:

• Show up weekly with intention.

• Keep your profile fresh quarterly.

• Follow up with people after events or collaborations.

LinkedIn is not about being perfect—it’s about being present, visible, and genuine.

Reflection Prompt:
Who’s one person in your LinkedIn network whose work you admire? Leave them a thoughtful comment or message this week—no ask, just appreciation.

Generational Networking

One of the most beautiful things about networking is that it stretches across generations. I’ve had coffee chats with Baby Boomers who’ve built 40-year careers, swapped LinkedIn messages with Gen X leaders balancing careers and families, brainstormed collaborations with fellow Millennials, and traded DMs with Gen Z professionals just launching into their journeys.

The lesson? Networking isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each generation has its own rhythm, tone, and style. If you learn how they like to connect, you’ll not only build better relationships—you’ll also show respect for their experiences and preferences.

Let’s break it down by generation so you can feel confident the next time you’re reaching out.

Baby Boomers: Respect the Legacy

Boomers prefer in-person connection. They’ll happily grab coffee, meet at a professional dinner, or hop on a phone call—but a random Instagram DM? Probably not the best move.

How to approach them: Lead with respect for their experience. Phrases like:

• “I’d love to learn from your career journey.”

• “What advice would you give someone just starting out?”

Best events: Industry conferences, alumni banquets, and association meetings.

Follow-up: Send a thoughtful thank-you email or, if you really want to stand out, a handwritten note. Boomers value thoughtfulness—it signals you’re serious.

Generation X: Straightforward and Efficient

Gen Xers often juggle demanding careers, raising families, and community leadership. They don’t need bells and whistles—they want efficiency.

How to approach them: Keep it simple and respect their time. Phrases like:

• “Could I borrow 20 minutes of your perspective?”

• “What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned navigating career transitions?”

Best events: Professional mixers, continuing education classes, and working lunches.

Follow-up: A concise LinkedIn message or email with a clear next step. They’ll appreciate your clarity and brevity.

Millennials: Collaboration and Connection

As a Millennial myself, I know we love connection that feels authentic. We’re equally comfortable grabbing coffee or scheduling a quick virtual meeting. And yes—LinkedIn, Instagram, and networking groups play a big role.

How to approach us: Use a friendly, collaborative tone. Phrases like:

• “I’d love to brainstorm or collaborate on this idea.”

• “I really admire how you’re balancing your career with your passion projects.”

Best events: Young professional happy hours, volunteer networking, or career development workshops.

Follow-up: A quick personalized LinkedIn note or even an upbeat text. Bonus points for engaging with their posts on social media—it keeps the connection alive.

Generation Z: Authentic and Digital-First

Gen Z is rewriting the playbook. They grew up online, so networking is often digital-first—Instagram, TikTok, or group chats. They’re not into overly polished interactions; they want authenticity.

How to approach them: Be genuine and casual. Phrases like:

• “I’d love to hear how you’re approaching your career in this space.”

• “I really enjoy the way you share insights on [specific topic].”

Best events: Hackathons, speed networking, interactive workshops, or social impact gatherings.

Follow-up: Short LinkedIn DMs, quick thank-you notes, or even voice memos. They’ll notice if you’re engaging authentically rather than sending a copy-paste message.

The Takeaway

No matter the generation, the goal is the same: meaningful connection. But if you can adapt your tone and style to meet someone where they are, you’ll build trust faster and create relationships that last.

I’ve found that networking across generations makes me a stronger professional and a better friend. A Boomer mentor can share hard-earned wisdom. A Gen X contact can offer pragmatic career advice. A Millennial peer might hype you up and collaborate with you. And a Gen Z connection will bring fresh energy and new ideas.

Networking is richer when we span generations—it’s like weaving together threads of experience, energy, and creativity into one strong fabric.

Virtual Networking: How to Make It Meaningful

​In the evolving landscape of professional development, virtual networking has become an indispensable tool for professionals seeking to expand their connections and stay relevant in their industries. However, new challenges have emerged with the rise of remote work and digital interactions. Let's explore contemporary strategies to navigate these virtual waters effectively.​

Embrace AI-Powered Matchmaking

Artificial Intelligence has revolutionized how we connect. Modern virtual networking platforms utilize AI to analyze your profile, interests, and goals, pairing you with like-minded professionals. This targeted approach ensures more meaningful interactions, saving time and fostering genuine relationships. Investing in platforms that offer AI-driven matchmaking can significantly enhance your networking experience. ​Dreamcast

Engage in Hybrid Networking Events

The fusion of virtual and in-person events—known as hybrid events—has gained traction. These formats offer flexibility, allowing you to choose how to participate based on your comfort and convenience. Engaging in hybrid events can broaden your reach, connecting you with both local and global professionals, thus enriching your network. ​Financial Times

Combat Virtual Fatigue

Spending extended periods in virtual meetings can lead to "Zoom fatigue." To mitigate this, opt for shorter, more focused sessions. Incorporate breaks between meetings and consider using static backgrounds to reduce visual strain. These small adjustments can improve your virtual networking stamina and overall well-being. ​The Guardian

Foster Genuine Connections

Even in a virtual realm, authenticity remains key. Engage in discussions beyond work topics to build rapport. Participate in virtual coffee chats or informal group meetings to nurture deeper relationships. Remember, behind every screen is a person seeking meaningful connections, just like you. ​Interconnections - The Equinix Blog+2LinkedIn+2vFairs.com+2

Stay Updated with Emerging Trends

The digital landscape is continually evolving. Stay informed about new virtual networking trends, tools, and best practices. Regularly attending webinars, participating in online workshops, and reading industry-related articles can keep you ahead of the curve. ​

By integrating these contemporary strategies, you can navigate the virtual networking landscape with confidence and effectiveness, ensuring your professional relationships thrive in this digital age.

"Always-On" Networking: A Career-Boosting Superpower

When it comes to advancing your career, networking is more than just exchanging business cards or sending connection requests on LinkedIn. It’s about creating meaningful impressions, building relationships, and showcasing your value—all the time. This approach is what I call “always-on” networking. It’s a mindset and a skill that, when mastered, can transform how others perceive you and open doors you never even knew existed.

What is “Always-On” Networking?

At its core, “always-on” networking means consistently putting your best foot forward in professional settings, whether it’s during a formal meeting, a casual interaction, or even on social media. Why? Because you never know who is watching, listening, or taking note of your actions.

It’s not about being performative or inauthentic—it’s about being purposeful. How you communicate, collaborate, and conduct yourself in everyday interactions can either reinforce your strengths or create missed opportunities. By embodying “always-on” networking, you signal to others that you are a professional worth knowing and, importantly, worth recommending.

Why "Always-On" Networking Matters

Opportunities often come from unexpected places. A colleague from a past project might suggest you for a role at their company. A client you impressed with your attention to detail could refer you to someone in their network. When you consistently demonstrate your capabilities and values, you make it easier for others to see your potential and advocate for you.

Here’s how "always-on" networking works to your advantage:

• Visibility: By consistently demonstrating your strengths, you stay top of mind when opportunities arise.

• Credibility: Purposeful actions build trust and confidence in your skills.

• Connection: People gravitate toward individuals who are professional, reliable, and authentic, expanding your circle naturally.

Making “Always-On” Networking Work for You

So, how do you incorporate this approach into your daily professional life? Here are some practical tips:

1. Be Present and Engaged: Show genuine interest in the people you interact with. Listen actively, ask thoughtful questions, and offer support or solutions when appropriate.

2. Highlight Your Strengths: Don’t shy away from showcasing your expertise. Share accomplishments during meetings, write thought-provoking posts online, or offer to lead projects that align with your skills.

3. Stay Authentic: While it's important to be professional, authenticity builds trust. Be yourself, and let your unique personality and perspective shine through.

4. Leverage Every Interaction: Every conversation, email, or handshake is an opportunity to reinforce your personal brand. Even a small moment of professionalism can leave a lasting impression.

5. Mind Your Online Presence: Social media and professional platforms are part of your “always-on” toolkit. Keep your profiles updated, engage thoughtfully, and ensure your online presence reflects your best self.

The Power of Purposeful Networking

When you practice “always-on” networking, you’re not just connecting with people—you’re building a reputation. Your consistent professionalism and intentional actions make it easier for others to see your value and envision you as a partner, collaborator, or hire.

Remember, networking isn’t about luck; it’s about preparation for opportunities. By adopting the “always-on” approach, you ensure that you’re always ready for the next big thing—even if it comes from a chance encounter or a casual conversation.

What’s in your networking toolkit? Add “always-on” networking, and watch your career and connections grow.

How to Network Effectively at Events

Networking events can be intimidating, especially if you're not naturally outgoing. But fear not! With the right mindset and a few simple strategies, you can navigate these gatherings like a pro and make meaningful connections that can propel your career or business forward. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your next networking event:

1. Set Clear Goals: Before you even step foot into the event venue, take some time to define what you hope to achieve. Whether it's to meet potential clients, find a mentor, or simply expand your professional circle, having clear objectives will give you direction and purpose.

2. Prepare Your Elevator Pitch: You never know who you'll meet at a networking event, so it's crucial to have a concise and compelling elevator pitch ready to go. Your pitch should succinctly describe who you are, what you do, and what you're looking to gain from the event. Practice delivering it with confidence and enthusiasm.

3. Approach with Authenticity: When striking up conversations, authenticity is key. Instead of launching into a rehearsed spiel, take a genuine interest in the person you're speaking with. Ask open-ended questions to get to know them better and listen attentively to their responses. Authenticity fosters genuine connections that are more likely to endure beyond the event.

4. Break the Ice: Don't be afraid to be the first to initiate conversation. Approach someone who looks approachable and introduce yourself with a smile. Remember, everyone is there for the same reason – to network – so most people will appreciate your initiative.

5. Utilize Nonverbal Cues: Pay attention to your body language and nonverbal cues. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake when meeting someone new. These subtle gestures convey confidence and professionalism, helping you make a positive impression.

6. Listen More, Talk Less: While it's important to share information about yourself, remember that networking is a two-way street. Be sure to give others a chance to speak and actively listen to what they have to say. Not only does this show respect, but it also allows you to learn from others and identify potential opportunities for collaboration or partnership.

7. Follow Up: The real magic happens after the event. Take the time to follow up with the people you've connected with. Send a personalized email or LinkedIn message expressing your gratitude for the conversation and expressing your interest in staying in touch. Building and nurturing relationships is an ongoing process, so don't let those initial connections go to waste.

8. Attend with a Friend: If you're feeling particularly nervous about attending a networking event alone, consider bringing a friend or colleague along for support. Just be sure to divide and conquer once you're there, as clinging to each other may deter others from approaching you.

9. Stay Positive and Persistent: Not every interaction will lead to a meaningful connection, and that's okay. Stay positive, be persistent, and don't get discouraged by setbacks. Networking is a skill that improves with practice, so keep putting yourself out there and learning from each experience.

By approaching networking events with a clear plan, authenticity, and a positive attitude, you'll be well on your way to expanding your professional network and unlocking new opportunities. So go ahead, mingle with confidence, and watch your connections—and your career—grow.

Maximizing Your Networking Event Experience: 4 Steps to Meaningful Connections

Networking events offer valuable opportunities to expand your professional circle, exchange ideas, and potentially open doors to new opportunities. However, attending such events can be overwhelming if you're not equipped with a strategic approach. In this blog post, I'll guide you through four essential steps to ensure you get the most out of your next networking event.

1. Meet Three New People: Quality Over Quantity

It's easy to get caught up in a numbers game at networking events, trying to meet as many people as possible. While meeting a large number of people can broaden your reach, focusing on quality interactions yields better results. Aim to have meaningful conversations with at least three new individuals. Start by introducing yourself with a warm smile and a handshake. Ask open-ended questions that dive into their professional interests, experiences, and challenges. Active listening will allow you to engage more deeply, making a lasting impression. Be genuine and care about what they have to say.

2. Exchange Information for LinkedIn Connection

In today's interconnected world, LinkedIn has become a powerhouse for professional networking. After having a conversation with someone, consider exchanging contact information for a LinkedIn connection. This digital bridge allows you to maintain the connection beyond the event. When sending a connection request, personalize your message by referencing your conversation. This demonstrates your genuine interest and makes it more likely that your connection request will be accepted.

3. Exchange Business Cards for Effective Follow-Up

Business cards might seem old-fashioned in the digital age, but they remain an effective tool for post-event follow-up. When you encounter someone with whom you've had a meaningful conversation, request their business card. Likewise, offer yours in return. These cards serve as tangible reminders of your interaction and make it easy to reach out later. When following up via email, reference your conversation, express your interest in continuing the dialogue, and suggest a specific action or topic for discussion.

4. Discover Something New About Others

Networking isn't just about talking; it's about learning from others as well. Take the opportunity to actively listen and learn something new about each person you meet. People appreciate when others show genuine interest in their experiences and perspectives. By asking probing questions and engaging in thoughtful conversations, you can gain insights that might lead to collaboration, mentorship, or simply a deeper connection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, networking events hold immense potential for professional growth and meaningful connections. By focusing on quality interactions, leveraging digital platforms like LinkedIn, exchanging business cards, and embracing the art of listening, you can ensure you're making the most of every networking opportunity. Remember, it's not about collecting as many contacts as possible, but about building relationships that can stand the test of time and lead to mutual benefits. So, the next time you attend a networking event, approach it with these four steps in mind and watch as your networking efforts yield results.

Virtual Networking Ideas

Networking as we know it has changed over the last few years. The pandemic rocked our worlds and minimized in-person events. While we are back to in-person events, we’ve adapted many ways to networking virtually. Here are some tips on staying connected with other professionals virtually.

1) Join or start a mentoring group

Either become a mentor or find a place to get a mentor. Weekly virtual calls with a theme or topic is a great way to stay abreast of your industry. This will help you stay connected with a small group of professionals. I recommended a group of 4-6 to allow everyone to participate in the conversation. We are all home more now and apart from other professionals. You may be missing out on new trends or changes that you hear about during casual conversations in the kitchen or swinging by someone’s office.

2) Start a coffee and zoom group

Similar to the mentoring group, you could start a coffee and Zoom group with other professionals to catch up on industry knowledge. Everyone could be tasked with coming to the group with one new interesting article or finding. This way, everyone will learn something new. If you create the group with people outside of your organization, the group’s findings can be something that you take back to your colleagues to impress them with your current knowledge.

3) Reach out via Linkedin

Is there a professional that you want to meet? Maybe you would have tried to connect during an in-person networking event. With in-person events being cancelled, you need to keep connected virtually. Feel free to send them a short message on Linkedin. Ask if you can chat for 5-15 minutes on the phone or Zoom. Usually, this is small ask and the person should be able to fit you into their schedule. Make sure you have your questions ready so you don’t take up too much of their time. You could even tell the person ahead of time some of the questions are interested in asking. If they are too busy for a call, you could ask if you could email them and ask a few questions. Keep it short so that you can reach out again in the future. They will be more likely to respond again if it was easy for them to interact with you.

4) Post on Linkedin

Show your industry knowledge by sharing and posting relevant content on Linkedin. It’s a way for you to stay on people’s minds. If you are looking for a job or new opportunities, it will highlight your interests and talents. Join groups that are related to your professional interest to see what other’s are posting. Evaluate other’s posts to make sure your content meets industry standards. Now you can show off your knowledge and any areas of expertise. People may not be hiring right now but when they do start up again, you want to be first on their list of candidates.

Employ one or more of these virtual networking ideas to stay connected, grow your network, and keep up with trends in your industry.

Tactics for Making Meaningful Connections at Events

Before diving into a networking event, it’s essential to clarify your intentions. Are you seeking to expand your business, explore job opportunities, or simply grow your professional network? Identifying your goal will guide your approach and enhance your overall experience. Here are some effective tips for initiating conversations and building connections at your next event:

Networking Scenario

Imagine you're at a bustling networking event, and there's someone you admire whom you'd like to connect with for potential job opportunities. Approaching them might seem daunting, especially when faced with the challenge of breaking the ice.

What to Do:

1. Wait for Your Moment: If the person you wish to speak with is surrounded by a crowd, patiently wait for your turn. They'll notice your presence when the time comes.

2. Initiate with Confidence: When it's your turn, flash a warm smile, extend your hand, and introduce yourself. Keep it simple yet impactful. For instance, "Hi, I'm Julie. I've been eager to introduce myself and learn more about your work."

3. Engage with Relevance: After the initial introduction, share a bit about yourself and express your interest in their expertise or industry. For example, "I'm currently working in [field], and I found your insights particularly intriguing because..."

Questions to Ask While Networking:

1. Company Information: Politely ask if you could send them some questions regarding their company or role to gain further insights.

2. Propose a Coffee Meeting: Express your admiration for their career journey and inquire if they'd be open to meeting for coffee to discuss it further.

3. Suggest an Informational Visit: One impactful approach is to ask if you could visit their office for an informal chat. This provides an excellent opportunity to witness their work environment firsthand and foster a more genuine connection.

Personal Experience:

For instance, during my MBA program, I attended an event hosted by the American Marketing Association focused on job search strategies. Inspired by the panelists' advice, I reached out to a professional I admired for an informational visit.

The visit proved invaluable as it offered a glimpse into the company culture and facilitated a candid exchange of insights. Although immediate job opportunities weren't available, the connection led to further introductions and expanded my network.

Keep the Momentum Going:

Networking is a continuous process, and not every encounter will result in immediate outcomes. However, by maintaining a proactive approach and leveraging each connection, you increase your chances of uncovering new opportunities.

In conclusion, approaching networking events with clarity, confidence, and authenticity can pave the way for meaningful connections and professional growth. Remember, every interaction is an opportunity to learn, grow, and expand your horizons. So, seize the moment, engage with purpose, and watch your network flourish.

How to Use Your Connections to Network

Have you ever been afraid to actually ask your network for help? It’s really easy to be friendly and have fun and meet new people. But what happens when you are trying to grow your business or search for a new job? It can be scary or intimidating to reach out. It is easy to attend events and be social but now you need a little help. If you’ve mastered growing your network of friends and professional connections, here are some ideas to unapologetically reach out.

Think about a time that someone may have reached out to you for advice. How did they approach you? Did you feel excited to help or annoyed that someone would even ask? I’m pretty sure most of us are happy to give some time to help others! That is if the ask isn’t too big. This is why when are you looking to ask for help, keep it simple. Make it easy for them to respond and give you advice in a way that works for them. Reach out via email or LinkedIn with a professional and short note asking to connect to learn more about their career path. (People can always talk about themselves!)

Here are some simple and easy ways to connect:

• Meet for coffee before work

• Meet for lunch

• Meet at their office during a time that works for their schedule

• A 20-30 minute phone call (keep it to 15 minutes if they are a very busy professional)

• Host a video conference for 20-30 minutes

• Meet for happy hour (keep it professional though!)

• Join them at an event that they are already attending (conferences, networking events, speaker series)

I’ve used many of these tactics while I was job searching. It is best to ask the person what works for their schedule. I really like the last bullet. While in graduate school, I met a marketing professional at an American Marketing Association (AMA) event. I reached out via LinkedIn to further the connection and ask to meet again to talk more about her career. She mentioned that she was going to attend a speaker panel and I could join her as her guest. This was a fantastic opportunity because I could meet her to talk more professionally and it wasn’t an inconvenience to her, she already had plans to attend the event. Additionally, since this was a professional speaker series, I took the opportunity to connect with other marketing professionals in the room. Guess what? From there, I asked another professional to meet up to tell me more about her role! I met this woman at a lunch spot inside the building where she worked. She needed to eat lunch and I didn’t make her go far from the office. It’s about making the ask simple and easy for someone to help you!

Keep using each opportunity to meet the next person. Even if that person can’t directly help you, usually they are willing to bring you to an event for better networking or pass your information along to another colleague that would be more help. Don’t shut someone out just because they can’t directly help you, it’s all about expanding your networking and casting a wide net.

Thoughts of Switching Your Career?

Are you happy in your career? Okay, that is a big question but it’s okay to close your eyes and think about this question. Is the career you thought you would not have the career that is present in your current life? Or has the industry changed or have you been overworked to the point where you aren’t happy anymore? How is your work-life balance? How appreciated do you feel at work? Do you feel you have personal growth in your field?

There are questions that maybe you’ve been thinking about for a while. I know a few people that have these concerns and they may have a clear passion that could take its place, but maybe you don’t know what else you would do. That thought can hold people back. How can you make a career change if you can’t imagine a new career? Here is where my networking tips come into play. It’s a step you would take to find out about anything, a little research, a little talking to people. It’s being social, asking others what they do for a living, asking to follow up questions about people they know and their careers. Ask to have coffee with one of their friends or family to learn more about their career. They may know someone that does a job that sounds interesting to you. Attending networking after-work events will grow your connections and offer you a whole room of people that have different careers. Meet a few people and tell them about your dreams or goals to make a transition. People are usually very nice and will be happy to offer you some advice or introduce you to the right person. 

I love helping others. There have been many people along the way that have selflessly helped me move along my career change and it is so rewarding to pay it forward. Drop me a line to talk about those scary career change ideas that you may have!

Story of My Career Switch

When I chose to pursue my MBA at the University of Pittsburgh, I had just recently gotten married and therefore started the program part-time to be able to financially contribute to the household. Working and going to school quickly became difficult as my job was demanding with deadlines and travel. A few classes even mentioned that you could not take the class if you were to miss more than one class. This was a stressful weight on my shoulders. As the first semester progressed, I realized the wealth of opportunity and knowledge available to an MBA student.

For many years, I pursued the field of landscape architecture, a unique and interesting field, but ultimately small in terms of job opportunities and growth.

 I suddenly realized that the same opportunities weren’t available at my current job and knew that it was holding me back from future potential to advance. My office was very small with only six employees, so I knew it would be a big deal if I left the team. I had the feeling that I needed to quit my very first job that I had out of undergrad to pursue a full-time course load in graduate school. This was very scary financially and professionally. Was I going to leave a profession that I went to school for five years, was the president of the local professional chapter, on the alumni board of my undergraduate program, and a registered professional in my field? This was a huge obstacle holding me back because of these sunk costs. I felt guilty essentially leaving this small and tight nit profession.

 Ultimately, I had to decide to quit my job and start the spring semester full-time. It ended up being a wonderful decision, but I am still dealing with obstacles of departing from my previous profession. I am still holding the position as president of our local chapter and a member of our state chapter, but I am learning lessons about letting go of people that you professionally care about in pursuit of a better career and job opportunities for myself. As a member of the Penn State Alumni Board of Landscape Architecture, I explained to them my choice not to pursue a traditional career in landscape architecture after I graduate from Katz with my MBA but the marketing field that I have chosen greatly related to our great design and analysis education that PSU provided. They were supportive, but ultimately sad to lose someone in the small profession. I feel guilty as I continue this transition to a new career path from a professional that I was very involved with.

Ultimately, we all need to make hard decisions. Those decisions may disappoint others but hopefully they are only disappointed because you were a great employee and enjoyable to work with. Be sure to tell them how much you appreciated their help and time to enhance your career. At the end of the day, you need to do what is best for you!

How to Alleviate Networking Nerves at Your Next Event

Networking time! This is an important skill to keep fresh (not just when you need a new job). Networking grows your number of connections. By growing your base, you’ll have more unexpected opportunities that come your way! An added bonus is that I’ve made a bunch of new friends!

One way I love to network is through a local Young Professionals group. They have many events a month ranging from happy hours, and professional development, to hosting speakers. I’ve met many people by attending different types of events. While it is easy to show up to an event and make small talk, you need to deepen these connections. To grow these relationships and ultimately friendships, I joined a committee. Since I have a focus on marketing, I joined the social media committee. Through joining the committee, I’ve been able to hone skills in marketing through their social media platform and analytics while gaining the benefit of deepening relationships with a handful of people. We meet monthly and over time I’ve built a strong group of marketers if I were to ever need to call on my network. It’s smart to keep connections in your field if ever the time should come to request some help, feedback, or advice. They have even become a support group where we can talk about the different challenges that we face at work.

The main benefit of becoming more active with a professional group is to KNOW more people at your event! This can alleviate any nerves when I show up to a big event by myself. I hate those jitters that I get when I first enter a room and I’m not sure what to expect. Now, I usually can spot someone from my committee to start that first conversation. I know that I am relieved to see a welcoming face when we enter a crowded room. From here, it is much easier to start conversations with new people. Whether they introduce you to someone they are speaking with or you can join a new conversation nearby. We all get nervous in big groups where the goal is to meet new people. Try some of these tactics to feel more comfortable at your next event.