Reference no: EM134032704
Question
Mary is a recent college graduate who has just earned her bachelor's degree in business administration. She has always been a diligent student, maintaining a high GPA, but she recognizes that she has limited job experience and an almost non-existent professional network. Mary understands the importance of networking for her future career prospects and is eager to embark on her networking journey.
Background information:
Name: Mary Brown
Age: 23
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration
Job Experience: Limited internship experience, no full-time job experience
Professional Network: Limited, only a few classmates and professors on LinkedIn
Career Goals: Mary's long-term goal is to work in marketing or human resources within a reputable company.
Networking Challenges:
• Mary's LinkedIn connections primarily consist of classmates and professors from her college. She has not yet connected with professionals in her desired field.
• Mary's resume lacks substantial work experience in her chosen field. She has completed a couple of internships during her studies, but they were short-term and not directly related to her career goals.
Networking Goals:
• Build a professional network on LinkedIn, connecting with professionals in her field.
• Gain insights and advice from experienced individuals in marketing and human resources.
• Secure informational interviews or mentorship opportunities.
Networking Strategy:
Mary has outlined a strategy to address her networking challenges and achieve her goals:
• LinkedIn Profile Optimization: Mary will update her LinkedIn profile, including adding a photo, a summary, and a few skills. She will also add her degree to her education.
• Networking Outreach: Mary will actively seek and connect with professionals in marketing and human resources. She plans to send personalized connection requests and initiate conversations by expressing her interest in their careers and seeking advice.
• Joining Professional Groups: Mary will join LinkedIn groups related to marketing and human resources to engage in discussions, learn from group members, and make meaningful connections.
• Informational Interviews: Mary will reach out to professionals in her network or groups and request informational interviews to gain insights into their career paths and the industry.
Questions:
1. What are the main networking challenges that Mary faces as a recent graduate?
2. Reviewing Mary's networking goals, why are they important for her career development? What other networking goals should Mary have that will help her with her career goals?
3. Evaluate Mary's networking strategy. What are the strengths and potential areas for improvement?
4. How can Mary leverage LinkedIn and other online platforms to expand her professional network effectively?
5. What are some other examples where Mary can expand her professional network? Use non- online examples.
6. What steps can Mary take to gain more job-related experience and make her resume more attractive to potential employers?
7. Provide a brief layout (either in writing or by creating a LinkedIn profile) on how you would setup Mary's profile. Be specific noting areas discussed in class and by the guest speakers.
Relate it back to Mary's Networking Strategy, specifically the 'LinkedIn Profile Optimization' part.