Foregoing the Donut: Lessons in Networking

Smith student Philip Peker ’18 writes about Smith Start Networking Training Day, held on Feb. 21, 2017, at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business

In preparation for the annual Smith Start Networking Day (Feb. 24), the Smith freshman class of 2020 attended a “crash course” in the how-tos of networking during a training day on Feb. 21. The goal of the session was to prepare freshman for their first real steps into the world of professional relationship building.

For the second year in a row, KPMG sponsored Networking Week. The training session on Tuesday was jointly led by Associate Dean Victor Mullins and James Edwards, who is the campus development manager at KPMG and a proud alumnus of the Smith School.

After some introductions, Dean Mullins asked the room full of students, “What is networking?” There were many answers, but Dean Mullins and James were in search of one specific response: networking is about “marketing your brand.” When an employer or a recruiter asks you to tell them about yourself, you have to be armed with the knowledge of not only what to say, but how to say it. A brand statement includes several elements, such as a personal statement, relevant work experience, what you’re looking for, and of course, leading questions. In marketing your brand, you must invite the other person into your world and leave them curious about you. This first step could be the start of a relationship that could lead to one’s hiring, and so it should not be taken lightly. James then continued with some ground rules and general tips about networking. He and Dean Mullins covered topics that ranged from ways to smartly engage in small talk and how to network within a group, to food and drink etiquette and the importance of a confident handshake.

One important point is that networking happens all the time. How you talk to other students, how you interact with professors, this is all networking. Every week, there are a handful of recruiters that set up shop by the Employer of the Day table in Van Munching Hall, inviting students to engage them in a conversation. This opportunity is more than just free donuts and free swag; this is a chance to stand out and be remembered as a bright, promising and driven citizen of the business community at Smith. Such opportunities are a great way to show how you are more than just a resume and a transcript.

James had many words of wisdom for the freshman class, but one stood out. “Get involved. The friends you make in the clubs, organizations and professional fraternities here in Smith will be you partners that may help you get an internship or job down the line.  As a recruiter, I value student recommendations very heavily, so you never know… that senior in your accounting club may be the key to your summer internship,” said James.

The students left the evening with an arsenal of information and inspiration. “Everything you do while networking matters. From the way you shake hands, to how you eat your food. Tonight showed me the importance of being self-aware while networking,” said Adam Reisfield, a freshman accounting student.

Networking is a fluid term, and your outlook on it shapes how it’s defined. While others see it as a chance to sample the finest snacks, you may see it as a way to actualize your dreams. This time, forego the donut, because your next conversation may be with the gatekeeper of your dream job.

For more information about the undergraduate program at Smith, visit: www.rhsmith.umd.edu/undergrad.