Networking and Career Fairs
Networking
Professional networking can help you explore career paths, obtain advice about your job search, uncover job opportunities, and obtain employer information.
Did you know: approximately 80% of all jobs are not posted but are filled through some form of networking?
Identify Your Purposes
Before reaching out, think about what do you want or need from the person with whom you are interacting?
Career Research
- Get information & advice about career options
- Explore your strengths
- Know how to be a good candidate
- Learn more about a specific career
Job Search
- Learn about hidden job opportunities
- Know job search strategies in your field
- Make new contacts in your field
- Pave way for future opportunities
Student Organizations
- Maintain awareness of opportunities for new projects & jobs
- Enhance skills
- Assist others in their career development
Tools You will Need
IlliniLink
Join University of Illinois digital networking platform to connect with Illinois alumni!
Join University of Illinois’s main LinkedIn group which includes over 350,000 alumni!
Handshake
Employers post many events on Handshake. Some recruiters are open to direct messages!
Networking Guide
Read more about how to initiate a conversation with people and start building your networks.