Networking Night, “PREPARE”.

Last night, the advertising students had an amazing treat as we had a chance to meet representatives from different agencies and companies. These representatives were invited by the SAA to discuss the number of entry level positions that we could potentially apply to and to also share some insightful knowledge on the cultural and business aspects of their agency and companies.

For this post, instead of sharing my wonderful experience going into my first networking event, I will be talking to you about the importance to “PREPARE”. My definition of “PREPARE” means to be ready and have yourself well equipped before an activity or performance. In consideration to network night, you want to be well prepared when approaching these representatives. This means you have to research these agencies and events that are coming to the event as you don’t to look clueless or confused when conversing with the representatives. Research includes looking through their “About Page”, following them on social media, and my favorite part in this is to review and analyze their past campaigns. Asking about their opening positions and about their agencies can only take you so far in comparison to talking about what attracts them the most about their past projects. For myself, with Dentsu AEGIS, I immediately asked about their interactive media campaigns and with Cossette, I have greatly followed their McDonald’s campaign.

 In consideration to researching the agencies and the companies available, the next to you should “PREPARE” for is your professional portfolio; which means have your resumes, cover letters, and linkedin account edited and viewed for positive and negative criticisms. My advice for your professional portfolio, please build one that best describes the job you will want in the future.

The final and most important “PREPARE” is to develop a professional image of yourself. As we all know you will be a student prior to work, that doesn’t mean you can’t look your best and to look as if you are already working in the industry. When you are meeting these representatives, have your best business/working attire ready. Dressing to impress is the key to building a good rapport with the representative. Apart from your attire, another aspect of the professional image is to learn to develop good eye contact as you don’t want to look down but at the representative, a clear voice that will ensure you will communicate properly, and finally, a good hard handshake to seal the deal.

Hope This Helps.