Career Blog: Networking
It’s the Final Countdown: Keeping Your Motivation up
Published: December 1, 2019 by Greta Snyder
Okay, so hopefully now that song is stuck in your head and helping lighten the mood as it is now about the time of year when the grind becomes real, and the motivation can be hard to find. No matter how you holiday, the illusion of a break and the potential oasis of day off are calling even though your list of things to do seems to get longer every day.
Networking for Novices: Trust Us, You’ve Got This!
Published: November 12, 2019 by Greta Snyder
Networking is a buzzword that draws out serious love-hate feelings. Just hearing the word right now your inner social butterfly may be fluttering, or perhaps you’re starting to shrink into a wallflower with horror. But, guess what, no matter whether you’re an extrovert or introvert or just new to the scene, you can improve your networking skills through learning strategies to up your game. Just meeting a bunch of people and being charming in the moment is not effective and avoiding anything remotely related to networking is a missed opportunity. Networking isn’t just all business, reserved for the outgoing or magically landing your dream job. Networking is building savvy, genuine, mutually beneficial relationships. So, time to take the pressure off; this is a chance to learn, be confident and genuine and realize how much this crucial skill can grow your career.
It’s a Date: iSchool Poster Session and Reception at CLA Conference Oct. 25
Published: October 21, 2019 by Greta Snyder
If you’re in the greater SoCal area, or can make it to Pasadena, California last minute, you should absolutely come to the SJSU iSchool reception at the California Library Association conference! You don’t need to be a member of CLA to attend this networking opportunity. It’s free to attend and who doesn’t love complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a chance to meet movers and shakers in the field, and to shake hands with some of the iSchool’s incredible instructors and alumni?
Going Up: The Elevator Pitch
Published: August 21, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
The elevator pitch or one-minute commercial is an essential tool to have in your back pocket when looking for a job. It’s perfect to use in so many situations—like on the elevator ride with a potential employer. A little thought and practice beforehand will give you an essential tool for networking and putting your best professional persona forward.
What to Say
Networking on Twitter: Building a Professional Presence in 140 Characters
Published: April 13, 2018 by Evelyn Hudson
If you have a Twitter account, you probably use it like most people: live-tweeting the season premiere of your favorite TV show or sharing your opinion about the new restaurant in town. While this is a diverting activity, Twitter can also be really useful for networking and professional development—when used properly.
Choosing a Professional Organization
Published: October 6, 2017 by Kate M. Spaulding
If you are enrolled in INFO 200 this semester, then you qualify for a free one-year membership in a professional organization.
6 Alumni-Approved Job Search Resources
Published: September 19, 2017 by Kate M. Spaulding
The iSchool recently surveyed 2016 MLIS graduates, and participants shared “3 resources that have been helpful in your job search.”
What I Learned at SLA 2017
Published: June 23, 2017 by Kate M. Spaulding
A conference newbie reflects on her first professional conference experience and shares her five takeaways from attending the Special Libraries Association 2017 Conference.
How to Use Conference #Hashtags
Published: June 16, 2017 by Kate M. Spaulding
Use Twitter to enhance your conference experience, whether you’re attending or not!
It’s (un)officially summer, which means conference season is warming up (or fiery hot). These days, in addition to weird acronyms and too many reusable bags, conferences also come with their very own Twitter hashtags. Some of you may be rolling your eyes at this point, but they actually can be useful. #trust
Behind the Research with Laurel Brenner
Published: June 2, 2017 by Kate M. Spaulding
By now you may have read on these virtual pages that the iSchool’s 2017 Emerging Trends Report has been released. It’s full of interesting information, so I wanted to connect with the author. Laurel Brenner, a fellow iSchool student, collected and analyzed data during the spring semester. I posed a few questions, and I’m sharing her answers below. I hope you find them as insightful as I do!
Students Connect at ALA Annual
Published: May 19, 2017 by Kate M. Spaulding
The American Library Association Conference as viewed from the student’s perspective. “Try to take it all in … but also be willing to see what happens in the moment.”
Supercharge Your Career with an Internship
Published: May 16, 2017 by Kate M. Spaulding
Did you know the iSchool maintains an Internship Database? It does! There are virtual and on-site positions, as well as both paid and unpaid internships. You can search by city, organization type, keyword, and more; you also can save listings that intrigue you. The opportunities in the database have all be vetted by the school, so you can be confident that:
iSchool Alumni Share Their Wisdom
Published: May 12, 2017 by Kate M. Spaulding
As a send off to the lazy days of summer (wishful thinking?), our helpful and talented iSchool alumni share their wisdom for school and career success.
Archivists Unite at SAA 2017
Published: April 18, 2017 by Kate M. Spaulding
With conference season approaching, I thought it would be interesting to speak with some of the organizers. Many professional associations hold conferences annually, and I wanted to hear their arguments for why students should find the time, money, and energy to attend. Several were kind enough to reply to my emails! I’ve already written about AIIP, SCIP, and SLA.
LinkedIn as a Job Search Tool
Published: April 4, 2017 by Kate M. Spaulding
By now, I know you know that LinkedIn should be part of your job-hunting arsenal (I think you also need a website). But maybe you’re switching careers, or haven’t updated your profile in a while, or aren’t sure about what you should include or exclude. However, even if you have a perfectly put-together and up-to-date-profile, you might not know how to really make LinkedIn work for you (I don’t).
Pivot for Success with AIIP
Published: March 30, 2017 by Kate M. Spaulding
With conference season approaching, I thought it would be interesting to speak with some of the organizers. Many professional associations hold conferences annually, and I wanted to hear their arguments for why students should find the time, money, and energy to attend. Several were kind enough to reply to my emails!
LinkedIn or Website? Probably Both
Published: March 7, 2017 by Kate M. Spaulding
If LinkedIn were to disappear or stop being free, would your online presence disappear along with it?
Three Key Career Moves from Tracy Z. Maleeff
Published: December 2, 2016 by Kate M. Spaulding
During the recent SLASC webcast, guest speaker Tracy Z. Maleeff shared smart insights and practical tips for a successful career.
Jean Bedord Advises: Expand Your Job Search
Published: November 29, 2016 by Kate M. Spaulding
iSchool instructor Jean Bedord shares, “Students are always amazed at the variety of organizations that hire MLIS graduates, although the open positions may have very different job titles.”