The Graduate Baruchian

By Samantha Matin — honors MBA 2011 & President of Zicklin Women in  Business.

Have you recently returned from a networking event with a fistful of business cards, feeling very pleased with yourself for a job well done? You should be pleased, but networking doesn’t stop there-this is just the beginning! Forging on-going long term connections is crucial to a successful career.

At the event, be sure to scribble key points on the back of each business card to remind you of relevant facts that will be useful later on [e.g. ‘Baruch alumni’ or ‘from my hometown’]. Be sure to send a communication via email or phone call soon thereafter.

Consider requesting an informational interview-these are goldmines of information and a unique way to present yourself and your personal brand. After the interview, be sure to send a thank you note-they have gone out of their way to help you. Network connections are long term professional relationships. Make sure you stay in touch every few months and build upon them.

To read the rest of this article on networking tips go to this editorial page of the ZWIB web site.