The Tufts Career Network is a database of thousands of Tufts alums who have volunteered to share career advice with current students. This is a remarkable tool for individuals who are seeking guidance in figuring out what kind of work would best suit them.
To access the Tufts Career Network:
- Read the guidelines and policies for using the Network
- Log in via WebCenter and select Career Network from the Navigation menu.
- Click “Search the Network” and enter different criteria (industry, major, etc.) into the search boxes to zero in on your particular interests.
Before getting in touch with alums, think about the dos and don’ts of networking:
RESEARCH: Make it evident that you did some research before contacting the alum. They lead busy lives and will not be motivated to respond to your inquiry if it is apparent that you put zero thought into it. Look up some background information on the person and tailor your questions to his/her experiences. Doing this will showcase your sincerity, making it more likely that the alum will answer your questions.
Do not ask for a job! This is the most common networking mistake made by students. Asking for a job right off the bat implies that you have no desire to get to know these alums and are just attempting to use them for their connections. Besides, they may not even have a job to offer at the present moment. Instead, ask alums for advice. This is why they have volunteered their time, to share their experiences with you!
THANKS: Make your appreciation known. Whether they agree to meet with you in person or they send an e-mail full of helpful advice, be certain to send a heart-felt thank you note afterward. Also remember to keep the lines of communication open for future correspondence. You never know when they will have more suggestions for you or a potential employer to forward your resume to.
There are innumerable ways to go about preparing for the future. The Tufts Career Network is one of the most valuable resources for gathering advice from people who share similar interests and aspirations. To make the most of this experience, you should make sure to follow some concrete rules about networking and informational interviewing. To locate even more tips on this topic, visit http://careers.tufts.edu/TCN/students.asp. The Tufts Career Network has proved to be a tremendous asset to many Tufts students already. Don’t miss out on this opportunity, because there’s nothing quite like getting a helping hand from a fellow Jumbo.
