Career Zone EN

Networking

One way to gain more insight into a job or organisation is to have (informative) conversations with people in the field. This is called networking.

When you think about applying for a job, the first things that often come to mind are writing a good CV, crafting an enthusiastic cover letter, or perhaps updating your LinkedIn profile. These are all very important things, but don't be mistaken; networking can also be crucial.

Since most jobs are filled through networking, without even posting a vacancy on a website, a strong network is incredibly valuable! It provides you with a wealth of information.

However, networking isn't always viewed positively, which is a shame. Networking can be incredibly valuable yet accessible. It provides a wealth of information. Are you curious about how you can use networking to achieve your goals?

Assignment Networking:

1. Networking within your current network

Convinced of the power of networking? Start exploring your current network now and determine your 3 networking action points.

Choose 3 people in your current network who work (or have worked) in one of the fields you're interested in. Be creative! Think of friends, family, (former) teammates, someone from your sports club, fellow students, someone from your student association, someone from primary/secondary school, a family friend, or a friend's parent(s), for example.
For example, take a look on LinkedIn to see who has held which internships/jobs.
Share your specific search or desires via LinkedIn, for example, and discover the strength of your current network.
Think of 3 questions you'd like to ask this person and approach them for a networking conversation to actually ask them these questions.

Note: you're networking for information, not for a job. Therefore, keep the invitation for the networking meeting accessible by mentioning that you are currently exploring the job market and that you are looking for information about a specific field of work.

2. Expanding your network

Besides discovering and utilizing your current network, it's also important to expand it. You can do this in several ways, including:

through the Mentor network
and through the alumni database on the company page of Leiden University on LinkedIn.
More information about searching for alumni can be found on the LinkedIn page.

3. Networking within your new network

View mentor profiles on the Mentor Network and look for mentors with interesting and inspiring profiles (for you). Who works at that organisation where you'd love to intern? Who has completed an assignment in a sector that piques your interest?
Then, browse the alumni database on Leiden University's LinkedIn company page, filter by your bachelor's/master's degree, and view the profiles of alumni with a similar educational background. Which profiles appeal to you?
Next, choose 3 new contacts with whom you'll have a networking meeting. Think about the questions you want to ask beforehand. And schedule an appointment with them. If you're offered the opportunity to visit someone's workplace, take advantage of it. This allows you to immediately get a feel for the atmosphere within the organisation.

You have now completed step 2. Explore the job market.
Based on the results from 'Explore the job market', create an overview of the most important findings. By combining the various aspects, you will create an overview, which, together with the results from 'Know Yourself', will form your (career) profile.

Assignment Personal Career profile

Complete the (career) profile, the Career Planning work document, with the information you now have clear about yourself and can already determine for your personal profile.

Question any items you don't yet have a clear picture of, such as 'employment conditions' or 'role'. These are matters for further research.

Note: If you follow the next steps and continue gathering information, your (career) profile may change.

With all this information, it's time to focus on Step 3: Develop your job application skills.

Continue > Step 3 Develop your application skills

Mentornetwerk

Via het Universiteit Leiden Mentornetwerk kunnen studenten en jonge alumni in contact komen met ervaren alumni en hen eenvoudig benaderen voor advies.