Networking can help you meet new colleagues, share who you are and what you do, create valuable connections that could be used in your current work or in the future — and have fun!

On March 19, the President’s Advisory Committee for the Status of Women (PACSW) is hosting a hybrid Women We Admire talk at noon, featuring UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol T. Christ, followed by an in-person networking event at 12:45 in Oakland Lobby 1.  Download a flyer for the Chancellor Christ event.

If it’s been a while since you’ve exercised your networking muscles, don’t worry. Many of us are still reviving this skillset, post-pandemic. This event is a safe space to meet new colleagues, share who you are and what you do, create valuable connections that could be used in your current work or in the future — and have fun!

Tips for productive and fun networking

1.     Set a clear goal.

Before the event, decide what you hope to gain from it (i.e., name recognition with a larger group; career advancement; rapport with a person or group of people). This will help you build a strategy for who you want to meet and why. Aim to make valuable connections rather than connecting with as many people as possible.

2.     Meet new people with a smile.

Introduce yourself with a friendly expression, making eye contact. Pay attention to the other person’s name and use it at least twice during the conversation to help remember their name and demonstrate your interest in the conversation. 

3.     Have your elevator pitch ready.

When sharing what you do, cover who you are, what you do and what makes you unique. It’s ok to go beyond your job title, but keep it short. Try using prompts to build your elevator pitch, such as:

• What is your role at UCOP and how do you best represent your division or department?
• What makes you unique?
• Why are you passionate about your work?
• What’s your favorite professional story or experience?

4.     Listen as much as you talk.

If the conversation is one-sided, you won’t learn the other person’s interests or have an opportunity to make a meaningful connection with them. Try a technique called “double-clicking” — after an initial question and response, follow up with a second question that relates to something the person has just said.

5.     Ask open-ended questions.

Asking the other person about their background and work shows that you’re interested in more than your own opportunities, e.g.:

• What do you love about being part of the University of California?
• Tell me about the kinds of projects you’re working on.
• How did you get to where you are today?

6.     End the conversation gracefully.

Don’t cut off the other person while they are speaking. Wait for a natural lull, then offer a simple transition, such as:

• Please let me know how that project goes, I’d love to know how it turns out.
• Have you seen anyone from [department, company, etc.]? I am hoping to connect with them for a moment.

7.     Trade contact information.

Physical business cards are still out there but digital business cards allow you to instantly transfer contact information using your phone. Try Blinq, or another app that offers free business cards.

8.     Follow up.

Don’t let your hard work go to waste! If you make a connection with someone you’d like to learn more about, follow up with an invitation to coffee or a 20-minute informational interview.

For more tips, check out the Harvard Business Review article, A Beginner’s Guide to Networking.

Mark your calendar for PACSW’s Women’s History Month events

Oakland PACSW International Women’s Day Party
March 12, 3 – 4:30 p.m. | Oakland Broadway Conference Center
Join PACSW as we make friendship bracelets for International Women’s Day while enjoying light refreshments.

UCPath Center PACSW International Women’s Day Party
March 13, 12 – 1:30 p.m. | UCPath Room 2143
Join PACSW as we make friendship bracelets for International Women’s Day while enjoying light refreshments.

Women We Admire featuring Chancellor Carol T. Christ
March 19, 12 – 12:45 p.m. | Oakland Franklin Lobby 1 + Zoom
Join PACSW for a special session of the Women We Admire Speaker Series Featuring UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol T. Christ. Chancellor Christ is a celebrated scholar of Victorian literature and a well-known advocate for quality, accessible public higher education; a proponent of the value of a broad education in the liberal arts and sciences; and a champion of women’s issues and diversity on college campuses. Download an event flyer (docx).

PACSW Networking Event
March 19, 12:45 – 1:30 p.m. | Oakland Franklin Lobby 1
Oakland staff are invited to remain in Lobby 1 following Chancellor Christ’s discussion for a networking event featuring light refreshments.

PACSW 15th Anniversary Celebration
March 27, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Oakland Broadway Conference Center
Join PACSW as we celebrate 15 years of accomplishments with light refreshments! All are welcome, including PACSW alumni. PACSW leadership will share brief remarks at 3 p.m.

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