On Saturday, February 13, the Maryland iSchool’s SLA student group hosted the first of three informational sessions planned for the spring semester. That Saturday morning, 16 members braved the unplowed streets of D.C. to attend the first session on networking. Jamie Peacock, President of the SLA student group, hosted the session in her home and Elizabeth LeDoux, former President of the Law Librarians Society of Washington, D.C., generously shared her networking expertise. Group members feasted on a potluck brunch while LeDoux facilitated a conversation about the ins and outs of networking.
LeDoux began the session by correcting common myths about networking, such as the belief that networking involves handing out business cards and only talking about work. A key focus of the event was the use of networking on the job hunt. LeDoux and group members discussed job search tactics like setting up informational interviews with key people in the field, participating in professional associations and committees, and spreading the word among colleagues when you’re looking for a job. Group members shared their career aspirations so they can assist one another in finding relevant contacts and opportunities in the future.
This networking event was the first in a series planned by the SLA student group on post-graduation hurdles. The next session will tackle resume and cover letter questions while the third and final session will address interviewing techniques.
Kate Lanahan, Vice President of UMD iSchool’s SLA Student Group
Photo (L to R): Katherine Cook, Aimee Babcock-Ellis, Jamie Peacock, Diana D'Agostino, Alexandra Carter and Anna Forsher
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