4.1. Networking

Quick Link 1. Welcome 2. Introduction to career planning 3. Assess yourself (define your product) 4. Conduct market research and target your market 4.1 Networking 4.2 Information interviews 4.3 Job descriptions 4.4 Company presentations 4.5 Researching 4.6 Set preliminary goals 5. Develop and implement your marketing plan 6. Interviewing 7. Discussing compensation 8. Evaluating job offers 9. On-campus recruiting program 10. The summer internship 11. Taxes, visas and other legal information

Talking to people who are close to what you are looking for is the best way to get first-hand and up-to-date information. Although you may have not realized it, you already have a very big network and you are now entering a new one, the IESE community.

If you want to build and maintain a good network you must be prepared to serve as a resource for others and ask others to serve as a resource for you. You must also invest time in cultivating your relationships

Who might be in your network?

• Classmates and fellow graduates of schools/universities you have attended.
• Experts or authorities in your field of interest.
• Professional associates and members of relevant professional organizations.
• Current and former co-workers, customers, suppliers, or consultants.
• Friends and their friends.
• Family members and their friends.
• Neighbors and community members.
• Members of social, religious or recreational groups.