Careers Week

Emma Louise Bell
Oct 24, 2018
2 min read

Updated: Nov 14, 2018

Careers week 22nd - 26th October 2018

How to network

Speakers;

Elixel. Rio (real ideas organisation), Openreach, Fine artist

Why is networking important

Formal networking
Informal networking

Don’t need to pretend you are something you are not, just be real and be prepared.

Start with the people closest to you (biggest advocates), then move outwards from there, you don’t know who knows who.

Planning ahead for networking events, who is worth seeing and try and get to meet up with them. Who is going to be at the event, do research beforehand.

What do i want to achieve here?

What will help you get to the next stage?

How important is the first impression, tailor it, get them talking about themselves.

What do they want to hear and what do you want to tell them.

Use those around you that know you best, they will tell you what you are good at.

Artist statement, what is your aim, what do you want people to know about you.

Even if you are not a confident speaker to have something to reference about yourself will help you decide who you want to align with.

Elevated pitch

What is your vision, what do you want to create, personal values

How does this show in your day to day practice, if you say you do something stick to that, deliver on your promises. And be confident.

Try and find common ground, find that connection on a human level.

Don’t see your competitors as a threat, you might need to reach out to someone in a similar practice. Support other artists.

Older artist, networkers want to help, they know what it is like to be in your position.

“Collaboration not competition”

How to manage nerves

Realise that the majority of people are in the same position
Knowing people at networking events, they may make you feel more comfortable talking to new people.
Get perspective, take a breath
Eye contact, personal touch

Talk to the organiser of the event, they know all about how to make connections and may be able to introduce you to people.

It is ok to have a comfort zone.

Engage with everyone but if the other person cannot help you, find an excuse to leave, do not make empty promises, or waste each others time. Trust your instinct.

There is no rush, don’t expect to much, maintain the connection there may be something in the future.

Show interest in other people, show respect.

Your killer CV