Career Services: Five Types of Networking Opportunities

From large-scale Career & Networking Fairs to one-on-one meetings through the Job Shadow Program, Career Services offers a variety of networking opportunities to connect with employers. Get to know the different types and benefits of each. Try participating in as many career activities as you can, as this is a great way to exercise your “networking muscle” and improve employment outcomes.

1. Job Shadow Program

• About: The Job Shadow Program allows you to learn about careers of interest by meeting with a professional (a job shadow mentor) for a 60 to 90 minute session that is offered either virtually or in person. Job shadowing helps you make connections between classroom learning and real-world work requirements.
• Who it’s for: Students in third or fourth year within the Faculties of Public and Global Affairs, Arts and Social Sciences and Science.
• Benefits: Build your network by meeting someone in your field of interest. You can also gain insight into the skills and experience required in the industry – this can help you determine if you have any gaps in skills or knowledge that you may need in the future.
• Number of attendees: Usually one-on-one, some mentors may meet with two or three students at once.

2. Off-site Events

• About: Off-site events are when employer partners offer tours and presentations at their offices or project sites. These visits usually span a couple hours to a full day and give a more in-depth look at the work and organization.
• Who it’s for: Event posts will list the target audience on a case-by-case basis.
• Benefits: Meet employer representatives in small groups, get a more comprehensive look at an organization and the work they are doing, get to know the work environment and see what the day-to-day life is like.
• Number of attendees: Event size varies based on how many spots an employer offers, typically five to 20.

3. Info Booths

• About: Info booths take place in the Nideyinàn galleria. They are offered by employers and grad schools, and are often industry specific.
• Benefits: Info booths take place over a longer timeframe throughout the day, so you have more flexibility to visit. These booths are set up for students to drop by, so info booths tend to be a less formal, more relaxed way to connect with employers briefly and ask questions (though of course you still want to conduct yourself professionally).
• Who it’s for: Some booths are targeted to programs; other booths are open to all students. Event posts will list the target audience, but the booth reps are always happy to chat, so you’re welcome to stop by and ask questions, no matter what program you’re in.
• Number of attendees: Students stop by throughout the day, so you can usually speak with the rep one-on-one or in small groups.

4. Employer Info Sessions

• About: Employer info sessions are offered in person or virtually and typically include a presentation, a Q&A, and time to network with the reps (sessions run 60 to 90 minutes). Info sessions are often industry specific; reps are usually looking to meet with students from certain programs to discuss specific roles at their organization.
• Benefits: Students gain a deeper understanding of the organization and career opportunities – info sessions provide insights you wouldn’t get just by looking at the website. Presentations often include what the organization looks for in candidates and what a “day in the life” is like. Many employers bring reps who are Carleton graduates so you can learn from their experiences and build your network with alumni. There’s no pressure to speak at an info session, but it can be a good opportunity to practice your networking in a smaller group. There’s also usually an opportunity to give your resume to a representative or obtain contact information for when you submit a resume.
• Who it’s for: Some info sessions are targeted to programs; other sessions are open to all students. The event post will list the target audience.
• Number of attendees: Depending on the event, it can be a smaller group of 20 students to over 100.

5. Career & Networking Fairs

• About: Career & Networking Fairs are important for identifying hiring trends and getting to know employers, regardless of what stage you are at in your university career. Fairs are offered in person and cover a longer timeframe (typically 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). Interactions with employer representatives are usually brief so you have time to meet with multiple employers who spark your interest.
• Benefits: Familiarize yourself with multiple employers in one location on campus who are specifically looking to meet with students and new grads. Career & Networking Fairs typically offer more broad information than an info session but more exposure to a range of organizations and opportunities (co-ops, internships, part-time, full-time, summer and future opportunities).
• Who it’s for: Open to students in all programs in all years and Carleton alumni.
• Number of attendees: Over 1,000 throughout the day, though when you’re meeting with the employer rep you’re typically speaking on-on-one or in a small group.

Be sure to check the mySuccess Co-op and Careers Workshops and Events Calendar (log in to Carleton360 from the Current Students website), as new events are added regularly! Make time to attend a variety of networking opportunities throughout the year so you can continue building on this important career skill.

Thursday, March 13, 2025 in Employability, News
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