» Networking

The Panther Network

Build relationships with alumni on Chapman’s exclusive online community.

Regional Alumni Groups

Connect with Panthers, wherever life takes you.

LinkedIn & Online Networking

Grow your network and personal brand online.

Reconnect with Faculty

Find Faculty via Chapman's Faculty Directory.

Career Appointments

Schedule a "Networking and Informational Interviews" Appointment.

Drop-In Hours

Stop by the Office of Career and Professional Development to talk to a peer advisor about networking tips and advice.

What is Networking?

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Connecting with people and cultivating relationships
Exchanging information, resources and support to create mutually beneficial relationships for personal and professional use
Achieving visibility
An opportunity to:
- Put yourself out there!
- Develop good listening skills
- Practice your formal and informational interviewing skills
- Be honest, tactful and ethical
- Gain insight into the career and profession you are interested in
- Practice your elevator pitch
- Gain resume feedback
Networking is about becoming part of the network

It is not all about “schmoozing.”
It is not about manipulating people to get hired.
It is not a quick fix. It is a long-term investment.
It is not asking for a job or using people. It is about learning from others. It may feel awkward, asking questions and talking about yourself, but it is an essential part of your professional success.

You obtain valuable advice and support.
Leads to access to insider information about organizations and jobs before advertised.
Networking contacts may assist you with navigating the job search process.

Your Network Includes...

Networking is about relationships, and everyone has a network. Here are some possible network contact sources.

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Friends and relatives
Families of friends; friends of relatives
Relatives of friends
Neighbors
Fraternity/sorority members
Sports partners
Members of your service, professional or religious affiliation, associations and clubs

Previous and current employers/supervisors
Colleagues from previous jobs
Employers who visit campus for career fairs or information tables

Alumni who majored in your field or the field you’re trying to enter
College classmates (inside or outside your major)
High school classmates
Administrators from campus with whom you worked or collaborated

Smaller Classes = Larger Network

Chapman faculty stand out among other world-class universities' faculty in that our faculty know their students by name. Do not take this unique characteristic of your educational experiences for granted. Your faculty are not only a resource for your academic career, but also for your career and professional development. Respecting, growing and stewarding your relationships with your professors are a key component of strategically networking during your college career.

Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are informal conversations with a professional in a job/organization/industry in which you are interested. Informational interviews are not job interviews. An informational interview provides you with insider insight as you are looking to learn more about an industry, field, career path or employer. You are not asking them for a job. You are gaining information to help you with your career goals (but there is always a chance this could lead to an opportunity!).

Learn more in our Networking and Informational Interviewing Handshake article.

Networking Activities

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Attending career events, panels and fairs are a great opportunity to network with professionals from different industries and organizations. The Chapman Career Team hosts events throughout the academic year. Check out our upcoming career events on the Chapman events calendar or contact your College Career Advisor for updates on events related to your major.

Whether you’re looking to connect based on shared interests or meet professionals within your industry, joining a club or organization helps you to grow your network. Chapman has many clubs on campus, including ones that are for academic and professional interests. You can view a list of on-campus clubs and organizations here. Or if you’re looking to join a professional association, check out our Program Career Portal for a list of recommendations based on your major.

The holiday season is the ultimate relationship-building time filled with industry, family and friend gatherings. Are you using those opportunities to organically grow your own network?

In this webinar, we discuss how to use the holiday party and networking season to your advantage, steward existing relationships and build new connections. Watch here or below, and we'll see you at a future Chapman networking event!

Career & Professional Development

Phone (714) 997-6942

Email career@chapman.edu

Hours

Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Drop-In Hours

If you don't have an appointment, you can swing by the Career House to meet with a fellow student Peer Career Advisor during Drop-In Hours. View the Drop-In schedule »

Appointments

Both virtual and in-person career appointments are available for students and alumni.

Schedule career appointments via Handshake »

Events

Explore upcoming career events on Handshake or events.chapman.edu

Links

Meet the Team »
Handshake »
Career Blog »

Address

Career House
342 N. Glassell
Orange, CA 92866
View Map

» Networking

The Panther Network

Regional Alumni Groups

LinkedIn & Online Networking

Reconnect with Faculty

Career Appointments

Drop-In Hours

What is Networking?

What networking is

What networking isn't

When networking is done right...

Your Network Includes...

Personal

Professional

Educational

Faculty

Informational Interviews

Networking Activities

Career Events, Panels and Fairs

Clubs and Organizations

Networking During the Holidays

All You Need to Know About Informational Interviews

8 Panthers' Top Networking Tips

5 Ways to (Net)Work the Room

Career & Professional Development