Why Should I Develop a Network? What's So Great About Networking?

Studies indicated that at least 50% of all jobs are found through networking.  An alumni networking system can help you learn about your career field, prepare you to work for an organization, help you learn more about the location in which you'd like to work.

That's the greatest value of the Dickinson Works alumni network. It provides a focused system of developing and building a list of contacts who can provide career information that can lead to a new or better job. Dickinson alumni have volunteered to serve as resource persons for any students and alumni seeking information about various occupational fields. They can be of assistance to you in a number of ways.

Even though the on-line network program is designed for information only, many times the information you receive is one link in the chain which leads you to the job. Networking is not a way to get a job, it's a way to make contacts.  Through these contacts, you will learn what you need to know to find a job.  Using the Dickinson Works program may lead to job opportunities or internships.

What can an alumnus offer me?

Using Dickinson Works gives you the power of synergy. Synergy takes over when two people work together toward the same goal. They can often accomplish more than each would accomplish individually.

FAQ's

Isn't networking really just using people?
While you are asking someone to help you, you aren't "using" anyone. You're not asking them to do anything they haven't volunteered to do. The best kind of networking occurs when you remember to thank the person who has helped you and keep in touch.

But what if no one wants to talk to me?
That's the advantage of the Dickinson Works program. The alumni have volunteered to talk with you. They want to help you out and have willingly given their contact information just so you will contact them. They expect and welcome your contact.  You really have nothing to lose.

What if I can't find anyone who is doing what I'm interested in doing?
The Dickinson Works file contains alumni in fields from accounting to zoology and living all over the world. They work in business, education, government, nonprofit agencies, and industry. We can usually find someone who can help you. But occasionally if you've selected a career field which is less common, or if the position you're seeking can't be described under the computer categories you may not find what you're seeking. In that situation, we suggest you contact the Career Center immediately, and set up an appointment with a counselor. Sometimes we can find a contact for you by looking in related categories. In addition, we have access to more alumni records than are in the program and if we can locate other alumni who meet your needs, we will contact them for you and try to arrange a contact.

What if I discover the contact is no longer at the address/site listed in the database?
This can happen. People change jobs and don't always let us know right away. Please let the Career Center know immediately. We'll try to track down the alumnus' current information for you or help you find an alternate contact.

I've tried to contact one individual several times, but s/he doesn't return my calls. What should I do?
This shouldn't happen, but if it does, please contact our office. It could be that the individual you're trying to reach is particularly busy at the time you're trying to contact him/her. Try a different method of contacting the alum.  For instance, if you've been calling them, try e-mailing. If after three tries, you still don't get a response, move on to another contact, and be sure to let the Career Center know of your difficulty.