How to Make Professional Friends
80% of jobs or internships are found by making connections with professionals and alumni. The more professional friends you have in your network, the better your chances of finding the right opportunity.
Getting Connected Is Easier Than You Think
Often, hearing the words “connections” and “networking” can easily make your heart beat faster and your palms start to sweat.
It’s Okay. Take a DEEP breath.
Think of “connections” or people in your “professional network” to be more like friends. Friends tend to help friends when they are in need.
What Types of Professional Friends Are There?
The more professional friends you make, the wider your network becomes which can lead to more jobs, internships and opportunities.
- An Adviser - someone who has done what you want to do.
- An Advice Giver - someone that is in a different field than you.
- A Connector - someone who knows people who have done it before.
- An Expert - someone who you trust who will give you honest feedback.
- A Backup - someone who you might need in the future.
- An Alum - someone who was a former student at the University at Buffalo.
Tips for Meeting People
• Don't forget to introduce yourself and remember to thank them for their time.
• When wearing a name tag at a networking event, place it on your right side, so that when somebody shakes your hand, it's easier to read your name.
Ways to Make Professional Friends
We know that you have a lot of questions about your future career path, you are not alone. UB alumni have been in the same situation and they know how you feel.
Fun Fact: Connecting to UB alumni is one of the easiest and quickest ways to build your connections.
Friend-making
Find your people, hopefully leading to your the next big step.
Career Conversations
Career Conversations are a great opportunity to connect with UB alumni face-to-face from different career industries with different career experiences in a fun and casual way. You'll have the opportunity to connect with a potential professional contact, or even more importantly, a mentor.
UB Career Connector Network
Can't make it to an appointment during office hours and you need quick tips from someone in your industry or to practice for your big interview? You are in luck! You can get after hour advice, coaching, and prep from your UB Alumni-Powered Global Network by booking and completing a consultation with a UB alum.
Trick:
Here's how to get started in the UB Career Connector Network
1. Click Get Advice.
2. Register with your UB email address.
3. Complete your full profile.
4. Browse hundreds of UB alumni that are waiting to help you and schedule a consultation.
Inside look
See what company culture fits your style-- leadership or career-wise.
Road Trip Career Experience
Want to know what it would be like to work at leading companies in the New York City area. Select an experience when registering for the event and be taken on guided tours to top companies to learn the latest tips & tricks and experience the office culture all while meeting UB alumni.
Real Experience and Leadership Mentoring Program (REALM)
REALM is an opportunity to shadow and spend a day in the life of a professional in your field.
Not sure how to get the conversation started?
See our list of conversation starter topics and questions for when doing an informational interview.
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Learn New Skills at Upcoming Workshops
Get professional advice for writing your resume, interviewing, finding a job and so much more at our popular “skillshops.”
Want a customized workshop (skillshop) for your club, group or class, or have an idea for one, book a workshop.