By Nicole Reisinger, Maryland Athletics Communications Intern
The profound impact LinkedIn has had on networking was the focus in Heritage Hall as Kelley Bishop, Director at the University Career Center, addressed an intimate gathering of University of Maryland student-athletes for a Business Etiquette Social.
The goal of the Business Etiquette Social is to get athletes comfortable with using LinkedIn as a resource in their arsenal of networking capabilities. Bishop discussed how to utilize LinkedIn to one's advantage.
The premise of LinkedIn is geared towards sharing one's professional view with the world. Bishop described it as a social-networking tool used to provide depth in addition to a resume. He claimed it could even “make the difference in getting invited into an interview.”
In order to successfully use LinkedIn to their advantage, Bishop provided some key points for the athletes to focus on. From getting their profile in shape, building a network, and making contact, Bishop guided the athletes through the 'dos' and 'don'ts' of LinkedIn. He provided actual examples of profiles from University of Maryland athletes to demonstrate the program's functionality.
Bishop urged the athletes to remain professional, give detailed insight about themselves and to be clear about what they are trying to learn. He went on to discuss the proper etiquette of using LinkedIn, such as making 'connections' -which is analogous with 'friending on Facebook'-, following up with any recommended contacts and paying the advice you receive forward.
The most potent advice Bishop imparted was to “be more daring than not.” He warned that it is easy to get trapped behind the screen of anonymity when making a LinkedIn profile. With this idea, the pertinence and continued relevance of networking in person became the next topic of discussion.
The growing influence of technology on this generation, as Bishop suggested, will not replace the importance of being able to communicate in person.
“There is no substitute to meeting a person face-to-face and shaking their hand,” Bishop said.
Aaron Scissors, associate director of development for the Terrapin Club Scholarship Fund, then introduced donors who would practice in-person interaction with the athletes. The student-athletes joined the mingling crowd of professionals to practice their networking skills.
Among the student-athletes in attendance were Maryland gymnasts Ebony Walters (Class of 2015) and Sarah Faller (Class of 2017).
Walters has a bachelor's degree in Sociology and was eager to speak with Ralph Lary during the networking session. Lary graduated from Maryland in the class of 1981 and is a founder and manager partner of ATR (Arena Technical Resources), which is involved in the staffing industry.
Walters explained how the job did not feel like working and that she believed that field would be a good fit.
Walters and Faller then had a chance to speak with Marcos Bronfman, Maryland class of 1981 and current Vice President of Navient, the nation's number one financial services company specializing in education. Both athletes recognized his familiar face: Walters, from basketball games, and Faller, from gymnastics meets.
Majoring in graphic design posed a challenge for Faller in regards to connecting, but her ability to express her interests and conduct a professional interaction is an invaluable asset that she can apply in her field.
From the experience of Sarah Faller, the power of networking and having a professional LinkedIn profile cannot be overstated. You never know when you will be in the company of “the person” who could change your course.
