Who's in Your Network?

Seek out Faculty

Talk to your professors (Hampshire and Five College), advisors, Div II and Div III committee members. They may have recommendations about graduate schools and/or contacts in the field. Ask what former students with your interests and talents have done.

Get in Touch with Former Employers (summer jobs, internships, work study, etc.)

Mention that you are about to graduate, discuss your job ideas, and ask for suggestions.

Contact Hampshire Alumni

Alums can be found via the SPARC Alumni Councils, the Hampshire Network, and LinkedIn.  (Note: alums are usually very willing to help with information and advice, but it is not appropriate to ask them directly for a job or internship.)

Talk About your Job Search with Family and Friends

Your parents, your parents' friends, the parents of your own friends, aunts and uncles--in other words, talk to anyone you know who is in the workplace pursuing a career. They may have good general advice or specific information, or may know of someone working in your area of interest.

Connect with People

Connect with people at organizations where you would love to work and let them know that, although there may be no job openings at the moment, you would like to be considered in the future. Tell them why you are interested in the organization and what skills you have to offer. If possible, offer your services as a volunteer or intern.

Volunteer

Find an agency or group that needs people with your talents and interests, and get involved. You may meet some people who can be helpful in your job search, or give you useful referrals.

Join a Professional Association

Search for professional organizations in your field of interest. You may also want to ask people working in your field if their are professional organizations you should consider joining or learning more about.  Some examples of professional organizations are: the American Institute of Architects, the National Association of Social Workers, the Association of Environmental Professionals, and the American Chemical Society. Many associations have reduced membership fees for students and recent graduates. As a member you have access to up-to-date information, education resources, networking opportunities, and more. Some associations have employment referral services or advertise actual job openings.

Attend Professional Conferences

There are often job boards or a job/interview fairs at these conferences. You may need to post your resume or CV in advance, or you may need to bring copies with you and be ready to talk about your interests, and goals as they are developing.