To: LCB Educational Enrichment Task Force
From: Hannah Jones
Date: 10/9/13
Re: Suggestion for improvement in the LCB
I am writing this memo to inform the students and staff members of the LCB about an improvement that is necessary to strengthen and develop the networking skills of LCB undergraduates. I highly suggest that the Lundquist College of Business create informational interviewing workshops and mock networking sessions for undergraduate students. I have outlined my suggestions below, about why we need these workshops and how we can execute my plan.
Strengthening Networking Skills
LCB undergraduate students need to strengthen their networking skills and their connections with alumni. Networking skills allow applicants to gain insight about a company and its different career paths. These skills are crucial in the business world today because the market is so competitive and having a strong network can give you an advantage over other applicants. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that in 2011 the unemployment rate for college grads ages 20 to 29 was 16.9 percent. Since unemployment rates are high and it is getting harder for college grads to find a job, the LCB should step up and help undergrads network with alumni and create connections in the business world.
Informational Interview Workshops
A way that LCBundergraduates can obtain and strengthen networking skills is by having informational interview workshops. Informational interviews inform students on how to ask questions to professionals and to explore different career paths. By establishing relationships with professionals through informational interviewing you can create stronger business networks and open your horizons. The LCB offers workshops on cover letters, resumes and interviewing. But the LCB does not offer any interviewing workshop that specifically directed to informational interviewing. Informational interviews allow students to:
- Create connections in the business world
- Collect more information about a specific career path
- Gain insight into specific companies and what they expect
Mock Networking Sessions
I also suggest that the LCB create mock networking sessions for undergrad students. These sessions will help strengthen student’s social skills in a professional business environment. Professionalism is crucial in business settings and to network yourself in a competent manner.
My recommendation is that the LCB creates informational interviewing workshops and mock networking sessions for undergraduate students. Students need to obtain strong networking skills to be able to succeed in the business world. The LCB is responsible to have resources available to strengthen the networking and social skills of undergraduate students.