Networking tips

The UCLA Armenian Graduate Student Association will be hosting a networking forum tonight, with professionals from various companies and firms. Here are some tips for successful networking: • Initiate conversations; take the opportunity to get acquainted.

• Do your research and learn as much as possible ahead of time about the organizations you’re interested in.
• Become adept at small talk. Ask open-ended questions to open up the conversation.
• Make yourself appear more approachable by watching your body language. Eye contact, smiles and a relaxed posture can convey confidence.
• Maintain your networks by remembering common courtesies such as thank you notes and taking the initiative to keep in touch.
• Learn a few personal details about your professional acquaintances to find a common ground. Find their areas of interest and expertise.

SOURCE: Career Center Web site

Students to mix with professionals

Karen Lee (Contact)
Published: Thursday, February 28, 2008

The UCLA Armenian Graduate Student Association will be hosting its first annual Graduate-Professional Networking Forum tonight to give students the chance to meet professionals from various major companies.

The event is open to all graduate students and will be held at 7 p.m. in the Kerckhoff Grand Salon. There will be no charge for admission and complimentary wine and refreshments will be served.

Students will have the opportunity to network and interact with over 30 Armenian-American professionals employed by major companies from various sectors.

The professionals attending the event will represent an array of companies and firms, such as Fox Interactive Media, Latham and Watkins Law Firm, and Jefferies Investment Banking.

“These are individuals who will share their experiences,” said Raffi Kassabian, executive officer of the association. “The purpose of the event is to bridge the gap between the graduate student world and the professional world, and to also educate students about community involvement postgraduation.”

Students who attend the event will also have the opportunity to learn more about Armenian-American professional organizations from its members, such as Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America and the Armenian Professional Society.

The Armenian Graduate Student Association was formed in 2002 with the goal to promote graduate student life on campus representing diverse fields of study such as medicine, law and film.

“(The association) is unique in the sense that we bring together all these professions,” Kassabian said.

Compiled by Karen Lee, Bruin contributor.