This document provides an agenda for a COMM 202 tutorial on informational interviews and networking at events. It includes details on informational interview assignments that are due, with a focus on conducting an interview and writing a reflection paper. It also outlines a networking event for students to attend, with tips on preparation, conversation skills, and follow-ups. Key deadlines are noted for resumes/cover letters and networking reflections.

1. Welcome to COMM 202
T26 & T33
Tutorial 7
Week 9: Event Networking / Informational Interviews
Austin Smith Disconnect from technology please

2. Breathing Exercise

3. “Accept the things to which fate
binds you, and love the people
with whom fate brings you
together, but do so with all your
heart. “
Marcus Aurelius
Opening Lesson

4. Today’s Key Learning's
Agenda
SM Debrief
Informational Interviews
Networking at Events
Actions Items

5. 1. SM debrief
• Marks have been posted online (check Turnitin for feedback!)

6. 2. Informational interviews

7. Why?
1. Get your foot in the door (faster)
2. Gain insight about a company, industry, or career path
3. Practice your interview and networking skills
4. Find a potential mentor
5. Show them who you are beyond your resume and cover
letter

8. Info interview assignment
• Contact details (name, company, title, phone, email
• List of questions asked
• Major insights gained – What did you learn during your informational
interview? **This is the most important part, should be 40% of final
paper.
• Did you request/receive any information regarding additional
connections?
• Follow up action – What will you do to maintain this connection?
*Screen shot of thank you email required
• What are your next steps having conducted this information
interview?
10%

9. Info Interview Assignment
10%
• Due Thursday April 14th (note that this is during the final exam
period)
• Minimum of one page
• In-person and not current UBC student/staff/faculty or family
member
• Look at potential questions on the Course Blog

10. 10%
How to land an Info Interview?
1. Find 4 or 5 potential contacts – WHERE?!
2. Research them (Google, LinkedIn) and reach out to contacts you
have in common
3. Decide what you want to talk to them about and brainstorm
questions and points of commonality
4. Send out your invites! Don’t be offended if they don’t immediately
reply

11. 2. Networking at Events

12. SAVE THE DATE:
Thursday, March10th from
6:00pm-8:00pm @ CPA Hall
• Alumni, senior students, and local professionals convening
for an evening of networking with this semester’s COMM
202 students
• Excellent opportunity to practice and refine your networking
skills and learn more about how to make the most of your
time at Sauder!

13. Networking reflection
Reflection paper due Monday, March 14th
1. Your goals in attending the event
What is your purpose in going? Define SMART goals beforehand
2. How did you prepare for the event (research potential delegates)?
3. A brief summary of who you spoke with (3+ convos) and what you
learned in the conversations
4. A reflection on the lessons you have learned about the networking
process
5. Next steps you will take to continue building a relationship with your new
contact (if you plan to)
10%

14. Researching contacts
• Check out the delegate info on the course blog
• Skim the LinkedIn profiles of delegates you’d like to speak to
-Note any interesting topics
-Hone in on similar experiences or shared groups
-Think about questions to ask
• During the event, be interested without being creepy! 
I had a chance to
look at your
LinkedIn profile,
and I was really
interested to learn
about…

15. Dress to IMPRESS &
Dress for SUCCESS
Research the
event dress
code if you
aren’t sure what
it means!

16. Networking Mechanics
Web to web
Eye color
Name tag on
right Smile 
Comfy Shoes

17. Assessing the room

18. The Approach
Avoiding the awkward:
• Don’t interrupt. When joining a
networking circle, wait for a lull in
the conversation.
• Never have food and a drink, you
need a free hand to shake!
• Go with a wingman! But not a
Siamese twin

19. Introduce yourself
Just simply say hi!
• Hi, my name’s Austin, Austin Smith.
• Hi Austin, it’s nice to meet you. My name’s Andy.
Show you’re interested in talking to them
• Hi Andy it’s great to meet you as well. I was actually hoping to
chat with you this evening as I noticed on your LinkedIn profile
that you…and I would love to hear more about your experience.
Start the conversation. Ask a question / have them talk about
themselves / Stay positive
• Do you have any advice for students…looking to make the most
of their time at Sauder? …looking for a career in your field?

20. Continuing the Conversation
• LISTEN
• Be careful not to monopolize peoples’ time
• Listen for facts, feelings, free information and implied
statements
• Introduce others, tying them into the conversation
• Identify commonalities
• Ask open ended questions

21. The Graceful Exit
• Spend 5 to 10 minutes with one person; wait for a lull
• Excuse yourself kindly and assertively:
o “It was nice to meet you”
o “I’m glad you were here today. It’s been great chatting with you.
Thanks so much.”
o “I don’t want to monopolize all your time today. Thank you for
taking time to speak with me and I hope you enjoy the rest of the
event.”
• Shake hands and exchange cards or ask to connect (if the
conversation was meaningful)

22. Follow it up
• After great conversations, send a personalized email or LinkedIn
request (or maybe an informational interview request?  )
Hi Austin,
It was so great to get the chance to speak with you at last night’s
networking event. I was really inspired by what you said about “building
your personal brand”, and I am looking forward to putting your advice into
practice.
I would love to continue our conversation about your experience at
L’Oreal. I understand that you are very busy, but it would be great to meet
for about 20 minutes. Would you be available to meet on Monday or
Tuesday next week? Coffee is on me!
Thank you,
Alison Buchanan

23. The 202 networking event!

24. 202 Networking Event Pet Peeves
1. Asking questions and not listening to the answer
2. Asking rapid-fire questions so no one else can
speak
3. When a person’s outfit is distractingly
unprofessional
4. When students only talk about their option
choices or career path! Try connecting over a
common interest beyond work and school

25. 202 Networking Event Pro Tips
1.Eat dinner beforehand
2.Do some research on the delegates, but don’t get
consumed in stalking every LinkedIn profile
3.Dress classy and comfortably
4.Have a few interesting questions / topics to chat
about ready to go. How do you want to be
remembered?
5.When all else fails, find a 202 TA and we’ll help you
join a circle
6.Head to an area that is less packed
7.Manage your energy – take a breather if you need
it

26. BCC News Action Items
 Resume & Cover Letter
Due Tuesday March 8th
@1:59 PM
 Submit on Turnitin
 Submit on COOL
 Networking Event on
Thursday, March 10th,
2016
 Networking Reflection
due Monday, March
14th @11:59 PM on
Turnitin
 Next week is… lecture!
 Full list of eligible
workshops and
information sessions
on Connect!
 Brand Management
Mentorship Program,
Information Session
this Friday 12:30 -1:30
pm in HA 492

27. How to submit?
You will submit your documents TWICE
• Once to Turnitin.com for marking (by 1:59pm)
• Secondly to COOL (this is how you will receive an interview for the
Employment Interview assignment) (by midnight, same day…but just
do it right away so you don’t forget!)
Full instructions on how to submit to COOL are on the course blog under
assignments / resume and cover letter

28. Be present.