Question from a student: I think a big takeaway for me was that we need to be more proactive reaching out to creatives that we admire and start making those contacts now, not when we graduate. My question for you is if we could go over some of the etiquette surrounding those emails. Am I asking them to look at my book every time? Am I asking for advice? Am I just introducing myself? Clearly I am very new to this! Sometime the buzzword of “networking” is thrown around and I realize that in practical terms I’m unsure of what that looks like. I realize I get hung up on even what to title the subject of an email.
Such a great question! Here’s my advice….
We are so lucky to have the most amazing alumni network. At this point, we have alums at the best agencies, brands, tech companies, and consultancies all over the world. They want to help you so don’t be shy about reaching out. Alums who went before them helped them, and now they’ll help you. And, when y’all are successful CDs, Strategy Directors, Experience Design Directors, CMOs, etc., you’ll help future students. That’s the way #brandfam works.
Squelch your “imposter syndrome” and the idea that “These people are so important/busy. They probably don’t have time for me.” The students who have the best “luck” with their job searches are the ones who are constantly making new connections. I know it can feel daunting if this is new to you, but many students say networking can actually be fun. Again, our alums want to help you…they are rooting for you.
What should you say when you reach out to alums?
1.) Tell them who you are (name, student at the BC, etc)
2.) Tell them why you’re interested in talking to them- maybe they did some work you liked or maybe they have a career path you admire. Tailor your note to them. Show them you’ve done your homework on who they are.
3.) Ask them for help…it’s good to be specific…alums want to help you but they’re busy so be clear/focused about what you need help with…for example…
* Will you look at this piece in my book and let me know what you think? Can I push it further?
* Do you have time for an informational interview? I saw that you worked at ABC, DEF and XYZ and those are my dream agencies. I’d love to hear about your experiences at each.
* I noticed you started your career at some great creative agencies and now you’re working for a brand. I’m curious to hear about the differences in agency vs. brand side.
* I noticed you started as a strategist at an agency and then moved to a design/innovation consultancy? What was that transition like? How do the projects you work on differ?
* I know you worked internationally for a few years in London and Amsterdam. I’d love to hear more about your experience working abroad b/c I’d really like to do that during my career one day.
It’s fine to ask people to look at your portfolio but that’s a pretty big time commitment to look at your whole book so it’s better if you can ask them to look at one or two pieces. It’s also even better if after they give you creative or strategic direction, you take their direction and revise your work and send back to them for a final review. By doing this, you’re showing them you can take constructive criticism make revisions AND you’re continuing the relationship/connection.
How can students find out where our alums work?
1.) Use LInkedin to search for alums by employer
2.) Join the Brandcenter Alumni Linkedin Group. It’s a closed group so request to join and I’ll add you. Then you can search the members by company/agency or city.
3.) Shoot me an email ([email protected]) – I can always help you with contacts if you give me a little direction like…
* I just saw those new KFC-scented crocs by Jarrod Higgins and Whitney Downing @ WK Portland. Can you share their emails with me so I can reach out to them?
* I would love to work abroad in my career one day. Can you send me a list of alums who have done that so I can learn more about their experiences?