2009 Networking Brunch
The AIChE Networking Brunch was held on November 9th, 2009 as part of the National Student Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Attendees interacted with fellow students, AIChE leaders, and industry professionals. Great advice was given by AIChE’s professional members. Below are some of the networking tips from our members.
"Don't be afraid to ask for things, from a project to a promotion. If you want something then say so, people can't read you mind. The worst they can do is say 'no'."
Nicole Rasmussen, Barrick Gold of North America
“Make a note on business cards of where you met someone then type it up into your contacts later so you don't forget.”
Gavin Towler, UOP
“Once you do get a job in the real world, don’t stay in your office, get out and about. Meet and find out what others in completely different departments and areas of the organization do.”
Frank van Lier, The Lubrizol Corporation
“Develop relationships with people. It’s a small world and a small profession.”
Raymond Rooks, Praxair
“You are active members of your student chapter. Stay active with AIChE. Once you graduate, get involved with the technical divisions and volunteer to participate in division activities at meetings and technical sessions. This is a great way to network early on in your careers.”
John Peragine, Bristol Myers Squibb
“You do not know everything upon graduation. Keep asking questions. Many questions still do not have definitive answers. Some questions have yet to be asked. There is nothing beyond your ability to understand if you just continue to ask questions.”
Nicholas F. Urbanski, PE, Heat Transfer Research, Inc.
“Do not make value judgments and give people the benefit of the doubt whenever possible. Always tell yourself, in questionable situations, that you would act the same if you where them because you indeed would.”
David Wishnick, 2009 Young Professional Advisory Board (YPAB) Chair
“Surround yourself with people who think differently than you, who have different backgrounds, experience and education. Our tendency is to associate with like-minded people, but we can learn much more and do much more creative work when we work with others who have diversity of thought.”
John Cirucci, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
“Create your own business cards with your name, contact information and perhaps school and degree specialty on it so that there is some way to follow up besides resume exchange. It is so simple to create very low cost business cards with MS Word and card stock.”
Pegotty Cooper, MBA, Career Strategy Roadmap
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