By now, you’ve heard that you need to network to support your career in entertainment (or in any field, for that matter). And I am sure for many of you, one of the reasons you chose Emerson was that you heard about the strong alumni network. While the majority of our students report positive networking experiences (and we have heard some truly awesome outcomes from connections between our alums!), here are some pro tips to ensure you stay safe:
- Always tell someone you trust where you’re going and who you’re meeting, along with their contact info. This way, there is always someone who knows where you are and who you’re with, and they can reach both of you.
- Have an out. Before the meeting, have an excuse for a quick exit should you need it.
- Meet a contact only in a public place where there are many other people around, such as a coffee shop. This way, you don’t risk being behind closed doors in a private office. Also to consider – having the conversation over Skype or the phone.
- Don’t share personal information with someone you barely know. Remember, until you get to know anyone well, they’re a stranger.
- Bring a friend. If you’re attending a networking event or even a meeting with an alum, bringing a friend with similar professional interests can make you both feel more at ease.
- Report any issues that you have. You can always let Career Services or the Alumni Relations office know if you have an encounter that makes you uneasy. However – remember that we are mandated reporters, and are required to pass along any possible Title IX issues to the college’s Title IX investigator. For confidential resources on campus, ECAPS and VPR can help.
- For more, make sure to check out this article, too!
Always remember we are here to help, use our office for a variety of career-related resources, including contacting alumni and conducting informational interviews.
