Professional and Career Topics

Hello,

I attend a lot of civil engineering industry events and have an opportunity to meet many professionals.  How do you continue to develop relationships with professionals that you do not see day-to-day? 

Can you please share your best tips for networking at industry events and any follow-up afterwards?

Thanks for your time,
Jameelah

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Jameelah Ingram, P.E., M.ASCE
Washington, D.C.
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Hello Jameelah, 

I may be only a fresh graduate of civil engineering, but I always seek my way to networking. 

For before the event, I make sure I have a clear idea of the background of the speakers and what they are really into and if something mutual between us is there. 

I don't have a business card yet but I have seen that a lot of people make sure to have their cards on in both volunteering and professional events as well.

Now after the event, what I see most helpful is to have these professionals connected to my LinkedIn and I send them a message that I really enjoyed meeting them and I say what most inspired me about their presentation or ask any follow-up questions that I couldn't make during the event. This also gives them a reminder of me, an idea of my background because they will maybe take a look on my profile as a curiosity and also keep us on contact in somehow, 

Some people prefer an e-mail but I feel LinkedIn will have that continuous professional link even if we are not talking about anything.

I hope those are helpful hints and would love to hear from others how they carry on their followups.


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Hala Abdo A.M.ASCE
Centreville VA
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Hello Jameelah,

I think Hala Abdo has shared good tips. Personally i prefer to add them on LinkedIn but I have also a business card and email strategy as my alternative. Some professionals do not have time in the event to see on your phone and show you his profile and then add you back.  Therefore, it is better to ask for his business card and then email him regarding the meetup and conversation with him. Once s/he replies back, then search her/him on LinkedIn and add them. 

When they post something on LinkedIn, then you may like or comment on that. In this way, you would stay connected with them.

Looking forward to hearing some tips from others too.

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Sajid Raza, Research Assistant
MS in Transportation Engineering
Leuven Mobility Center
Belgium
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