Networking

Networking is one of the major key skills in finding, attaining, and growing in a professional role. If you are not familiar with networking, here is a short definition:

Networking is the act of engaging with others in some form, usually in a face-to-face context, to share information and develop contacts that can support developing interests.

The act of networking should be thought of as a short amount of time to share information on a person’s motivations, drives, or passions with others. It is not a “bragging” session with another person. The sole point to networking is to connect to people who may share the same values, interests, and passion. In that, people work to build relationships to find or link to resources to fulfill work or “dreams,” which lead to creating partnerships that may change the world.

If you are interested in growing your network and developing key relationships that can support your personal and professional growth, we encourage you to create a CONNECT profile. Once you have a profile, please reach out to others to build your support network!

CONNECT

Do you have questions about your major? How about your plan for a job after school? What skills and experience do you need to get the job you want? Why not ask someone that’s been there before!

The College Fund Connect platform allows you to identify professionals from a specific school or particular professional fields, and then ask them questions about their experience. They also post jobs and internship opportunities on the platform, so set-up your profile today and build your network!

Related Resources

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Build a “STARTING LINE-UP” for Your Career

There are many people that support your education and career journey, but I recommend that everyone include the following three people on their “starting line-up” of career success – a mentor, a sponsor, and a coach.

Start with Explore Careers to look for academic programs that may align with personal and professional goals; additionally, find useful information on possible job tracks.

    • Academic Programs and Jobs
    • Networking
    • Native-Focused Degrees and Programs
    • Native-Focused Institutes and Centers
    • Tribal Colleges and Universities
    • Future Planning Form

Check out Programs to Develop Your Skills page to learn about student programs that can support academic and skill development goals.

    • Student Professional Development Grants
    • 7 Generation Innovators Fellowship
    • Internship Matching (coming soon)
    • Innovation Programs (coming soon)

The Professional Development page offers basic resources to support professional and career development.

    • Creating Your Résumé
    • Interview Tips and Professional Etiquette
    • Graduate School
    • Internships

Employment Resources provides basic information for us as we move from entry level positions to upper-level management roles.

    • Entry Level
    • Management Level
    • Leadership Level (coming soon)
    • Entrepreneurship Level (coming soon)
    • Retirement Level (coming soon)

The Career Advising Resources page provides resources for those who are supporting academic and professional journeys for others.

    • Cultural Career Advising
    • Six R Evaluation Framework
    • Research Repository

Tribal Colleges and Universities

Tribal colleges and universities provide dynamic higher education opportunities, most on or near reservation lands. Known for their remarkable programs, culturally-relevant curricula, and familial student care – tribal colleges allow students to further their careers, attain an advanced degree, or better support their communities.