Networking!

I keep hearing the benefits of networking and am willing to give it a try. Last week several alums came to talk with us about their experience. Some of them answered question, some of them interviewed us and all of them explained that entering the job market with a liberal arts education under our belts is a definite plus.

Over the weekend I ran into two different alums at two different places around Portland (and both nights I almost didn't go out). On Saturday I saw Celia who works for a domestic abuse advocacy organization. Sitting at the Someday Lounge I noticed a woman who looked familiar sitting at the table next to me. I realized who it was, mustered the courage to talk to her and pulled the line "Hey, you're an LC alum, aren't you?"

We chatted for a bit but the club was loud and it wasn't really the right place for work talk, so I asked for her number and we are going to have coffee soon. I want to pick her brain about getting a job with a non-profit.

On Sunday I went to the Schnitzer to see the symphony perform some Beethoven with a guest pianist. Walking up the stairs to the mezzanine when I saw Larry, another alum who came to speak with us on Friday. He noticed me and remembered my name, we shook hands, I thanked him for coming to visit us. He told me to find him on LinkedIn and I now have. I'm not sure what will come of that, but it's still good to solidify connections.

Today I sent out five requests for informational interviews and emailed my former boss at Development to let her know if any positions become available I'd be interested in applying (shameless? maybe!).

Right now I'm living in two houses straddling Terwilliger. Moving is stressful and time consuming. It will be good to have a desk set up so that I can go to "work" each day. Until then I'll do bits and pieces, write, work at special collections and NETWORK!