Three Ways to Find Networking Events in Ottawa
Posted on Thursday, June 15th, 2017
If you’re looking for a job, chances are that you’re looking through job boards online, sending out dozens of copies of your resume. You’ve probably filled out a lot of surveys and questionnaires, and you’ve perfected your cover letter. And while all these things are integral parts of the job search, they’re missing a key component: networking.
Networking means interacting with groups of people to build professional contacts and form relationships. It can be intimidating, but it’s absolutely necessary: around 85 per cent of jobs are filled through networking, not job boards.
What does this mean for you? It means that networking is a skill with which you should get comfortable, and the best way to get comfortable with it is to practice. And to practice, you’ll need to start finding some networking events to attend right here in Ottawa. Below are three great sources for doing just that.
Before you head out, be sure to read our post on how to shine at your next networking event!
Event Websites
A great place to start looking for networking events is through event websites such as Eventbrite and Meetup. Organizers create landing pages for their events, and you can register and/or pay for events right there.
A search on either of these sites brings up dozens and dozens of potential events. Narrow your search by your field to pinpoint some events that appeal to you.
In the professional world, LinkedIn is the social media platform. It’s the online home for your resume, education, experience, and personal summary. It can also be used as an awesome source for networking.
First of all, make sure that your LinkedIn profile is complete. An incomplete profile looks unprofessional to potential employers. Read our posts here and here to make sure you’ve got everything covered.
Once that’s all done, you can start connecting with professionals in your industry. Be sure to write a personalized message with each request you send out: it’s a great way to catch their attention and start building your network.
Algonquin College
Your school is another great way to find networking opportunities. Here at Algonquin College, you can find a number of events offered through the school. These are particularly useful, since they’re organized by the school with the sole purpose of helping students.
One place to keep an eye on is the Employment Support Centre. Under their ‘Job Fairs and Events’ tab, you’ll find a list of events that you can attend.
The Co-op department also lists upcoming networking events. You can visit the events calendar on HireAC to see what job fairs and networking events are upcoming.
These tools with help you find local networking events to connect with industry professionals in Ottawa. So get your business cards ready and head out!
If you would like to learn more about the Algonquin College co-op program, please visit our website at https://www.algonquincollege.com/coop/, connect with us at coop@algonquincollege.com or call us at 613-727-4723 Ext.7623. You can also follow our Twitter at @AlgonquinCoop.
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