 | Proper handshaking technique was one of the topics covered in the "Networking at a Reception" workshop for graduate students. |
In the professional arena, talks and conferences may generate opportunities,
but they can also cause much anxiety for those who attend — especially
when they must find a way to balance a plate of sloppy hors d’oeuvres,
a full glass and a conversation with strangers at the receptions that routinely
accompany these events. — By Gila Reinstein
T H I S
Graduate students boost social
skills in networking workshop
To help graduate students avoid common mistakes and reduce stress when they
go to social events in a professional setting, Graduate Career Services (GCS)
recently held a workshop on “Networking at a Reception” in the
Hall of Graduate Studies (HGS).
“Being confident in social settings is a life-long personal and professional
skill,” said Victoria Blodgett, GCS director, at the November workshop. “All
of us have opportunities throughout our lives — during conferences, reunions,
interviews and guest lectures — at which to make very positive impressions
on others.”
In addition to an informational session, the workshop featured a cocktail hour
(minus the alcohol, but with plenty of food and soda), and a chance to practice
mingling in a professional setting. “It is particularly helpful to work
on this when there is no risk of making a bad impression; in fact, that is
the whole point,” said Blodgett. “Make those mistakes here, and
not out there.”
About 40 people attended the workshop, and their concerns ranged from such
practical issues as how to hold a wine glass (red wine by the bowl, white wine
by the stem, say experts) to how to “make the most” out of a brief
encounter with a prospective employer or colleague.
One key to making a good impression is to “plan and practice your ‘elevator
speech’ in advance,” instructed Deborah Cucinotta, head of Global
Etiquette, a consulting firm based in Princeton, New Jersey. Her usual clients
are business professionals who are being groomed for upper-level positions.
She has visited HGS several times to give tips to graduate students embarking
on the job search.
The “elevator speech,” also called the “60-second personal
commercial,” said Cucinotta, is what you use to introduce yourself to
strangers. It is a chance to promote yourself — but don’t brag,
she warned.
Another key piece of advice from Cucinotta was: “Keep your right hand
free, clean and dry at all times, so you can shake hands. Balance your drink
and plate in the left hand.” She called up one student to demonstrate
proper handshaking technique. “Open your hand and go web to web. Use
a firm grip and give two pumps,” she said, advising participants to avoid
the bone crush or limp fish handshake.
“Stay in close conversation with the person you’ve introduced yourself
to, before moving on. Maintain eye contact,” she added.
“Everyone is nervous in this situation,” Cucinotta said, “but
don’t go off in a corner and text message.” Enter the room with confidence
and be ready to carry your share of the conversation, she advised, suggesting
that the students scan newspapers and magazines in advance to prepare interesting
topics of conversation. However, she urged, avoid politics, religion, gossip
and offensive jokes. On hearing the warning against using religion as a conversational
topic, a few religious studies students gently protested, “What else do
we have to talk about?” — prompting Cucinotta to admit that theirs
is a special case.
Cucinotta divided the participants into small groups and had them practice
introducing themselves, mixing and moving on, while holding food and drink.
She watched the interactions and gave on-the-spot advice.
Amelia Aldo, a GCS fellow and a student in the psychology department, helped
coordinate the event with Blodgett. She notes that there is a large body of
research on the psychology of first impressions.
“Whenever we meet a new person, they — and we — will remember
only the most salient aspects of the interaction. This is why it is important
to not mess it up: People will remember,” said Aldo. “Conversely,
it is useful to take advantage of this fact and present ourselves in a way that
facilitates other people remembering us favorably. … [W]e have only a
few minutes of their time and we want to maximize it.”
Noting that GCS already advises students how to “sell themselves” in
a personal statement or CV, Aldo said the workshop was a logical extension
of that service: “Why not help them with the way they actually have to
work a room and sell themselves in real time?”
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Campus Notes
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