Career Research

Networking is one of the most essential career development and job search tools that is often overlooked by students and job hunters. Networking involves developing and maintaining connections

Why is Networking Important? Networking provides you with an opportunity to:

• Connect with individuals in your field of interest that can provide beneficial insight
• Gather information pertaining to a particular field or industry
• Increase your chances to find out about job openings otherwise not advertised

How can JCTC help build your personal brand?

15-K Jefferson-Rise Together Initiative	Support for African American students, including: On-campus mentor Activities and trips Monthly coaching Learning opportunities  Access to Persistence and Graduation Fund Preferred employment opportunity in Multicultural Center Academic Support
The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)	Students interested in STEM degrees will receive: Transition from high school to college counseling Research experience Personal career counseling Mentoring with faculty and professionals Receive a stipend Access to travel Professional conferences Networking opportunities!!
Office of Student Engagement	Student Organizations
Student Events Calendar	Campus Events are a great chance to meet people and expand your network!
	Networking Videos Meeting people Videos
	Crew offers an Online Career Guide Mentor Program  Match you up with career professionals Guide you to be a more professional you!! Offered entirely online through email!

Having trouble connecting with people in your field? Need someone to guide you? A mentor can help turn you in the right direction, meet people who can help, and answer questions. 

	Mentor Louisville Mentor Louisville connects startup founders and management with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
	Score - This program will set you up with a Mentor in the field that you are interested in. Because it is Nation-wide, there are options for email and phone mentoring!!
	LinkedIn is a social media website that connects you with professionals in your field. Similar to other social media platforms, but career focused, students should think about how to market themselves on this website.

Students should consider joining professional organizations to become engaged, active members within their chosen field. Professional organizations give students an edge by leading them to mentors, up-to-date news, and more. 

Use the Professional Association Finder to locate a professional organization in your field. 

You can also use the Occupational Outlook Handbook to find professional organizations. Simply find for your chosen career within the OOH. Then click on the very last tab titled "More." Any related professional organizations will be listed on this page. See example below: