Networking is relationship building, not job begging! It is an attempt to get to know another person, build a relationship, obtain information/advice and offer assistance to them if possible. Here are some helpful tips:

• Become involved in the CSU Alumni Association to meet fellow alums that may have contacts in your target city. The current CSU Alumni Directory is located in the Career Library in the Career Services Center . You can write letters or emails to persons who may be in the same industry or in the location of your interest.
• Speak with family and friends to determine if there are branches of their companies or if they know of anyone in your target area you could speak with for advice.
• Get involved in a professional or trade association at a local or national level such as The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), to make contacts at the local chapter in the area you wish to relocate.
• Speak with contacts in your religious organizations for the names of contacts in your target area.
• Civic/Service organizations like the Kiwanis or Rotary are also good sources of information/contacts.
• Attend free local job search groups to become more comfortable with networking, to learn job search strategies and make more contacts.
• Real estate agents and chambers of commerce are also excellent sources for additional contacts at companies of interest.

For personal assistance and guidance, contact the CSU Career Services Center to help you tackle the challenge of relocating!

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