Wednesday, 1 March 2017

Natalie Lamb and the networking questions

I attended an excellent event yesterday, "Working in the Water Industry and Environment", which was organised by The University of Sheffield's Careers Department. It involved professionals from different companies within the industry, who were at different stages in their careers. The professionals spoke about themselves, their current careers and the pathways they took to get into their current roles. But afterwards was the cherry on the cake. There was the opportunity to speak on a one-to-one basis with these people but I really wish that I had made the most of this opportunity a bit more. During the presentation, I jotted down some questions to ask specific professionals but I wish I would have sat down and done a bit of Googling beforehand. Since the event, I have done a bit of research and compiled the questions that I would have liked to have asked and intend to ask at the next networking opportunity I have. Perhaps they will be of use for someone else in a similar position?

Get advice
How did you get to where you are now? What has your career path been like to date? Is it representative of most people in this kind of position?
If you could give your past self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
What do you feel was the most useful thing you did to get to your position today?
If you had to re-do your career, is there anything you would have changed or done differently? What career mistake has given you the biggest lesson?
How did you set yourself apart from others who wanted the same job?
How did you decide to do what you do?
Are there any courses/workshops worth taking to learn more?

Learn more about the company/industry
What is a typical day like in your role? What did you do last week?
How do you see your field changing in coming years?
What do you enjoy most about your role/ most challenging?
What are the key skills you need to do your job?
How much training do you/did you receive as part of your job?
How does your company define success?
What made you participate in this event today?

Questions about inclusion, imposter syndrome and alternative pathways 
Which leadership behaviours do people need to see to believe in an inclusive culture?
Which behaviours make people feel included?
What makes a comfortable place for someone to work?
How can imposter syndrome be prevented?
How do people overcome imposter syndrome?
What triggers imposter syndrome?
Which career path is better; academic or industry?
Do you think that lack of work experience is a barrier for some employers?
A complete career change is out of the question. Can you suggest an alternative?
Questions about personal brand, influencing positively and the art of effective negotiation
How can I design my personal brand?
How do I find my brand message?
How do I make my brand stand out?
What are good influencing skills?
What are examples of positive influences?
Tips for dealing with negativity.
Important elements of negotiation.
Effective negotiation techniques.
How can negotiation techniques improve working relationships?

Questions about personal resilience, career pathways and goal setting
How do I build my inner resilience?
Do I have control over how others see me?
What does personal resilience mean to you?
What are the skills of resilience?
What are examples of personal resilience?
What is the best careers advice you would give?
How do I find the right career path?
How do I get on the right career path?
What is the first question to answer when setting goals?
What are the key steps of goal setting?
How do I write a good goal plan?