How to Network in the U.S.

Join us for a special career development discussion, “How to Network Effectively in the U.S.” We will cover how to prepare for, navigate, and follow up in U.S. networking situations, including approaching people, small talk, conversation flow, polite transitions, endings, and asking for referrals: Email/LinkedIn, Attending Social Events, and Coffee Chat. Snacks will be served!

This workshop addresses the emotional challenges of networking while focusing on skill-building across three stages:

• Before networking: who to reach out to, and where and how to find people to network with
• During networking: small talk skills, elevator pitch, what a coffee chat is, keeping conversations flowing, transitioning to meaningful questions, asking for referrals, and ending conversations politely
• After networking: maintaining contact and building long-term professional relationships

Presenters:

Min Lai, LSW and Sherry Zhang, LMSW, are the co-founders of I-Planet International Center, an all-volunteer nonprofit supporting international students across PA, and they both are Penn alumni and full-time social workers specializing in student counseling and support. Drawing on 6–7 years of experience as former international students themselves, they designed this workshop to strengthen students’ confidence and practical skills in networking. 

Instagram: @IplanetInternationalCenter

Email Kali Meeks, kmeeks@upenn.edu, to register for this event.

If you require any accessibility accommodation, such as live captioning, audio description, or a sign language interpreter, please email news@design.upenn.edu. Please note, we require at least five (5) business days’ notice.