Event Attendance Tips

Here are some useful tips that can help you start building a strong network at any of SBN’s events.
 

1. Dress the part

Be sure to dress in a business or business casual manner to show potential employers and networking contacts they are important enough for you to dress up for. First impressions count!
 

2. Know your goals for your career

Know what you want from a job or a career, and be prepared to explain your goals.
 

3. Research the companies & mentors you are interested in

Know the company's products, services, people and successes. Find out how and why you fit into their company. Learn about what a specific mentor does in that company. Explore their web sites. 

4. Develop your questions

Develop a set of thoughtful career-related questions for potential employees. Background research about the speakers and mentors in attendance, and the BC Biotechnology sector, will provide you with some topics of conversation. 

5.  Practice introducing yourself

Develop and practice your elevator speech (a one- or two-minute summary of who you are, your background and experience, and your future career goals). The concept behind an elevator speech is to prepare a brief summary that introduces you to a potential employer in a memorable fashion, emphasizes your strengths, showcases your uniqueness, and assists you in beginning to build a new relationship. 

6. Exchange business cards

Feel free to ask mentors for their contact information. If you have personal business cards, offer them towards the end of the conversation. In the next day or so, follow up by thanking the mentors for their time and keep in touch.

 

7. Mingle. After all, it is a networking event!