How to Build Connections in a Professional Setting: Tips from Price Alumni

By Kaitlyn McQuown

Networking is an essential skill for career growth. At USC Price there are countless networking opportunities and resources provided by student-run clubs and organizations, school departments, and of course our extensive Trojan Network. At a Reboot Your Network workshop, USC Price students and alumni had the opportunity to connect, share advice, and strengthen their professional networks. Hosted by the Graduate Policy and Administration Community (GPAC) in collaboration with the Price Office of Career Services, the event highlighted practical tips and strategies for building meaningful connections.

The workshop featured two distinguished alumni speakers: Caroline Kim Palacios, MPA, a Senior Project Coordinator in the Economic & Workforce Development Department for the City of Los Angeles and Bryan Dean, MPP, an Advisor in Strategic Change Enablement at Fannie Mae. Both speakers brought unique perspectives and actionable advice for navigating networking and mentorship.

Key Takeaways

Caroline Kim Palacios, MPA, shared strategies for navigating networking in diverse and remote environments. Her advice:

• Seek out mentors with diverse backgrounds: This broadens your perspective and helps you grow.
• Practice your conversation skills: Effective communication is key to successful networking.
• Be dependable: Especially in remote work environments, reliability goes a long way in building trust.
• Regularly reach out: Maintain your connections by offering specific times to meet or catch up.

Bryan Dean, MPP, emphasized the importance of intentionality when seeking mentors and building professional relationships. His key tips:

• Be intentional: Know what you want from a mentorship relationship and approach it with clear goals.
• Identify your core values: Use these as a guide to finding mentors whose values align with yours.
• Be kind to yourself: Networking can feel overwhelming, but self-compassion is essential.
• Leverage your existing circle: Build connections with those already in your workplace or academic network.

Looking Ahead

There are endless opportunities to connect with the Price community and enhance your professional journey. For more information on upcoming events or resources, visit the Price Office of Career Services or reach out to GPAC at [email protected] or on Instagram. 

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