If you attended Meet the Firms this week, then you’ve officially survived the first major networking event of the semester. Regardless of how your MTF experience went, you probably left The Odyssey feeling like a mini Office Depot. You should have enough pens and Post-Its to last you a life time. If you were lucky, you may even have a fancy new coffee cup or backpack to show off.

But, somewhere in your pile of various office supplies and tote bags, I hope there are more business cards than you can count. These business cards signify the relationships you’ve started to build with professionals at MTF, and provide you with valuable contact information. If you can successfully cultivate and develop these relationships, they will become your greatest assets throughout recruitment and your overall career.

The business cards you collected at MTF enable you to begin cultivating a great network of professionals. Once you’ve recovered from post-MTF exhaustion, sort through your goodie bags and gather the business cards of professionals you’d like to follow up with. Send them a brief e-mail to express your genuine interest in learning more about the firm. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when writing your e-mails:

1. Thank the professional for their time;
2. Express your particular interest in the firm (Audit/Tax/IS);
3. Ask for a follow up meeting (coffee or lunch)or telephone call to learn more about the firm;
4. Refer to any topics you discussed that can help them remember you; and
5. Attach your resume!

Networking is an ongoing process that requires initiative and patience. Sometimes it is uncomfortable
to put ourselves out there, but the benefits of networking are truly worth it!

The semester has just begun, and the Mecca of future accountants is almost here.  On February 21, 2013, CSUN’s Meet the Firms (MTF) will be held at The Odyssey.  A student’s road to a job offer often begins at MTF.  More importantly, MTF introduces us to the world of business networking.  Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran, MTF can be extremely nerve-wrecking.  It is a rare opportunity to network with over 19 firms in one building.  Since BAP, AA and MISA offer a plethora of resources and tips, I’d like to discuss the fundamentals of MTF. 

First off, to describe MTF as “popular” is an understatement.  If this will be your first MTF, don’t be surprised by the overabundance of students and jobseekers in attendance.  Given the student to firm ratio, focusing on how you will stand out is crucial.  Good impressions require preparation and a game plan.  I will never forget the words of the first professional I spoke to at my first MTF.  After a clumsy 10 minute conversation with a manager, he offered me some great advice: Always have a strategy before you approach someone. 

 It wasn’t until I had the opportunity to represent Deloitte at last semester’s MTF that I truly understood what he meant.  As students, we are more accustomed to listening than speaking.  But keep in mind that MTF is a networking event to meet potential employers and future colleagues.  Do not approach professionals with the expectation that he or she will do all the talking.  Here are some simple tips to spark a meaningful conversation with professionals: 

1. Identify yourself! It’s as easy as “Hi my name is _____, and I’m interested in audit/tax”;
2. Check out the firm’s website and read recent press releases, firm initiatives, and upcoming events;
3. Speak to students who have successfully completed the recruiting process.  Many BAP members already have a job offer and can provide you with advice based on first-hand experience as CSUN students. 

Get noticed by engaging yourself in genuine conversations with professionals.  Don’t prepare a speech and speak at firms.  Instead, create open dialogue to express your qualifications, and to learn more about each firm.  Be honest, but always keep in mind that MTF is a professional school-sponsored event! No conversation is worse than an inappropriate conversation.

With a little research and preparation, you can be on your way to a job offer on February 21^st! Keep an eye out for e-mails regarding BAP’s upcoming Monday Meeting on February 18^th to start formulating your MTF strategy.  Hope to see you there!