The following is part of the GPS Alumni-Student Connections Series, highlighting some of our students who have been recruited by our alumni. This series shows the power of connection between current students and our alumni.
George Eiskamp ’03 pays it forward by helping other GPSers in their career search. Eiskamp shares his experience and knowledge on how to create and maintain sustainable relationships within your network.
Why did you choose to hire a fellow “GPSer”?
Other GPS alumni were very helpful and even hired me in my first position out of GPS, and I wanted to give back as well. I think GPS attracts and screens for multifaceted people and develops multifunctional skill sets, which is valuable for startups, early stage companies and small businesses.
Overall thoughts about your experience?
Identify the type of organization and people you want to work with and then make it clear you’re willing to do anything because if you’re good and you selected a good employer, then you’ll get increasingly interesting work and projects.
Networking is about building relationships, not simply expanding or maximizing your number of contacts. Having fewer quality contacts is far better than many surface level contacts. Again, find the type of organization and people you want to work with, let them know why you’re interested in them and how you think your skills are applicable to them. Also, ask them if they would be willing to brainstorm a mini-project you could do with them for free… to demonstrate your ability to work effectively with them. If you do well, that will likely lead to other bigger opportunities with them or people in their network.