Online networking events can present new challenges to what is already often a frantic and nerve-wracking part of the clerkship process. This article will delve into how online networking events are different to in-person ones while also sharing our top tips to prepare and execute on the day.
How are online networking events different?
While the way and structure in which online networking nights are run vary, the purpose and goals you should set out to achieve should remain the same.
Online networking events generally present applicants with a lot more information to work with and accordingly, requires more strategic choices to make the most of the night. Applicants may have information on who will be present and easily navigate between practice groups. Being online, it also tends to be more difficult to build a personal connection with the firm.
There are generally two structures for networking nights:
- Allocated groups: Applicants are allocated into specific groups with members of the firm and other applicants and are not able to change groups.
- Self-selected groups: There is a choice of which practice group to enter and discussions can be made in these groups.
The focus of this article is on self-selected groups, as allocated groups are much more constrained. We will run through how you may prepare, execute and follow up on the upcoming online networking events.
Preparing for your networking evening
As we mentioned in our online interview article, the logistics of setting your webcam, microphone and framing are just the starting point for preparing for online networking events.
Just like in-person events, having an agenda is key. Unlike in-person events which tend to go over time, online events tend to be more restrictive in time so prioritisation is important to meet their goals for the night. This may be as simple as having a plan of what practice groups you want to engage with, or as specific as the lawyers you want to converse with.
Execution on the day
Tip 1 – Research on the go, to ask better questions
The key benefit of online networking nights is that they allow you to adapt and change your strategy of who you decide to strike a conversation with. Say you don’t have access to a list of lawyers that will be present before the networking night – the online aspect means that applicants can easily find information about lawyers. After all, there is often a lot of idle time given only one person can speak at a time. I often had a look at recent milestones or achievements made by the lawyer. This can allow you to ask more direct questions and avoids the awkward situation of asking something inappropriate.
Tip 2 – Focus on building a personal connection
For self-selected groups, it may be tempting to jump between practice groups to get a breadth of understanding of the firm. However, it is not recommended nor expected for applicants to talk to everyone. Like with in-person events, applicants are likely to gain more from seeking a depth of knowledge and connection with the lawyers. Allocating even amounts of time may help if you have a set number of practice groups that you wanted to learn more about.
Tip 3 – Know when it is time to move on
There may be indicators of when it is time to move to a different group. The more popular practice groups can be packed, with little to no room for you to even introduce yourself. Alternatively, other practice groups may have only one or two people. The smaller the group, the more opportunity you can have with building a personal connection with the firm. It pays here to be flexible and know when it is time to move on to another group (preferable one which you also are interested in).
Following up after the event
Networking nights are just one touchpoint for understanding the firm and practice areas you may be interested in. With the contacts and connections made during the session, whether or not you managed to have a conversation with them, there is room for applicants to follow up via LinkedIn or email lawyers with further questions or calls for longer discussions. A key tip here is if you forget the lawyer’s name, feel free to check in with HR and generally, they’ll be more than happy to refer you or give you their details.
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