Citizen Scholars
CAL Enrollment ClosedProgram Contact Information
Professional Networking Badge
Back to Citizen ScholarsProfessional networking is a nexus for many of the practices and achievements connected to the CS program: setting yearly goals, reflecting on accomplishments; articulating how the specific experiences of academic work translate into tangible skills and capabilities; communicating aims and intentions to broader audiences; mentoring other students; and collaborating with peers. Beginning with basic assignments to interview a professor, attend office hours, establish a relationship with a mentor, and undertake community service, these requirements contribute to the development of professional networking skills, and begin to establish your own professional network. Each event you attend throughout the CS program offers opportunities for professional networking: you may introduce yourself to the speaker, the event organizer, or other members of the audience by approaching them with a question or comment; learn the names of others in your areas of interest who you might connect with; or meet other students or faculty whose attendance signals shared concern or interest in the topic of the event. As your network grows, your opportunities and options also grow, increasing your awareness of areas related to your particular interests, and connecting you to others who are already active or successful in those areas. This badge connects to the other badges by providing skills and habits that support your ability to bring ideas and capabilities from your research and community/regional/global experiences to non-academic audiences such as employers, community service agencies, action groups, etc.