Nurture Your Network
2026-04-30 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | 102 Mann Library, 237 Mann Drive, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
Learn why and how to network, conduct informational interviews, and ask practical questions. Incorporate AI tools, a tracking system, and LinkedIn strategies to build reputation and reach.
Workshop outcomes:

Understand why and how to build a network
Leverage the power of LinkedIn to identify and communicate with professionals
Learn to manage a network, and track it with a “Digital Rolodex a/k/a Tres Anillos.”

Networking is a two-way street where you must invest time and energy to nurture and grow it. Being intentional about your interactions can mean the difference between opening and closing doors. You can build something invaluable if you are selective and curate who/what you want to learn more about through informational interviews. AI tools help synthesize information, identify related organizations, and map ideas. A network contributes to collaborative activities such as publishing, presenting, and partnering on projects. We learn about an industry or sector through informational interviews (an opportunity to gather information and share your pitch), do market research, and find areas to collaborate. A genuine connection can organically lead to anything and everything. Integrate Excel with AI to track activities.
Join our in-person only hands-on networking workshop! All disciplines welcome! REGISTER NOW
Event Details
Date and Time: April 30 from 2:00-3:30pm (in-person only)
Campus Location: Provided upon registration, prior to the event
Facilitator: Alumna Melissa Reitkopp ’85
Accommodations: We strive to make our events accessible to all community members. Individuals who would like to request accessibility accommodations should contact gradcareers@cornell.edu. We ask that requests be made at least one week in advance to help ensure they can be met.
About the speaker: Alumna Melissa Reitkopp ’85 is a talent acquisition pro, career coach and community connector who has helped thousands of professionals across non-profit, commercial and government sectors grow their careers and build meaningful networks. She combines recruiter insights with practical tools to help people land jobs they love.
Brought to you through a collaboration between Cornell Alumni Affairs and Development and the Graduate School Office of Career and Professional Development’s Careers Beyond Academia program.
