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Jess Yuen and Gretchen Laue
In a very competitive workplace, establishing, growing, and leveraging your professional community can make all the difference as you search for your initial work opportunity, improve satisfaction at your current job, or find your next work adventure. In this course, you will learn how to tap into your existing personal and professional networks to find your tribe and then leverage your professional community for your benefit (and sometimes the benefit of your employer!). Given that job satisfaction and job opportunities, are often integrally intertwined with “doing good,” you will engage in an introspective exercise evaluating...
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In a very competitive workplace, establishing, growing, and leveraging your professional community can make all the difference as you search for your initial work opportunity, improve satisfaction at your current job, or find your next work adventure. In this course, you will learn how to tap into your existing personal and professional networks to find your tribe and then leverage your professional community for your benefit (and sometimes the benefit of your employer!). Given that job satisfaction and job opportunities, are often integrally intertwined with “doing good,” you will engage in an introspective exercise evaluating your interests and values so you can incorporate those ideals into your work. Finally, you will understand how service experiences can be extremely valuable in growing your professional community and contributing to company success. Please Note: This course is scheduled to close new learner enrollment on November 15th, 2021, and fully close on May 15th, 2022. All graded assignments, including peer reviews, must be completed by May 15th in order to be accepted for Certificate credit.
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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines how service experiences can help grow professional networks
Explores establishing, growing, and leveraging professional communities
Builds relationships for job opportunities and professional networking
Leads to introspection about interests and values for career development
Instructed by Jess Yuen and Gretchen Laue
Taught using a mix of media, including videos, readings, and discussions

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Reviews summary

Networking success with community

This course has been highly praised by students, with over 70% of reviews giving the course a perfect 5-star rating. Students report that this course is highly insightful, with many indicating that they learned a great deal. Students also report that this course has been helpful in both developing and leveraging professional networks. Finally, the instructors have been praised as wonderful, with one reviewer enthusiastically declaring their love for one of the instructors.
Instructors are wonderful and enthusiastic.
"I'm very grateful to these wonderful instructors Jess Yuen ... Gretchen Laue."
Helpful for networking and developing volunteer plans.
"This course really helpful for my working network and help me to develop my planning skill."
"Excellent course that helps the student devise a plan to network and volunteer for career, professional, community and personal goals."
Very insightful course with lots of valuable learning.
"This is one of the most insightful courses I have ever been part of."
"I really learned a lot throughout the three weeks I spent in studying this course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Networking and Volunteerism for Career Success with these activities:
Review Your Professional Brand
Review the concept of personal branding and how it can be used for career advancement.
Show steps
  • Research the concept of personal branding.
  • Identify your personal style and values.
  • Create a personal brand statement.
Identify potential mentors and reach out to them
Establish connections with experienced professionals who can provide guidance, support, and insights on your chosen professional path.
Show steps
  • Identify individuals in your network or industry who you admire and respect.
  • Research their backgrounds and accomplishments to determine their suitability as mentors.
  • Compose a personalized message to introduce yourself and express your interest in mentorship.
  • Schedule a meeting or call to discuss your goals and explore the possibility of a mentorship relationship.
Join a Study Group or Online Community
Join a study group or online community to connect with other students and learn from each other.
Show steps
  • Research study groups or online communities.
  • Join a group that fits your interests and needs.
  • Participate in discussions and activities.
12 other activities
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Refresh networking skills
Update your LinkedIn profile and practice your elevator pitch. You will start the course with a strong professional network.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Update LinkedIn profile
  • Prepare an elevator pitch
Develop a Personal Marketing Plan
Create a plan to promote your professional brand and connect with potential employers.
Show steps
  • Identify your target audience.
  • Develop a marketing message.
  • Choose marketing channels.
  • Create a marketing budget.
  • Implement your marketing plan.
Attend networking mixers
Practice your networking skills and build relationships with people in your field. Networking events provide a great opportunity to make connections and learn about potential job opportunities.
Show steps
  • Research networking events in your area
  • Attend networking events
  • Follow up with people you meet
Attend Industry Events
Attend industry events to network with potential employers and learn about job opportunities.
Show steps
  • Research industry events.
  • Prepare for networking.
  • Attend events and network with professionals.
  • Follow up with contacts.
Take Online Courses or Tutorials to Develop New Skills
Take online courses or tutorials to develop new skills that will make you more competitive in the job market.
Show steps
  • Identify skills you want to develop.
  • Research online courses or tutorials.
  • Enroll in courses or tutorials and complete them.
Join a Coursera LinkedIn group and engage in discussions
Connect with other Coursera learners and share experiences, tips, and advice related to the course.
Browse courses on Professional Networking
Show steps
  • Join the Coursera LinkedIn group for the course.
  • Introduce yourself and share your goals for the course.
  • Participate in discussions and ask or answer questions related to the course material.
Practice job interview questions
Review common job interview questions and practice your answers. This will help you feel more confident and prepared for your next job interview.
Browse courses on Interviewing
Show steps
  • Research common job interview questions
  • Practice answering job interview questions
Volunteer for a Cause You Care About
Volunteer for a cause you care about to gain experience, build your network, and make a difference.
Show steps
  • Identify a cause you care about.
  • Research volunteer opportunities.
  • Apply for volunteer positions.
  • Volunteer your time and make a difference.
Create a professional development plan
Solidify your understanding of your career goals and identify specific steps to achieve them.
Browse courses on Professional Development
Show steps
  • Reflect on your current skills, interests, and career aspirations.
  • Research different career paths and industries that align with your interests.
  • Identify specific skills and knowledge you need to develop to achieve your goals.
  • Create a plan outlining your development activities, timelines, and resources.
Develop a Portfolio of Your Work
Create a portfolio of your work to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers.
Show steps
  • Gather your best work samples.
  • Create a portfolio website or online presence.
  • Promote your portfolio to potential employers.
Volunteer at a local nonprofit organization
Gain practical experience and develop your professional network by volunteering in a field related to your career aspirations.
Show steps
  • Research different nonprofit organizations and identify those that align with your interests.
  • Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteering opportunities.
  • Attend volunteer orientation and training sessions.
  • Engage in volunteer activities and contribute to the organization's mission.
Mentor other Coursera learners or colleagues
Enhance your understanding of the course material and professional concepts by actively sharing your knowledge and supporting others.
Show steps
  • Identify individuals who are new to the field or who may benefit from your expertise.
  • Offer your support and guidance, either through informal conversations or structured mentorship programs.
  • Share your experiences, insights, and resources to help others grow and develop professionally.
  • Provide constructive feedback and encouragement to support their learning journey.

Career center

Learners who complete Networking and Volunteerism for Career Success will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers lead the people operations of an organization. They design and implement policies and programs that attract, develop, and retain talent. This course may be useful for Human Resources Managers because it provides insights into how to build and leverage professional networks. The course also discusses how to incorporate personal values and interests into one's work, which can be helpful for Human Resources Managers who are responsible for creating a positive and inclusive work environment.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including customers, partners, and employees, to build relationships and generate leads. This course may be useful for Marketing Managers because it provides insights into how to build and leverage professional networks. The course also discusses how to incorporate personal values and interests into one's work, which can be helpful for Marketing Managers who are responsible for creating marketing campaigns that resonate with target audiences.
Project Manager
Project Managers lead projects and are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects successfully. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including team members, clients, and vendors, to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course may be useful for Project Managers because it provides insights into how to build and leverage professional networks. The course also discusses how to incorporate personal values and interests into one's work, which can be helpful for Project Managers who are responsible for creating and managing projects that are successful and impactful.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers lead sales teams and are responsible for generating revenue. They work with customers to identify their needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. This course may be useful for Sales Managers because it provides insights into how to build and leverage professional networks. The course also discusses how to incorporate personal values and interests into one's work, which can be helpful for Sales Managers who are responsible for building relationships with customers and closing deals.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and develop solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including business users, IT professionals, and management, to gather requirements and develop solutions that meet the needs of the business. This course may be useful for Business Analysts because it provides insights into how to build and leverage professional networks. The course also discusses how to incorporate personal values and interests into one's work, which can be helpful for Business Analysts who are responsible for creating and implementing solutions that are effective and sustainable.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers lead the day-to-day operations of an organization. They are responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling the use of resources to achieve the organization's goals. This course may be useful for Operations Managers because it provides insights into how to build and leverage professional networks. The course also discusses how to incorporate personal values and interests into one's work, which can be helpful for Operations Managers who are responsible for creating and maintaining a productive and efficient work environment.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics, such as strategy, operations, and technology. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, partners, and employees, to develop and implement solutions that meet the needs of the organization. This course may be useful for Consultants because it provides insights into how to build and leverage professional networks. The course also discusses how to incorporate personal values and interests into one's work, which can be helpful for Consultants who are responsible for creating and delivering solutions that are effective and impactful.
Public relations manager
Public Relations Managers manage the public image of organizations. They work with the media, stakeholders, and the public to build relationships and promote positive perceptions. This course may be useful for Public Relations Managers because it provides insights into how to build and leverage professional networks. The course also discusses how to incorporate personal values and interests into one's work, which can be helpful for Public Relations Managers who are responsible for creating and executing public relations campaigns that resonate with target audiences.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers lead nonprofit organizations and are responsible for developing and implementing programs that meet the needs of the community. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and clients, to build support and generate revenue. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Managers because it provides insights into how to build and leverage professional networks. The course also discusses how to incorporate personal values and interests into one's work, which can be helpful for Nonprofit Managers who are responsible for creating a positive and impactful organization.
Event Planner
Event Planners plan and execute events, such as conferences, weddings, and corporate parties. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and attendees, to ensure that events are successful. This course may be useful for Event Planners because it provides insights into how to build and leverage professional networks. The course also discusses how to incorporate personal values and interests into one's work, which can be helpful for Event Planners who are responsible for creating events that are memorable and meaningful.
Account Manager
Account Managers manage relationships with clients and are responsible for generating revenue. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, partners, and employees, to build relationships and close deals. This course may be useful for Account Managers because it provides insights into how to build and leverage professional networks. The course also discusses how to incorporate personal values and interests into one's work, which can be helpful for Account Managers who are responsible for creating and maintaining relationships with clients.
Social Media Manager
Social Media Managers develop and execute social media campaigns to promote products and services. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including customers, partners, and employees, to build relationships and generate leads. This course may be useful for Social Media Managers because it provides insights into how to build and leverage professional networks. The course also discusses how to incorporate personal values and interests into one's work, which can be helpful for Social Media Managers who are responsible for creating social media campaigns that resonate with target audiences.
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are responsible for the overall leadership and management of an organization. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including shareholders, directors, and employees, to develop and implement strategies that achieve the organization's goals. This course may be useful for CEOs because it provides insights into how to build and leverage professional networks. The course also discusses how to incorporate personal values and interests into one's work, which can be helpful for CEOs who are responsible for creating and maintaining a positive and productive work environment.
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officers (COOs) are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including CEOs, other executives, and employees, to develop and implement strategies that achieve the organization's goals. This course may be useful for COOs because it provides insights into how to build and leverage professional networks. The course also discusses how to incorporate personal values and interests into one's work, which can be helpful for COOs who are responsible for creating and maintaining a productive and efficient work environment.
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are responsible for the financial management of an organization. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including CEOs, other executives, and employees, to develop and implement strategies that achieve the organization's financial goals. This course may be useful for CFOs because it provides insights into how to build and leverage professional networks. The course also discusses how to incorporate personal values and interests into one's work, which can be helpful for CFOs who are responsible for creating and maintaining a sound financial management system.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Networking and Volunteerism for Career Success.
Provides a comprehensive guide to networking for career success, covering topics such as building relationships, attending events, and using social media.
Provides a research-based approach to networking, offering practical advice on how to build and leverage relationships.
Provides a comprehensive guide to volunteering, including how to find opportunities, make the most of your experience, and use it to enhance your career prospects.
Provides a practical guide to networking, offering advice on how to build relationships, make a good impression, and use networking to advance your career.
Provides a beginner-friendly guide to networking, offering simple and easy-to-follow advice on how to build relationships and advance your career.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the nonprofit sector, including how to start a nonprofit, manage a nonprofit, and fundraise.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the nonprofit sector, including its history, structure, and role in society.
Provides an economic analysis of nonprofit organizations, including their role in the economy and their impact on society.
Provides a sociological analysis of nonprofit organizations, including their role in society and their impact on individuals and communities.
Provides a historical overview of nonprofit organizations in the United States, including their origins, development, and impact on society.

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