Keeping Safe
Please only use Zoom, Google Hangouts or Skype, do not share your phone number or personal information with people you don't know well.
If you are under 18, your mentor should be cc'd into all emails and be on all video calls. If you meet in person your mentor should be present.
If you are over 18, it is your responsibility to ensure you network in the safest way possible.
Never send personal information to the network connection, including your social media information. They should not be asking you for personal photos or details like your home address. If at any time you feel unsafe, let us know.
Be brave - always follow up with the introduction
It's perfectly normal to feel nervous but never leave the other person hanging! If you have changed your mind, send an email like this:
"Thank you for the introduction. I have been exploring my options and have decided I am more interested in ___ but thank you so much for your time"
Writing the first email
Don't be overly formal or too casual. Something like this works well: "Hi ___ how are you? My name is ___ and I am currently doing ___. I am interested in ___. I am hoping to learn more about ___. If you are under 18, keep your mentor cc'd in this email. Ask them, or us, for help writing the first email if you need.
Asking questions
Don't be shy! This person has already agreed to answer your questions. Think about what you want from the conversation. Do you want their opinion? Do you need information? Use open questions starting with 'who”, “what”, “where”, “when” and “how”. Avoid personal questions around sexuality, religion, politics etc. if they are not relevant to your discussion.
Video calls
Make a plan for your call and write questions down so you can refer to them during the conversation. Make sure you're somewhere quiet if possible. Remember you don't need to impress anyone, just be yourself and chat as you normally would! If you are under 18, your mentor should be on this call too.
Ending the conversation
At the end of the email or video conversation, thank them for their time. If they were helpful, ask if you can stay in touch and follow up with them later. A good way to end the conversation is to ask if there is anyone else they think you should speak to.
Reflection
If you've been connected with a member of our Network we'd love to hear about what you've gained from the experience. Please use our short Young Talent Report form to tell us how it went!