Sunday speech to teach networking skills

Arizona Daily Wildcat Donna Fisher

"People must shift from the idea of corporate loyalty and job security to maintaining one's employability and marketability," said Donna Fisher in a speech prepared for delivery.

Fisher will address the topic, "Career Success Through Power Networking" Sunday afternoon from 12:30 to 4 in the Memorial Student Union's Arizona Ballroom.

Her presentation will be one aspect of a career fair sponsored by the Tucson Alumnae Panhellenic and University of Arizona Panhellenic unions.

"More than 70 percent of jobs are found through networking," Fisher said.

The routine goes beyond cocktail parties and who someone knows, said Fisher, author of Power Networking: 55 Secrets of Personal and Professional Success. It also provides emotional support and functions as a two-way street, she said.

"In a network you can contribute as much as you receive, " she said. "Believe it or not, your are a wealth of information, ideas and contacts that can benefit others."

Following the speech, potential contacts from about 25 professionals will be available to provide answers and guidance to anyone interested in a particular career, said Mary Harvey, Alpha Xi Delta's representative to the Tucson alumnae union.

Astronomers, engineers and pharmacists are some of the people scheduled to be at the fair. To take advantage of their knowledge, the focus of the day will be on networking, Harvey said.

"Most people are really changing jobs within a 5-year period," she said. "The neat thing about networking is that you've got to keep it going all your life."

Ryan Hall, a senior double majoring in English and political science, said he has found networking to be an integral part of his educational goals.

"Networking gives you an edge and opens doors for you," he said.

Hall said the political connections he has made being part of the Young Republicans Club have been beneficial.

"Now I get invited to political dinners with (Republican Sen.) John McCain," he said.

Fisher is also scheduled to speak at a luncheon Monday from 9 a.m. to noon. While the first presentation is free, Monday's session comes with a $30 fee. For more information, contact Mary Harvey at 326-9850.