It was a successful Career Night at Touro Graduate School of Technology this past Thursday, November 3rd. This semester's speaker was a school favorite, Mary Crane, whose goal is to “help students transform from students or employees into professionals”. The students that attended received invaluable information on making their transition successful with Crane's 10 Rules of Engagement for Working Events. If you’re bummed you missed out or stumbled upon this in your search, don’t worry! Today we are recapping the rules of engagement for you, as well as how to get your hands on the other tips that will be helpful to your professional career.

Mary Crane's 10 Rules of Engagement:

Rule 1 - Introducing Yourself

Whenever you introduce yourself, be sure to state your name and provide two or three sentences that tell the other person who you are!

Rule 2 - Introducing Others

Silently ask yourself which of the people you are introducing is most important in this business setting. You should then introduce the less important person to the more important person; begin by stating the more important person's name i.e. Professor X I would like for you to meet Student Y. Be sure to add a description of the person you are introducing.

Rule 3 - Arriving at the Event

First, be sure to R.S.V.P. to the invitation. Upon arriving 15 minutes prior to the event's start time, find the host and thank them for the invitation.

TIP - After greeting the host, visit the bar for a beverage, carrying it in your left hand. This makes you look comfortable and keeps your right hand open to shake hands.

Rule 4 - The Buddy System

Whenever feasible, attend events with someone else you know. This allows you two to separate, meeting people individually, then coming together to compare notes. You can help each other find the people worth connecting with that evening as well as doubling your amount of contacts in half the time.

Rule 5 - Approach-ables

When you are attending events alone search for the person who is standing by themselves along the perimeter of the room. This “approachable” person will most likely welcome the opportunity of you approaching him/her and begin a conversation.

Rule 6 - Name Tags

Always wear your name tag on the right side of your chest. This way when you extend your right hand to shake another person's hand, your name tag will be placed in the other person's direct line of vision.

Rule 7 - Remembering Names

Although difficult, try to block out all other chatter and listen to the person introducing themselves giving them 100% of your attention.

TIP - Try and repeat the person's name in normal conversation to increase the likelihood of you remembering their name.

Rule 8 - Breaking and Entering

When wishing to enter a group conversation be sure to approach the group and take a few minutes to listen in. If a follow up question is asked, take that moment to introduce yourself and answer.

Rule 9 - Existing Conversations

Networking events are meant to give participants the opportunity to mingle. After 10-15 minutes of conversation politely tell the person how much you enjoyed meeting them and ask for their business card. If you are in a group setting there is no need to address the whole group but motion to the participants to your right and left.

Rule 10 - Thank You Note

Soon after the event send a short email or note including these key sentences:

1. Thank you for inviting me to [describe the event].
2. I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoyed [describe a memorable moment from the event].
3. I look forward to attending other events [the organization] organizes and am interested in other ways in which I may become actively involved in planning and scheduling events.

To end, here is a little reminder from Connie Chung on talking professionally:

There you have it! If you were in attendance that evening you received a FREE copy of Mary Cranes “100 Things You Need to Know” book [series]. Anyone who would like more information on the above Rules of Engagement or other helpful information about career integration can purchase one of Crane’s books here.

See more photos from the event on our Facebook page!

Don’t forget that you can always visit Robert Grosberg at Career Services for assistance on interview and networking skills!