Plan now to do networking wherever you will spend the winter holidays—whether in Utah or out of state! Here are a few ideas:
- One of the easiest ways to network over the holidays is to attend a reception hosted by a legal employer. Some larger firms host “home for the holidays” receptions for law students. Locally, Snell & Wilmer willhost such a reception on Tuesday, December 22. Snell & Wilmer also hosts receptions in the other cities where they have offices (Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orange County, Phoenix, and Tucson). Barnes & Thornburg, an Indiana-based firm with offices throughout the Midwest, South and east coast, will also host areception in Indianapolis, also on December 22. If you are heading to a large city, check with firms in the area to see if they are hosting a reception! Be sure to RSVP in a timely fashion, and ask about the expected dress code.
- If you are visiting a different city, then mention in your cover letters to out of town employers when you will be in town and ask them for a meeting or interview at that time. Follow up with a phone call. The worst that can happen is that your request is declined.
- Reconnect with your existing contacts! Set up a lunch or evening of drinks with old friends and classmates. These may be people who you can help or who may offer you assistance as you continue in your professional life.