PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
in a larger company, but they can be quite isolated in smaller companies,” explains Ms. Keith-Asante. That was the case for Mandy Williams, P.Geol. She was working for a small resource company and was the only woman in a technical role on staff. A mutual acquaintance connected her with Ms. Keith-Asante, who became her mentor. Together, they formed GeoWomen to make it easier for women to support each other by sharing their experiences, ideas and career advice. “We share stories, skills and strategies for getting through your career as a female in this industry,” says Ms. Keith-Asante, who has found it rewarding to support other women, especially younger ones. “You get their energy, their enthusiasm, and their love for what they want to do in the business. I find it quite energizing.” There are dozens of engineering and geoscience groups across Alberta that organize networking events, from casual social mixers to seminars and workshops. To find one that is of interest to you, do an online search — or ask your colleagues. Also watch your inbox for the e-PEG and newsletters from your branch. If you aren’t receiving APEGA electronic communications, make your preferences known on apega.ca. Click on Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation, under What’s New, and follow the directions. APEGA’s electronic messages include information on the Association and other matters of interest to Professional Engineers and Geoscientists — among them networking and professional development opportunities.
Want to perfect your networking skills? APEGA is offering a one-day professional development seminar on successful business networking techniques. Among the skills you’ll practise: social conversation techniques, impression management and introductions. What • Networking: Building Strong Business Relationships When
• April 8 in Edmonton • April 13 in Calgary For more information, visit apega.ca.
Coming This Summer Social media networking makes it easy for
professionals to connect online, but are you using it effectively? The goals may be similar to those of face- to-face networking, but the rules and strategies are often different. Watch for Part II in this series in the summer 2015 edition of The PEG . We’ll look at how to get the most out of LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking site. We’ll also look at the potential pitfalls of tweeting before thinking, and blending your personal and professional networks.
NETWORKING 101: ALWAYS BE PREPARED
To get the most out of a networking event, you should plan ahead. “Make sure you’re prepared and you’ll make a better impression,” says Mr. Boris. Before you go, think about what your goals are. • Are you looking for job leads? • Are you scouting prospective employees? • Are you seeking new clients? Try to find out who else is attending the event — speakers, presenters, other professionals — and make a list of who you want to meet. Making quality connections starts with a game plan. Being prepared can also help put your mind at ease, especially if the thought of striking up a conversation with complete strangers makes you break out in a cold sweat. Practise a 30-second introduction — what you do and why you do it — and take some time to catch up on current events so you’ll have something interesting to comment on. “Talk about something you’re passionate about. That’s what I find works for me,” says Mr. Boris. A good question might be: “How do you think the low price of oil is going to affect the engineering community?”
Notifications are also sent via email. For university students, APEGA offers speed networking events to help them connect with professionals.
NETWORKING FOR WOMEN
GeoWomen in Calgary started as a way to give young women who have just begun their careers an opportunity to network with women who are more established. Meetings over the past year have featured guest speakers addressing a range of top- ics, from diversity to management of maternity leaves. Since its inception in February 2014, the group has expanded to include internationally trained professionals and women returning to work after career breaks. “It’s a great networking tool for them because they meet women who are employed and have contacts they haven’t been able to access,” says Jocelyn Keith-Asante, P.Geol., a staff geologist with Shell Canada and one the group’s founders. It can sometimes be difficult for women in geoscience — especially those just starting out — to connect with female role models. “There is usually more opportunity for women to network
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