📖 Introduction: Why Job Hunting with Referrals Matters

Breaking into a career in networking—whether as a Network Engineer, Network Architect, Network Security Specialist, or Network Administrator—requires more than just technical skills. Referrals and networking are key factors in landing your ideal job. 🌟

Studies show that 80% of job openings are filled through networking rather than online applications. This means building connections, showcasing your skills, and securing referrals can give you a major advantage in your job search.

💼 Real-World Importance:

• Many companies prioritize referred candidates over traditional applicants.
• Networking and volunteering help build the experience and credibility hiring managers look for.
• Building relationships on LinkedIn and through events increases job opportunities in your field.

🎯 Your Mission:
This assignment will help you evaluate your career goals, develop networking strategies, and identify opportunities to strengthen your technical skills.

📌 Task Overview

For this assignment, you will:

✅ Watch the following career insight videos to explore networking roles and skills:
🔹 Network Engineer Job Role Explained
🔹 Network Security Engineer Job Role Explained
🔹 Network Architect Job Role Explained
🔹 Network Administrator Job Role Explained

✅ Create a PowerPoint presentation covering the following:

1. Reflection & Challenge:
   • Are you still interested in the networking career path you originally chose?
   • Do you see yourself as a Network Engineer, Architect, Security Specialist, or Administrator? Why?
   • Have you identified networking skills in your current job? Can you volunteer for assignments at work to build these skills?
   • Have you volunteered at a nonprofit to gain networking experience?

✅ Create a Job Referral Action Plan:

1. What weekly activities are you executing to reach your job goal?
2. Are you attending networking events and asking for referrals inside companies?
3. Have you spoken to family and friends about referring you to a company?
4. Have you made new LinkedIn connections? List their names and companies.
5. Create an action list of referral requests you will send.

📤 Submit your PowerPoint presentation with responses to all reflection questions.

🎯 Learning Objectives

By completing this assignment, you will:

📌 Assess your career interests and readiness for networking roles.
📌 Develop a structured approach to job hunting through networking and referrals.
📌 Identify ways to gain hands-on experience through work, volunteering, and self-initiated learning.

📖 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Watch the Career Insight Videos:

• View the four videos provided above to learn about networking career paths and job market strategies.
• Take notes on key skills, industry trends, and job search tips that resonate with you.

2️⃣ Create Your PowerPoint Presentation:

• Slide 1: Title Slide (Include your name and assignment title).
• Slides 2-5: Reflection & Challenge (Answer all reflection questions from the Task Overview).
• Slides 6-8: Job Referral Action Plan (List your networking efforts, LinkedIn connections, and referral strategies).

3️⃣ Submit Your Presentation:

📤 Upload your PowerPoint file (PPT or PDF format) to the designated submission platform.
🔍 Double-check that all reflection responses are included.

💡 Encouragement & Reminders

🌟 This is a learning opportunity! Be honest in your reflections—this assignment is about helping you take control of your career path.

💪 Networking is key to career success! The more connections you build, the higher your chances of landing a job in networking, cybersecurity, or IT.

🙋‍♂️ Ask for help if needed! If you’re unsure about how to network, reach out to your instructor, mentors, or classmates for guidance.

✅ Submission Checklist

Before submitting, ensure you have:

🎯 Watched the four career insight videos and took notes.
📑 Answered all Reflection & Challenge questions in your PowerPoint.
📤 Uploaded your PowerPoint presentation with a structured Job Referral Action Plan.

🚀 Final Thought

Your career in networking starts NOW! Whether you’re refining your goals, making connections, or gaining hands-on experience, every step you take moves you closer to success. 🌍💡✨

Let’s take action, build your network, and land that dream job! 🚀 #StayFocused #NetworkYourWayToSuccess