Where do you go to network? Trade shows.

We recently reached out to Mike Wysocki to ask for his advice about a question that is often asked by students, recent graduates, and others who are early in their careers: how can they stand apart from others who are applying to the same job if they all have similar backgrounds?

Mike spent more than 30 years in the workforce, before he began researching occupations. His goal was to help the next generation make more informed decisions than he did. Speaking to students and educators about career readiness is his new profession. In January 2023, his book, Careers By the People, was published and instantly became a best seller then won seven awards. It received endorsements from educators of many institutions such as Stanford, Harvard, UMass, BU, Northeastern, branches of the military, non-profits as well as career coaches, students, and critically acclaimed authors.

There are trade shows and conventions on every topic under the Sun. Vendors have booths, often staffed by senior leaders. What’s another name for a vendor? An employer. That’s right, you can walk up to any booth and ask them about what employment opportunities they have available and then tell them how you might be a great fit for one or more of their openings.