Highlighted Event

Networking Without the 'Ick': Making Authentic Connections Webinar

Tuesday, May 12th

10:00 AM - 11:00 CST

Networking can often feel uncertain and forced 😱. Yet, as students, we are expected to dive headfirst into finding connections via LinkedIn or networking events.

Carol Winfrey, a strategy and growth leader at Booth, challenges students to shift the mindset that networking is purely transactional and instead about building genuine connections and relationships. She has advised and worked closely with Fortune 500 companies and cites professional networks as a way to build a supportive professional ecosystem. Join this free interactive webinar to get an inside look at networking for longevity and authenticity!

Register Here!

Mindful Networking 🧠🤝

Growing your Network While Protecting Your Peace

It is never too late to start networking. Below are some tips on how to go into these conversations with your best foot forward!

Schedule Informational Interviews
- Don’t be afraid to reach out and email professionals who interest you. People genuinely enjoy talking about their career trajectories and journeys, and informational interviews are a great way to establish authentic relationships. Whether it’s a coffee chat ☕ over Zoom or an in-person conversation, these meetings can help you get to know professionals in your field while also building your network. UChicago also offers networking templates and resources to help you get started.
Join Professional Organizations
- Joining professional organizations is another great way to connect with people in your field. Many disciplines, including Psychology, Social Work, Public Administration, and the Sciences, have organizations that offer discounted membership fees for students. Most also host in-person events in different cities, along with professional development workshops and conferences, making them a great opportunity to nurture your social well-being and learn from others in the field.
Led With Curiosity
- When initially reaching out and developing these connections, it is important to get to know a little more about their professional journey. Taking the time to learn about their background can give you insight into their professional passions and maybe even some shared interests. It also gives you a stronger foundation for developing thoughtful questions and creating more meaningful conversations!

Refining Professional Success

Unexpected Paths to Meaningful Work: A Conversation with Dr. Tab Shamsi

Dr. Tab Shamsi has been working at Student Wellness since 2017. He serves as a Staff Psychologist and the Coordinator of the Academic Skills Assessment Program (ASAP). ASAP is intended to improve students’ academic performance by providing resources and support in a variety of areas, such as time management and building study skills. They also offer a virtual workshop series that teaches students the psychological reasoning behind procrastination, imposter syndrome, and memory-building techniques.

Tab enjoys meeting with and helping students better understand themselves while supporting their professional and academic goals and growth. He encourages graduating students who are thinking about building a career to think beyond what is practical and to stay curious and open to shaping their professional lives around the values and contributions they want to make. The path you end up on may not always be what you originally foresaw, but being open to meaningful moments and unexpected opportunities can lead you somewhere just as rewarding.

Outside of work, Dr. Shamsi enjoys fitness and dog training. Click below to learn more about ASAP!

Learn More About ASAP!

Tab Shamsi, PsyD

Staff Psychologist, Coordinator of Academic Skills Assessment Program

Education: PsyD in Clinical Psychology and MA in Counseling and Organizational Psychology from Adler University; Internship at University of Notre Dame Counseling Center, Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of Chicago Student Counseling Service.

Activity of the Week

Which Unique Job Matches Your Personality?

As graduation and summer time approach ☀️, some of us will be all-networked-out! Life after college can be uncertain, but know that everyone’s journey is different, and whether you are planning to travel the world, start a new job, or are still figuring it out, the right path will reveal itself.

For those of you still immersed in your program, summer can be a great time to reflect and think seriously about what you want to pursue in life. Try this fun quiz to discover your perfect niche job based on your personality. If you’ve ever wondered how someone becomes a luxury candle scent curator or a theme park food critic 🌭, now’s your chance to find out!

Take the Quiz!

Video of the Week

Networking: Building Meaningful, Mutually Beneficial Connections

When Daniel was in grad school, he thought of networking as “a necessary evil…”. Although it was awkward and largely transactional, he felt it was the only way to land a good job after graduation. I completely understand college as a means of finally experiencing financial stability. Graduation can feel both like an accomplishment and a mess when we start thinking about entering the real world.

It’s true that college is a great way to build your network. UChicago boasts an amazing faculty, and no matter your interest, I guarantee there is someone on campus who has made it their life’s passion. But networking doesn’t have to feel like a forced endeavor. This TED Talk goes into how we can connect with others and mutually benefit one another. It’s not about what they can do for me, but how we can help each other and build community. We each bring our own strengths and knowledge to the table, and it’s important to lean into that.

Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation, and never be afraid to be yourself. You never know who else in the room shares similar interests. Check out the video below to learn more!

Watch the Video