Jenni Avins writes in Quartz about Sree Sreenivasan, chief digital officer of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Last Friday, the Met announced that Sreenivasan and several others would be let go from their high-profile positions. The Quartz article details how he is exploring next steps and seeking advice very publicly on social media.
“The same day the news broke about his dismissal, he posted a note on Facebook. Sreenivasan shared the Met’s company-wide memo and his gratitude to his bosses and team, and he outlined some loose plans (a book, consulting, a speaking tour, and a family vacation in India). Perhaps most importantly, he said he was open to any and all meetings and included a link to a form inviting friends to offer advice about what he should do next. ‘If you want to invite me to anything, I now have time, including for meaningful cups of coffee and drinks,’ he wrote. ‘I’d also love to go walking with anyone available. I try to walk 5 miles a day, I plan to make it 8-10 miles this summer.”
Not everyone has the social network or reputation of Sreenivasan, but at least some of the advice he offers about professional networking might be of use for undergraduate students:
- “build your network before you need it”
- “maintain your professional contacts”
- “be generous with your time and advice”
- “be open to meetings and advice”