Skip to main content
WIL Program Assistant

a business card
Both undergraduate and graduate students can order [SFU branded] business cards,” says the Director of the Design Group at SFU, Carol Knight.

You have successfully defined yourself with a killer branding scheme for your personal marketing pieces, and have even created a business card to complete the package. With the right situation and a little know-how, your card has the potential to be the ultimate networking tool.

Business cards can be used in almost any situation, and convey an air of professionalism. Turn that ‘air’ into a lasting impression with these helpful hints because, who knows, you may have just handed your card to your next employer or future client!

1. Choose Your Timing

Don’t offer it out too early or as an afterthought. Establish a rapport with the recipient and treat the exchange with respect.

2. Make an Impact

Make eye contact when giving the card. Pass the card with the type facing the other person so they can read your information promptly.

3. Show Interest

Receive the card with both hands. Take a moment to look down and read it. It makes a powerful (although subconscious) statement. Thank the ‘giver’ for sharing it with you.

4. Stay Organized

Have a predetermined spot to keep the cards that you receive, instead of shoving them into your pockets. If you’re at a table, organize the cards to match the hierarchy and/or the placement of people around the table. It will help you remember who’s who.

The when, where and especially how to use your business cards can be tricky. Now that you have the tools, working the room at your next networking event, sealing the deal at your next interview or making a lasting impression on a chance encounter with great contact will be a cinch!

A Tip for Getting Started

With their department’s permission, students in all programs at SFU can order student business cards through the on-campus print shop. “Both undergraduate and graduate students can order [SFU branded] business cards,” says the Director of the Design Group at SFU, Carol Knight.

Although she has final say beyond the standard content before it gets printed, “students can add their concentration after their title (e.g. BBA Candidate, Marketing and Finance Concentration) … if they like,” even though it’s not included on the standard online template.

Students can visit their home department’s main office for more information. The cost is $27.50 for 100 cards and is payable by the individual student, not the program.

One Cautionary Bit of Advice:

While students are extended the option of having official SFU business cards printed, in no way are students permitted to use the SFU logo on a card of their own design, nor should their creations mimic the university's business card design.

For their contributions to this article, a special thanks to:

Carol Knight, Director
The Design Group – University Relations
Simon Fraser University
Ellie Sykes
VP Qualitative and Online Communities
Angus Reid Strategies

WIL Program Assistant
visibility  96
Nov 6, 2010

You Might Like These... Networking, Professional Development

Handshaking
Peeriodical: Harness the Power of Networking at SFU

In today’s competitive job market, no matter what field or industry you are in, the key to discovering the hidden job market is through networking.  It’s all about “who knows you”.  Networking involves mutually connecting and building a relationship with others at a personal and professional level as sources of information and support.

Working on campus
The 10 Minute Commute – Resources and Useful Information for Working on Campus

Have you ever thought about working in a place that you are familiar with?  Perhaps a Tim Horton’s close by? For many students the idea of working at SFU might be a great option, if you prefer a 10 minute jaunt to work after class or an opportunity to learn more about how a university operates.

a flatlay of a person using an ipad to browse images
Can Blogging Help You Land a Job?

Some job seekers looking for possible ways to edge out competition are using weblogs (or blogs) to create and maintain a positive online presence. Blogging might help you land a job – but before you open a blog, we offer some information about blogging and a few tips on what you can do if blogging intimidates you.

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections

A group of people in a conference
Working Internationally: How I got to spend 6 months in the Caribbean...and got paid!

Like most grads, I wanted to see the world after I finished my degree. But with student loan debt and not a lot of savings, I knew that I would have to work and travel in order to fulfil my dream of seeing the world!

a group of colleagues sitting around the table talking to each other
Oh the Holidays: The Time to Keep Working…Socially.

Time flies and before you know it, you’ll be attending a lot of holiday parties, activities and social functions. Surprisingly, these holiday gatherings provide the perfect opportunity to be networking, building relationships, learning about diverse jobs, and starting career conversations that could assist you in getting a head start on your future career exploration and work search.

People together
Networking and the Extravert Bias

Being a pretty typical introvert, one of the things that I need to put more effort into than a lot of more outgoing people is building and maintaining new relationships.  Friends, coworkers, other professional contacts, you name it - any new relationship.