The best way to approach a company: Insights from the South Korea Corporate Relations Team

Being part of the International Study Course for the upcoming South Korea trip has been an enriching experience that has combined academic learning and real-world engagement with companies.  

As members of the class Corporate Relations team, our role involves setting up meetings with companies to foster valuable connections and gain insights into various industries. This task requires a blend of strategic thinking, persistence, and patience.  

Here's a detailed look at the process we follow to successfully approach and secure meetings with companies:

The first step in setting up a meeting is to identify the right people to reach out to within the companies we are interested in. A targeted approach is essential. We prioritize reaching out to University of Waterloo or other Canadian university alumni who are currently working at these international companies. Alumni are more likely to be receptive to our requests due to their shared connection with the school. Additionally, we seek out locals who have participated in exchange programs at Waterloo, as these individuals often have fond memories of their time on our campus and are usually enthusiastic about reconnecting with the University. 

Once we have identified the appropriate contacts, the next step is to send a well-crafted reach-out note. This note needs to capture their attention and generate interest in meeting with us. To achieve this, we conduct thorough research on the company to uncover interesting facts or recent news that we can mention in our initial communication. Highlighting such details demonstrates our genuine interest and effort, making our outreach more compelling. The reach-out note typically includes: 

• A brief introduction of ourselves and the International Study Course.
• Specific insights or fun facts about the company that relate to our academic expertise or interests.
• A clear and polite request for a meeting, with suggested dates and times.

After the initial reach-out, we often engage in back-and-forth communication to finalize the meeting details. This stage involves discussing availability, setting agendas, and clarifying any other logistical aspects. Effective communication is key to ensuring that both parties are aligned and that the meeting will be productive and mutually beneficial. 

Securing a meeting with busy corporate professionals requires a lot of patience and persistence. There is often a waiting period between sending out our initial reach-out note and receiving a response. During this time, it’s important to remain patient and be prepared to follow up as needed. Polite follow-ups can serve as gentle reminders and demonstrate our continued interest in arranging the meeting. 

Setting up meetings with companies as part of the Corporate Relations Team involves a strategic and thoughtful approach. By identifying the right contacts, crafting compelling reach-out notes, engaging in detailed communication, and maintaining patience and persistence, we can successfully secure valuable meetings.  

These interactions not only enhance our understanding of various industries but also build lasting connections that can benefit our academic and professional journeys. Being part of this process is a rewarding experience that combines classroom learning with real-world application, making our international study trip truly transformative.