Networking is arguably the most pertinent buzzword that we hear throughout our college career. The old adage “it’s not what you know, but who you know” may indeed ring true, as we are pressured to create and maintain a network of professionals before launching a career. We are told from the moment we walk into college that the key to a successful professional existence is to have a strong network of contacts in our chosen field. However, we are never really taught how exactly to go about achieving that! Luckily, there are a few tools to help us in our trek through this unknown world. And yes, the beloved social media is one of them.
LinkedIn is truly an amazing service. If you don’t have a free profile on this site, go make one. Like right now. It’s a great way to show off your skills and reach out to professionals in your field. Make sure to keep your profile updated with any new achievements you make. The key to utilizing all LinkedIn has to offer is to add anyone you’ve met (even just briefly) and use the messaging feature to reach out to individuals you would like to know. Conducting an “informational interview” for someone you admire could prove very beneficial for your career search. Chances are, the professional would be happy to give a few moments of their time to help a college student, and you will seize the opportunity to find out more about their profession/role. Bonus perk: you just gained another connection!
Professional events are the crème de la crème of the networking world. Career fairs, recruitment dinners and other professional symposiums are held to spark mingling and meeting new people! Take advantage of every opportunity that arises to attend these events. Once in attendance, start making those connections! If possible, research who will be in attendance prior to the event. This will help when introducing yourself, since you could add something to the extent of: “I’m fascinated by the research project you’re working on. Could you tell me more about it?” Professionals are as excited to meet you as you are them – make a good first impression by doing your research beforehand! Another great way to expand your network is to introduce your connections to each other. If you know two people who you think would benefit from meeting each other, set up introductions. Building the networks of others is memorable and can help them advance in their own career. They will also be likely to do the same for you someday!
Just like any friendship, a professional relationship takes effort to stay alive. Send a quick email or message after any interview, formal dinner, career fair, etc. thanking the individual for speaking with you. It helps to add a note about when you will meet up next, such as “I look forward to seeing you on campus next month for ______!” Make sure to always ask for their business card once the conversation is dwindling so that you can follow up. Pro tip: make your own business cards and hand them yours in return so they will be able to contact you in the future. It is helpful to write down something you talked about on the back of their business card before you leave so you don’t forget! Once you’ve met some interesting people and initiated the process of adding them to your network, make sure to FOLLOW UP! The follow up is crucial to making sure you are remembered and to maintaining the relationship. Congratulate individuals on accomplishments they make, and try to reach out as regularly as possible to get together. This is difficult with professionals who live out of the area, but if you happen to be in the same location, make sure to make an appointment to grab lunch/coffee/etc. to catch up. Make sure not to lose sight of the fact that professionals are humans too, not just career advancing machines. Take the time to care about their work/life and not just their company, so as to not appear superficial. Bonus points if you share interests and could meet up for an activity you both enjoy together (i.e. golf, bowling, etc.)!
Hopefully these tips will help you navigate the world of networking. A quick introduction or hello could lead to a flowering, mutually beneficial professional relationship. You never know who might be your next boss or your connection to a new job, so it doesn’t hurt to say hello to anyone and everyone…and follow up afterwards!