You just can’t stand her— The way she seems to know everyone and be involved in everything, literally snatching opportunities you want right out from under you. You take the same classes and get the same grades, so what gives? And to top it all off, she just got chosen for the internship that you really wanted after using some connection she made with someone in human resources! What a “Susie Suck-up”!
It is easy to mope around and blame missed opportunities on others who we consider to be lucky, privileged “suck-ups.” The truth is, you have the tools to gain a competitive edge and get ahead in your industry right in front of you. “Susie Suck-up” and the rest of those students who appear to have opportunities fall into their laps are not just lucky, they are networking. We have all heard that “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” In this current job market, there is more truth to this phrase than ever before. Whether it is networking with a professional your professor set you up with to help get an internship, or networking amongst your fellow club members to solicit votes as you prepare to run for secretary, networking is a vital part of success. Here are a few tips and reminders to help you brush up on your networking skills.
1. Network early, network often
It is never too early to start networking, no matter what your industry or career interests may be. Your next interview may be with the guy you worked with at Hy-Vee in high school, or it may be the woman you sit next to during a national conference. Never take theses connections for granted, and start building your network now!
2. Don’t miss opportunities
Professionals will often tell you to “never eat alone.” Whether it is at a conference, industry event, or in the break room at work, resist the urge to use a lunch break to check your Facebook notifications, and take some time to network with the people around you (especially people you don’t know). That conversation could end up being more important to your career than anything you were about to post or tweet.
3. Believe in the power of the business card
Depending on the situation, having a business card on hand will either be expected and diminish your reputation if you don’t have one, or make you stand out in a positive way if it is not expected. When you receive someone else’s business card, consider writing directly on it where and when you met that contact and what you discussed, so that it will be easier to reference later. If you don’t currently have a specific title or position, make a general business card that simply highlights your name, contact information and major/minor. (Visit www.vistaprint.com for free business cards)
4. Practice good relationship maintenance
Your relationship would fail with your new boyfriend if you never returned his phone calls or made time for him, and the same goes for your networking contacts. In addition to keeping your connections fresh, remember that networking works two ways, so be available for your contacts if they need you!
5. Think outside the box
Since a lot of professionals tend to be involved in the community, volunteer for charities and events that correlate with your industry or interests. Schedule a “professionals chat” or networking event for your student organization, and ask for responsibilities at work that will lead you to new people and places. Remember that the broader your network, the more opportunities you will have, so don’t limit yourself to just your major, student club, or classes.
Networking is a skill, and will become more effective with practice. While you search for opportunities, don’t forget the little things you can be taking advantage of right now. For example, if you are not already on LinkedIn, SIGN UP NOW! It is a free online networking service that allows you to showcase your personal and professional achievements while connecting with others (kind of like Facebook without the drama, embarrassing photos from last weekend, and wall posts). This will come in handy especially when it is time to start your job search— but don’t wait until then to start building your network! Joining LinkedIn groups will also connect you to a larger network and even give you access to webinars, conferences, events and other activities that members share.
So go ahead and join the alleged “Susie Suck-ups” of the world and start mastering the craft of networking to get ahead in your industry!
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UNI chapter.