It ain’t easy and no one said it was going to be but you are in luck – because we have resources to help you!
This post is part of what I deemed November Networking Month at the end of the post when I still had more to say! So I hope you enjoy this first installment and look for more in the following weeks.
So let’s start with the basics: What is Networking?
The term gets used so much and I often wonder if students really know what it means so let’s start with a definition, “Networking is the process of establishing and maintaining contact with individuals who have interests similar to yours and who can provide connections. You can get information about positions, organizations, industries or even names of more contacts –and the information you gain may lead to a job or internship.”
So what does that mean? It means that networking is TALKING to someone who does something you want to do.
OK next question: Why Network?
- Get insight into a field of interest, occupation, organization or even grad school to help you choose a major or career path
- The earlier you start the more resources you will have when you start your job search (and the better idea you will have of what you really want to do)
- Employers like to hire people that have been referred to them
- It can (sometimes) help shorten your job search time period
Sounds easy, right? So what are some of the most common Networking mistakes?
- Expecting too much too soon (like a job within the first 5 minutes of meeting)
- Networking solely for a job instead of information. Yes, we’d all love the net of networking to be a job offer but that isn’t how it happens. Sometimes talking to someone at company x will lead you to a friend who works for company z, which is the same industry as company x, and is hiring. So above all: when you network, don’t ask for a job; ask for guidance and information.
- Don’t expect networking to be a linear process. I got my first job networking (even though I didn’t know I was doing it). Here’s what happened: I was talking to a guy who was lawyer just discussing my interests, thesis (I was in grad school at the time) and potential career paths and I mentioned that maybe I wanted to work in advertising. He said, “Oh my friend works at [insert top ad agency]. Send me your resume with an introduction and I’ll pass it along.” A week later I had an interview. A week later I had a job.
This post is getting long and there is still so much to share! Consider November Networking Month and look for more great tips on how to network in the coming weeks…and the Thanksgiving break may prove a perfect time to practice!
Next week I will share some “Networking Essentials”