Networking. Everyone knows about it, yet no one quite knows how to do it. It seems to be the unreachable key to success. Connections are the key to getting jobs in today’s tough market, despite how difficult it seems. A common misconception is that you can only make connections in formal settings or “networking events” but that’s not true! There are connections that can be made in many different ways, and sometimes it may not even seem like your trying. Here are four ways that you can network this semester.
1. Make a LinkedIn account
This seems like a given, but I cannot tell you
how many people still don’t have LinkedIn. Create an account, put all your
experience and start adding everyone. Friends, co-workers, past teachers, parent’s
friends, etc. You literally never know who will stumble upon your profile especially
if you use highly searchable buzzwords and phrases. Download the app on your
phone, and check out other students profiles. As much as we hate to think it,
the people in your classes are your future job competition so make sure your
profile stands out.
LinkedIn can be a great way to stay in contact with alumni or search for people in the jobs that you want to get some way and make connections with them. Linked in is the best way to network with someone who you’ve never met before.
2. Be social in classes
Yes, right now everyone around you is a peer and
fellow classmate. You’re in a room full of anonymous faces but little did you
know the girl sitting next to you landed your dream internship last summer and
can put you into contact with the company’s hiring director. Or the boy you’re
working on a project with works in a lab that just opened a position. It may be
a long shot but you literally never no so always be nice and friendly to the
people around you and they may just help you out when you need it.
3. Introduce yourself to your teachers
It might be awkward to go into office hours just
to say hi, but your teachers are professors for a reason. They’re all experts
in their fields and know lots of people in the real world. Most of them have
tons of experience and connections already and are willing to guide you with
advice on how to exceed or put you into contact with someone else who can help.
Even if all they can do right now is give you advice, having a teacher on your
good side is never a bad thing, especially if you are planning on attending
grad school, or working at a job that requires several personal references.
4. Attend guest lectures
Even if it doesn’t exactly pertain to your major, I’m a big advocate for learning more about the world and attending guest lectures
from professionals in your field or others can only help you. Stick around
after and introduce yourself, or add the person who came to talk on your Linked
In for later reference. Take notes and pay attention, you’re probably never
going to get the opportunity to hear from that specific person again so take
advantage of it.
These are just four easy and simple ways to network while on campus but there are so much more. Social media in general is a great way to keep in contact with people or large companies but make sure it’s clean. We all know what can happen to someone when they post controversial things on their Social Media accounts. Also don’t be afraid to play the “I’m a student” card. Everyone was a student once and many people act
