Networking makes careers. There is that old-fashioned saying that, “it’s not always what you know, it's who you know.” In this modern day competitive job market, every edge you can use helps, and every person you know is one step closer to your goal. Networking: It’s what you need to do.

As a Digital Arts student for St. Petersburg College I’ve trekked through the recesses of peer to peer communications. As a current marketing assistant, I’ve walked the network line. I started out as a veteran coming back home only to find that I did not want to continue with my MOS. Being an electrician outside of a submarine did not really resonate with me, I did not want to always do a physically demanding job, and I wanted to branch off into writing. So what was there to do? With no experience and no degree, there was little I could do.

So, I started to volunteer. First, it was the Student Support Center at St. Petersburg College’s Seminole campus. I drew up flyers. Wrote small articles. I helped promote the Student Support Center image. After a while, I wanted to expand my writing to a more journalistic style. My journey evolved from small-time newsletter creator to volunteer staff writer for SPC’s newspaper, the Sandbox.

What do these small progressions have in common? I met people. With each stepping stone, I worked on my relationships with the people around me. I cultivated a professional image that continued to grow untill I acquired a job in SPC’s marketing department. My successes are successes due to those who showed me the who, what and where in the field. And that knowledge has been invaluable to me.

I recently covered an event called the CCIT Exploration Fair. The event brought together many professionals in the Computer and Information Technology field, and it was a perfect opportunity to network. I listened in on a conversation between Bayside Solutions representatives and an SPC student where they talked about all things CCIT. They stepped into artificial intelligence. They dwelled on security systems, and the student even showed him a website he created using Javascript. The power to impact those who might be your next boss is an incredible skill to have, and a first impression is everything. This SPC student nailed it. I would be surprised if he does not get a job.

So how exactly do you network in a way that you make the most impact?

1. Networking is a two-way street. You might benefit from someone’s knowledge just as someone might benefit from yours. So share what you know. Passing it forward is a fantastic way to give back to those who have helped you along in your journey, and it also promotes your professional image.

2. Social media is a must have in today’s market. Learn the ins and outs of Linkedin. Experience how Instagram can define your brand through images. Encourage engagement with your content on Facebook and Twitter. A strong social presence can impact the world. When Taco Bell changed how they did social, their follower count skyrocketed. Their social presence outdoes big names like Starbucks and Wendy’s. What is more impressive is the 40-50 percent social growth they have experienced and the overall positive impact that it has had on the business.

3. Always connect with those who will benefit you the most. There are a lot of people out there. So, pick wisely.

4. Do not just expect networking to happen just because you are pursuing a specific career. It takes a certain amount of drive to get up and go to the events that matter. Do not be lazy. Get up and go.

5. Once you cultivate a relationship, keep it. Call back. Send a letter. Keep in touch over social media. This part is very important because it shows people that you are in it with them for the long haul. These relationships might evolve into future business partners so keep that in mind—always.