how to network
Start writing a post
Friendships

Networking Tips For Beginners

Don't be afraid to say, "I want to do what you do. How can I get there?"

238
Networking Tips For Beginners

Along with some of my peers, this quarter I've been participating in a non-profit mentorship program. The basic idea of the program was: a group of six students get paired with a mentor, someone working in the non-profit sector, to meet with on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to learn about working for a non-profit.

My group's weekly discussions have steered away from specifically working in the non-profit sector to work life in general, graduate school, and work-life balance. My group's mentor, in addition to sharing with us parts of her life story, brought in a couple of her colleagues to share with us their journey. One of these colleagues shared a few beneficial tips on networking and finding mentors.

Reach out.

As an introvert, I admit this sounds intimidating to me, but it is a must. You have to reach out to mentors. They aren't going to reach out to you. If going to a job fair and introducing yourself in person is intimidating, shoot them an email. Some people will respond. Others won't, and that's okay. Move on and try asking someone else. LinkedIn is great for searching for groups and connecting to people in those groups. Ask questions.

Ask for AIR: advice, information, referral.

My mentor's colleague coined this acronym for my group members and me to remember. It's straightforward. If the person is unable to provide the advice or information you're hoping to gain, ask them if they can refer you to someone who can.

Be specific.

Know exactly what you want to learn or discuss and be honest about it. Have questions prepared. If you're particularly interested in a person's job, ask them about what they do: what does a typical workday look like for them? Ask them how they got to where they are now: what jobs, internships, activities, or volunteer opportunities did they have in the past that propelled them to where they are today? Don't be afraid to say, "I want to do what you do. How can I get there?"

Offer something in return.

Thank the person for their time and offer them help in return. Networking is like an exchange: both parties have something to learn about and something else to offer. If you view yourself as inferior to the other person and think you have nothing to offer, you're selling yourself short.

Reaching out, networking, and finding potential mentors are daunting tasks. I found these tips to be beneficial and help ease the anxiety I feel regarding them. I hope you find them helpful as well. If you don't, that is completely okay. Not everyone will find the same advice beneficial, and you always have the option to search for tips somewhere else.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70756
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132375
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments