A sturdy handshake and a hard work ethic are decreasing in importance when it comes to finding opportunities, job and internships.

With an increase of kids heading to college compared to forty years ago, there are more educated, determined people out there looking for well-paying jobs. Usually by the end of college, one has a pretty good idea of what career interests them and how to achieve their overall goal by the time they retire. Networking is becoming an important asset for achieving this success.

Networking is the action of connecting with someone in a higher or desired position. It requires a personal connection and link with someone, creating a beneficial relationship.

Although in theory, it sounds easy, gaining this strategy takes good communication skills. It’s hard being a shy, unoriginal person trying to make connections in your field. The best thing that you can do is just taking it slow and starting small.

While in college, go to listening sessions with professionals and ask questions. Take down people’s emails and feel welcome to ask questions if the professional is okay with that. Don’t be creepy, though, and bombard that person. Remember to keep space and mimic the openness and willingness to share that the professional does.

When networking with someone, always be the listener. You are networking to gain knowledge. If they yield a question to you, answer honestly. Try to word your answer in an innovative way that portrays your talents or an interesting experience, this way, the professional will remember you easier.

They may be costly, but worth it in the end: business cards. Business cards are a great way to initiate further contact after the conversation is over. Chances are, if you give the professional your business card, they will give you theirs in return. I would recommend putting great time and creativity into your card because it can tell a lot about you. A messy, unprofessional card can break your networking connection.

Force yourself out of your comfort zone. It is totally okay to start small in your networking process, but once you're ready to network with the big dogs, do it. Never miss an opportunity to network and create connections with people. Don’t disregard a professional, even if they're not in your desired field. There are many successful people out there with valuable advice and also know other professionals to refer you too.

It can be a controversial topic. It seems fair in practice, trying to advance yourself by the people you know, but it also causes a few problems. One issue is that it benefits privileged people that come from richer and prominently white individuals who are given more opportunities than poorer minority individuals. But anyone with a strong personality and will to make connections can network.

Knowing the right people can mean good references, exclusive interviews for a job and even making big bucks. It never hurts to reach out and gather your resources through personal interactions. More people means more opportunities, resulting in a happy self.