In the age of college days, it is more important to network than ever. What does “network” or “networking” mean? In my opinion, networking is all about connections with employers and companies-- being able to sell yourself (telling a company/employer who you are and what you can bring to the company) while also learning a lot about the employer/company members you are interacting with.
By networking with others, you can increase your contacts. There is a slim chance you will land a good job without knowing people. Like many people in college tell you, landing any good job is all about the people you know. I believe it is important to establish good, sound relationships with your professors and current employers/bosses now so you will have a chance of possibly networking with someone higher up in rank in your future.
Never be afraid to introduce yourself to potential employers, bosses, and managers of companies. They may at first seem intimidating, but in reality, they are just people like you and I and have been in our shoes at one point in time. If you think of them as your long, lost best friend or just any other human being, your mindset of fear will be reduced to half, if not by all. Remember, most of them only want to help you succeed. You’ve got nothing to lose other than it may not be the right job for you.
Definitely go out for interviews. You honestly have nothing to lose. Get out there and learn what a company is all about. Ask as many questions about the company to learn about it and to see if it’s a possible fit for your career. While you’re being interviewed, try and sell yourself for a minute. Selling yourself for a minute is known as the “elevator pitch.” It’s when you get to tell the company about all your successes that will potentially contribute to the company; and that your skills will help the company grow.
Once you start interacting with others-- professors, employees of different companies, professionals, etc.-- you can now start to buckle up and build your network! Honestly, the more people you know, the better. It’s a small world. Chances are some employer/employee of one company might know an employer/employee of another company. If one of them knows you, then they can recommend you to your company of interest; and the chance of you getting hired will be greater!
What’s even better is that people love being offered to go eat or have a drink. Be daring and take a potential employer out to a diner, a Starbucks, or a bar. Then, have a drink. Get to know the employer. Most importantly, sell yourself. Be sure you inform them on the qualities you possess and that you can bring to the company. When the company knows that you have qualities they’re lacking in their current employees, they will see a reason to hire you! Most importantly, be yourself and show character and general interest and a passion for the company and they will like you even more!
To enhance the amount of connections you have, definitely sign up for a LinkedIn account if you haven’t already. LinkedIn is a website where you can search for professional contacts that you already know and add them to your circle of contacts. LinkedIn is similar to Facebook in the sense where you can add people and send messages. The only difference is that it is a professional website-- which means don’t post embarrassing/unprofessional pictures of yourself. Keep it professional. Add who you know. Maybe employers from other companies will reach out to you in LinkedIn messenger, like some of them have already reached out to me. The more people you know, the more you can add on your LinkedIn site and the more your professional contact world will (cyberlly) grow!
The key to success in the real world is all about contacts and communication-- be known, know others, and have others know you. The more professional contacts you know, the better! It never hurts to expand-- the more people you know, the farther you’ll go! You have nothing to lose other than success; and trust me, it’s waiting for you.
