Network, Network, Network

Back to School Series

Networking

Okay, yesterday I wrote of Mentors - people that can guide you along the way.  Today is similar but with some differences - that of building a network.  

Throughout life, you will meet a lot of people.  Most will not be mentors to you, but almost all (especially the positive ones) can be part of your network.  

For incoming college students, you already have a little network.  You have your high school teachers, administrators, coaches, staff as well as friends in your community.  Frequently those friends might be friends of your parents. But, anybody that is friendly to you can be part of your network.

For example, you are thinking about majoring in accounting.  Maybe you can observe the high school bookkeeper over Christmas Break.  Maybe your parents are friends with an accountant. Again over Christmas Break you make an appointment and get to know them and the accounting field.  Hint - you will want a summer job and getting a summer job in your academic field is a great start on your career. Yes, you could be a lifeguard at the swimming pool - but working as an accounting assistant, as a nurse's aid, as a wildlife aid or almost anything can be a big help for you.  

Sticking with accounting as an example:  So, your mother works at some business where there are accountants.  She has a friend that is an accountant there. You talk with that person over Christmas break.  They don’t have a job - but they know an accountant in another business that could use some summer help - your network has paid off.

Maybe you are thinking of a medical career (a fast-growing field with lots of varying positions).  You know somebody from your church who works in a clinic. Maybe they know some lady who is taking the summer off to be with her family - and they could use a person, to take blood pressure and weigh patients.  You could work as a back-up health appointment/office staff to help schedule appointments and check people into the clinic.  

These days you will want to use LinkedIn to create a professional networking profile.  Then add people to your network that way. [I am mostly retired, but I have a huge LinkedIn network - and if I really wanted a job or part-time position, all I would have to do is connect with the right people. 

On-campus, there will be opportunities to network.  My last campus had speakers that came to the professional clubs on campus (like the Marketing Club, Accounting Club, Computing Club).  Be sure you attend those sessions and get to know the speakers.  

Campuses will also have ‘recruitment fairs’ - where companies come to campus to interview and consider graduating students for positions.  Go to those, even as a freshman. You might want to ask the recruiters what skills the company is looking for. Get out, get involved, get going.  

You might also consider your fellow students as part of your network.  You are from city A and your sorority sister is from City B. Your sorority sister’s father works for a company in your field.  Make sure you get to know your sorority’s sister when you have “Dad and Daughter” day.  

Networking is an easy way to get out and meet people and start to find out more information about your potential field.

I’ve been a part of many students’ networks - I’ve written lots of recommendation letters. 

NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK.

It isn’t always ‘what’ you know, but ‘who’ you know that can make a difference!!!

Karen