If you are a student, your time in college will pass in a blink of an eye. Class, exams, social life, your commitments add up and, before you know it, commencement will be here. Then, you’ll start the career that you’ve worked so hard to achieve! One of the best things you can do while at college is to engage in professional networking. Here are five ways to get started!
1. Engage in Professional Networking on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is low-commitment, high-impact professional networking. There are several benefits to using LinkedIn. Have you ever collected business cards before and then thought, “What should I do with them now?” Connecting with those contacts on LinkedIn in is a great idea. It can serve as an electronic database of contacts for you. It is also a great practice to begin following companies that are of interest to you. Many will post updates on company progress, industry updates, and even job and internship opportunities (link out to job coaching). Following companies you would like to work for is a great way to gain knowledge and perspective for future interviews!
2. Attend job and career fairs
Your campus likely hosts a career fair each term. Attend as many as possible during your time in college. Brief conversations with professionals from industry and companies of interest will help you understand the job market, company needs, and provide insight into job opportunities and hiring timelines. A big mistake many students make when attending these fairs is going in without a plan for professional networking. A list of companies that will be in attendance is usually listed online before the career fair. Do your part to research a few companies and develop a plan of five companies you are most interested in talking to maximize your time. For more tips on making the most of job and career fairs, be sure to read my article “Stand Out! – 10 Career Fair Tips for Students.”
3. Frequent local networking events
Did you know that most towns and cities have free professional networking events? That’s right, they won’t cost you anything but can pay big dividends for you in the long run! It is refreshing to established professionals to see young students attending networking events. They will enjoy sharing their professional journey, current career, and providing an industry perspective. If you commit to attending once a month, you’ll see strong relationships and trust begin to form. When it comes time to search for a full-time job after college, these contacts will be invaluable! How do you find these events? A few of my favorite ways to find free, local networking events is by searching on EventBrite. I bet you will find a LinkedIn Local (in-person, local networking events) or a Young Professional Networking group within minutes!
4. Volunteer, job shadow, or complete an internship
One of the best ways to build a professional reputation and network is to get involved in the industry. Whether you volunteer your time, complete a job shadow, or secure an internship, all of these experiences make your resume stand out. They also help you build lasting relationships and connections with industry professionals. Graduating from college is no longer enough to make you a competitive candidate. Employers want to see relevant involvement and work experience while you were obtaining your education.
5. Join an organization on campus or in the industry
Organizations provide students with many opportunities to network with professionals and gain valuable contacts. Also, the networking opportunities allow you to achieve incredible insight, encouragement, and support from like-minded people. Another option is to seek out organizations with the industry you will be joining post-graduation. A quick Google search will help you identify organizations in your industry. Many of these organizations encourage students to get involved by offering free or discounted memberships as well as reduce-rates for professional conferences and workshops. Finally, another benefit of joining an industry organization is the opportunity to highlight your involvement in your resume and demonstrate your commitment to your industry and your professional development.
Which one of the actions above can you take this semester to engage in professional networking? Besides the useful contacts you will gain, over time, you will notice improvements in your confidence and communication skills. Time spent networking is never wasted!
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