It’s not just what you know – it’s who you know. If you’re about to graduate college and you’re looking to start your career, you might have heard that cliché more than once. With the competitive job market and the down economy, it’s important to have an edge over your competitors. According to the Department of Labor, networking accounts for 69 percent of new hires. As a result, colleges everywhere are giving their students an abundance of opportunities to connect with professionals in their fields.
Even as you’re just beginning undergrad, it’s important you attend all of the events put on by your college and major department. Yearly career fairs are the norm on most campuses and they allow students to mingle and even interview on the spot with prospective employers. Some major departments have networking nights in which students can pick the brains of distinguished workers within their specific field. Professional organizations exist for the purpose of networking – they give students the opportunity to meet influential people on a regular basis during chapter meetings. Of course, your professors have plenty of connections with experts and contributors in their disciplines, and many are helpful to their students when it comes to finding a job. Be sure to cultivate relationships with them because it could benefit you down the road. When you land an internship, be sure to keep your eyes and ears open as you do your best to impress. You might cross paths with a few potential employers who could use your help after graduation. Also, use any connections that your friends and family may have – in other words, tie your network to theirs so that you can maximize your opportunities.
It can be a little awkward when you get the chance to meet with a professional in your field because you probably don’t know that to say. Make small talk and be respectful – ask how they achieved their position. You should never mention a job or contact information right off the bat. After you’ve established that you have a lot in common, ask for an e-mail or phone number and follow up in the next few days. It’s also nice to send a thank you note mentioning your appreciation for their time. A connection cannot be made if you don’t put forth effort to cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship, so offer your services or ask if there’s anything you can do to help them. You generosity will make them more apt to help you in the future.