7 Networking Tips for College Students

7 Networking Tips for College Students7 Networking Tips for College StudentsThe Importance of Networking in College - Plus 7 Tips for SuccessHey, college students Its time to hone in on one of your fruchtwein powerful career-building tools networking.Unfortunately, you wont hear much about the importance of networking in your college classes and its leid because youre daydreaming during the professors lecture. Its just that professional networking doesnt really fit into an organic-chemistry syllabus or world-literature discussion.So, lets get started right here, right now with the definition of networking.Youre familiar with social networks, right? You gain followers on Instagram and add friends on Snapchat. Networking, in the professional sense, is similar in that youre establishing connections with people typically in your field. These connections could be working professionals, experts, thought leaders, or even professors.The purpose of networking is to form relationships with t hose wholl help get you to where you want to go, and the earlier you start building up your network, the better. Thats why its important to start networking in college before youre even ready to enter the workforce.The benefits of networking in collegeAlthough networking might seem like a bunch of small talk, the connections you establish could result in big post-graduation opportunities.As you build up your network, youll find that your connections are rooting for you. Typically, they wont mind helping you because theyve probably been where you are right now. So, if youre looking for career guidance, industry insight, or internship leads, someone in your network can help you out. Most importantly unterstellung connections could also play an integral role in helping you secure your first job out of college.Sure, this sounds like something career mavens like to say, but statistics show that building a strong network creates job opportunities. For example, 35 percent of professionals say they secured their current or most recent job through a professional connection, according to Jobvites 2018 Job Seeker Nation study. On the other side of the coin, 60 percent of survey respondents say theyve referred a friend or contact to a company.Social media, referrals, and word-of-mouth are go-to sources of new opportunities for job seekers, the report states.Think about it A hiring manager could receive hundreds of two-dimensional applications for any given job opening. From behind a computer screen, how are you, as a recent graduate, going to stand out? Of course, youll want an attention-grabbing cover letter and top-notch resume, but to get their eyeballs that far, a glowing recommendation from a current employee or mutual connection just might do the trick.You shouldnt feel ashamed that someone gave you a hand you still secured the job. Listen to anyone map out their career and at some point someone in their network probably gave them a little bit of a boost, too. Netw orking is one of those I-scratch-your-back, you-scratch-my-back sort of things, and down the road youll probably help someone out too. Sure, its not all about who you know, but youll find that who you know can really help jumpstart start your career so dont ignore this powerful tool.7 simple networking tips for college studentsLets be real Networking probably isnt at the forefront of your mind right now. Youre just trying to get through another public-speaking class without throwing up and passing your accounting exam without forgetting how to do the math.But trust us, the future-you whos already happily employed while walking across the stage at graduation will thank present-you for building a professional network. The question now, is where do you begin? Networking doesnt necessarily mean you have to suit up and sputter industry jargon over dry cocktails. Instead, here are seven simple networking tips to help get you started1. Build networking into your everyday routineIf the ide a of networking is intimidating to your introvert-self, youre not alone. But, with a little intention, you can start building your network during your everyday activities, like engaging with your professors and classmates.Youre going to class right? Sometimes your professors and classmates can be some of your most valuable assets when it comes to job hunting. Not only can your professors offer valuable industry insight and advice, theyve also taught some bright students in the past what are they up to now? Sometimes those former students will email professors links to job openings Graduation is coming up know any promising students who could take on this role? By actually talking to your professors, it keeps your name in the back of their minds when this question arises.And sure, today your classmates are wearing pajamas to lecture and look pretty sloppy, but who knows where they might land after graduation. Wouldnt it be nice to build a relationship with them now? One day they jus t might work at your dream company, and you can say Hey, remember me from philosophy class? Yeah, it was the worst.2. Get involved on campusThere are a number of benefits to getting involved on campus. Youll make friends, beef up your resume, and, yes, build your network.There are a ton of ways to get involved on campus, including honor societies, professional clubs, social sororities and fraternities, jobs, student media, club spots you name it. Not only will you be able to connect with a number of other students, youll also be able to connect with speakers, advisers, and mentors.If your campus has an involvement or club fair, go Or sign up for a campus email newsletter, peruse the bulletin boards in the study lounges or library, and talk to classmates and friends. As cheesy as it sounds, theres something out there for everyone.3. Pay a visit to your campus career centerChances are, your campus has a career center full of free resources. You might think Do I really need these? Yes , yes you doFind open internships or jobs posted by alumni, get tips on how to build your zugnglich presence, participate in a mock job interview, and learn about upcoming job fairs. Even if you arent actively looking for a job right now, it cant hurt to stop by these job fairs. Shake hands with company representatives, pass your resume around, have conversations, learn whats going on in your industry, and see where your potential future lies.4. Develop your online presenceIf the idea of talking to strangers makes you a little sweaty, dont worry. You can also network from behind a screen though not exclusively.Start by building your online presence. If you havent already, create your LinkedIn profile. Depending on your industry, you might also want to make a website or start an online portfolio. Even if its a little sparse right now, youre getting an awesome head start.You can also leverage social media, as long as your profiles are cleaned up. Your school might even have an alumni group on Facebook, and these can be infinitely helpful. Alumni will often post job openings within their company, and if youre a fit, you can reach out to the poster to learn mora. You already have one thing in common (ahem, where you went to school), so start a conversation. Ask thoughtful questions about the company and the open position. They just might go to their manager on Monday morning and give you a glowing recommendation, putting you ahead of the pack.5. Be open to new connectionsHonestly, establishing a networking connection could happen anywhere. Maybe youre at your bus stop and overhear a professor talking and politely join in. Or youre in line at the local coffee shop and hear a fellow student chatting about the guest lecturer theyre excited about.6. Dont be afraid to make the first moveOk, so this is sounding like a dating guide. But really, dont be afraid to make the first move when it comes to building your network. Confidence can go a long way Our best small-talk tip? Be genuine. Dont treat networking like a game of who can make the most connections or how many resumes you can pass around. Instead, genuinely take interest in who youre talking to who they are and what they do. Try to remember important information about them. If you have to, jot some notes down in your phone.If youre having trouble keeping a conversation flowing, start asking some thoughtful questions How did you become the CEO of your company? What does your day-to-day look like? Any advice for a young person whos looking to get into your industry? What are some important things I should look for when applying to jobs? These are just some examples of what you could ask.7. Maintain your networksWe cant emphasize enough that networking is more than collecting business cards, passing out resumes, and gaining LinkedIn connections. Its hard work, and youll want to invest some time in maintaining your networks. If you meet someone at a job fair, for example, shoot them an email a fterward. Even if they dont have your perfect job position open right now, let them know you appreciate the time they took to talk to you.For brownie points, throw in something personal you learned during your conversation. This will show that you were genuinely listening, and they just might remember you when theyre hiring again.The importance of networking in college is very realNow that you understand the benefits of networking in college, go ahead and get out there If youre hesitant or shy, know itll get better with some practice and time. Plus, the sooner you start networking, the better your chances are of connecting with someone wholl help give you a little job-search boost later on.Good luckClick on the following link for more networking advice.Want to spruce up your resume before you start networking? 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