As a college student, I heard over and over how now was the time to make connections because getting my first job would be the most difficult. Not only would I be competing with other recent graduates but also with people who have more experience than I did. And with as many as 85% of jobs being filled through networking, the connections I made in college could be the key to landing my dream job.
And while landing that first job without leveraging the power of a network is possible, your network could guide you to internships, mentors, and much more. Keep reading to learn all of the networking tips that worked for me and a few that I wish I had spent more time on.
When should you start networking?
Now is the perfect time to grow your network, whether you’re a first year or you just got your diploma. Most networking connections take time to grow, so making connections before you need them is the best way to ensure you have a strong foundation. The best time to start networking is the second you step foot on campus, but it’s never too late to start, so even if you took off your cap and gown, keep reading.
How do you network as a college student?
The best introduction to networking is during college. Chances are you are living in a dorm full of people who also don’t know anyone yet. While your main focus might be making friends (and it should be), it’s important not to forget about professional connections. It might sound weird as a first-year who is years away from their career, but you never know who your hall-mate knows. So as you meet new people, ensure you’re exchanging contact information so you can always stay in contact, even if you aren’t best friends.
1. Join organizations on campus
Most colleges offer hundreds of clubs and organizations. Start by joining one or two that have something to do with your major or hobbies. And once you get more comfortable meeting new people, branch out and start joining organizations that will allow you to meet people who may have other interests than you.
2. Find an internship
Internships are excellent resume builders, but many college students overlook the networking value of internships. Try to meet everyone in your office, and make sure you connect with everyone before you leave. Send a message thanking them for any help they offered you during your internship, and share your personal contact information so that you can stay in touch.
3. Get to know your professors
Your professors are excellent resources. Not only do they already have a network within the workforce, but they also might have a good connection with someone in your desired field. In many cases, a professor who sees your hard work will be willing to help however they can, whether as a mentor or reaching out to someone in their network.
4. Volunteer
Universities often host events, and in many cases, volunteers will help run them. At your university's next event, sign up to volunteer. You might get the opportunity to introduce yourself to some high-profile people.
5. Get business cards
Many college students make the mistake of thinking they don’t need business cards until they have a full-time job. However, having a professional way to exchange contact information is essential when you start networking.
As a student, business cards definitely weren’t within my budget, and they felt a little too corporate for me, but then I found digital business cards. Not only are they free, but I could create one to share with professors, one for students, and one for friends, and they’re on my phone, so I always had my business cards with me.
6. Attend career fairs
If you just thought, “but I don’t need a job right now,” don’t skip over this section so quickly. I know I was resistant to going to career fairs well before I needed a job, but career fairs are great, even for students who aren’t looking for an internship or full-time job. Use career fairs early in your college years as a chance to practice your elevator pitch and to make connections with campus recruiters early. Remember that business card we just talked about? This is the perfect opportunity to use it.
How do you network out of college?
I think the biggest misconception I had while in college is that networking gets easier once you graduate because everyone would be networking as adults. But it turned out to be more difficult than I expected. In college, you are surrounded by thousands of people constantly, but once you’re in your career, it gets harder to connect with people outside of your team. Thankfully, I’ve learned a few tips for networking as a recent grad in my first year after college.
1. Reach out to alumni
Your school’s alums are the perfect built-in network. Not only do you have a common background and likely a few common connections, but in many cases, alums from your alma mater are more likely to help you than someone without that connection.
2. Start with family and friends
Growing your network as a new grad feels overwhelming. You may not have a job yet, or you might work at a small company where making new connections is limited. So start close to home, see who your family or friends can introduce you to, and grow from there.
3. Attend events
Networking events are the perfect opportunity to gain new connections. The people there are looking for the same thing you are, and there is often a wide variety of people to meet. Be on the lookout for alum events from your college, find local networking events, and if you just moved to a new city.
4. Find a mentor
When you start your career, there are a lot of steps you need to take to get off on the right foot. Knowing what those steps are, which ones are right for you, and your career goals aren’t so simple. That’s where a mentor comes in. Look for someone with experience in your desired field and ask if they would be willing to meet with you.
5. Follow up
Putting in the hard work to make new connections only to never speak to them again defeats the purpose of networking. So remember to reach out to your connections at least once a quarter to keep those relationships strong.
What do you put on LinkedIn if you just graduated?
One of the best tools recent graduates of the 21st century have is the work portfolio. So much of the job search and networking is online, so putting your best foot forward is less about the perfect suit and more about how you represent yourself on the internet.
One of the more popular ways to create a work portfolio is through LinkedIn, but even without much experience to fill out your profile, you can still stand out. Start with a bio that showcases your personality and mentions what your goals are. Then follow companies that interest you or align with your goals, connect with people you know, reach out to mutual connections, add a professional headshot, and be active by commenting on and liking posts.
Are you ready to start growing your connections?
If there are any tips you think I missed, let me know!
Main photo by Pang Yuhao on Unsplash
