How to Network In College
If you’re anything like me, you first heard the term “networking” and flipped out. It can seem extremely intimidating and formal and like you don’t know where to start, especially as an undergrad or someone who isn’t extremely extroverted. But truly, networking is the secret to finding opportunities and jobs down the line and college is the best time to get started since the entire campus is one big network.
Here are my tips on where to start:
Your Classmates and Peers.
This is your step one, always! Make sure your friends know what your career interests are. Not only can they share things with you as they come to mind, but they will be your network well after you graduate! I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had friends forward positions they think I would be interested in that I would never have found otherwise. They say your network is your net worth and it may sound cliche, but it’s true! Be sure to continually discuss your goals and aspirations with your peers, you never know how their own network may become useful to you in the future!
Professors.
Just like your peers, your professors are the biggest network you have access to as an undergrad. Alongside talking about academics, ask them about their career paths and let them know what your interests are. You never know who they may have connections to! Additionally, your professors will likely be the first people you reach out to when asking for letters of recommendation when you apply to internships, graduate programs, etc. They should be familiar with your career goals in addition to your academic goals so they can speak to how the position will be a stepping stone in your career in their letter.
Campus Resources.
Networking events, clubs, campus Facebook groups. Networking events can seem quite intimidating and awkward at first but they are an important and necessary experience to help familiarize yourself with the job/internship market. Everyone in attendance is in the same boat and is seeking to gather information. Networking events can be lower pressure ways to meet people in the industry you’re interested in or peers who are navigating the same spaces. Never underestimate the value of hive mind help!
Facebook Career Groups.
I know this one may seem strange and you’re probably thinking “aren’t we past Facebook?” I get it, but believe it or not, you can search for almost any field and there will be a Facebook group for established or emerging professionals in that area. This is a great resource that I have found not many discuss. Usually in these groups people will post job postings, questions pertaining to their job, which allows you a glimpse into certain roles, advice, and general insight into industry specific issues at the moment.
LinkedIn and Networking Sites (like Handshake).
To me, these are the scariest types of networking because you’re reaching out to strangers. But here’s the thing, they don’t have to be!
Start by searching for alumni, people who worked at the same companies you interned at, individuals who were part of the same organizations as you, etc.
Kindly introduce yourself, note your similar backgrounds, and express interest in their career. Ask to connect via LinkedIn and if they would possibly have 15 min to chat to learn more about their career path. Speaking from experience, I always love talking to current students at my alma mater or those who are interested in doing the same internships I did, etc.
The next step is looking for individuals who work at companies you’re interested in or have careers you’d one day like to have. Approach this very similarly to alumni, but emphasize that you’re like to hear more about their career.
I hope this is was a helpful guide to get you started! Stay curious and kind, and you’ll find that people love to talk about their careers.