Networking… some youngsters start panicking when they hear that word. Maybe because it reminds them of something like community service. Well, unlike community service, networking happens voluntarily. You may not want to network, but you end up running into more problems from that as a result.
Like community service, you’re not getting paid for building a network. Unlike community service, networking impacts your life and career positively in the long run. Also, unlike community service, you’re unintentionally networking every day from a very young age. You just don’t consider it to be something professional.
A professional network enhances your prospective career. Yes, right now, you’re struggling with odd jobs to pay rent and tuition. That’s the reason you mostly choose to order assignment online rather than doing it on your own. You kinda don’t have time for networking. But you should focus on it if you don’t want to spend the rest of your life this way.
Why Building a Professional Network Is Important
Okay, we said that you might regret not building the network, but what is the point of networking after all? Socially, networking allows you to gain friends and acquaintances so you don’t feel lonely. You know, humans are social animals, after all. Professional networking provides you with several benefits, including but not limited to the following ones:
- Acquiring business connections;
- Advancing in your career;
- Getting fresh ideas;
- A possibility of getting the necessary advice;
- A chance to get support for your initiatives.
As you can see, building a network is a crucial aspect of starting and advancing in your career. And the sooner you start, the better you fare. The question remains, how to start building your network? Gladly, building a network is ain’t no rocket science. Most likely, you’re already doing a pretty good job building it without realizing it.
Use Every Odd Job and Internship to Gain Connections
Things are quite easy when it comes to internships, as they are related to your education. There you have a chance to get to know professionals in the chosen field and demonstrate your knowledge and skills. And a successful internship in some company can secure you a job there after graduation. Things are a bit different when it comes to odd jobs.
You may be reading this and wondering what your networking prospects with your current job as a barista are. Well, as a barista, you are surely communicating with your customers, and you never know who they are. Small talk can lead to a deep conversation. While it doesn’t mean that you’re going to land your dream job, you can get professional advice on what to do to get it.
Reach Out to Those You Admire
Oh, that scary move to contact someone that you admire. There is surely someone in your dream profession to look up to. You might have a naive scenario in your head where you can contact them, and they will admire your aspirations and give you your dream job. Or you dread the possibility that your message will be left without a reply.
The second option is more realistic. Even worse, your message will be left unread. But who knows, maybe it’s better than getting a reply that will show that your icon is an egotistical and self-obsessed person. Or getting a reply where you are told that you’re a naive kid with equally naive aspirations and your dreams are definitely not going to come true.
And yet, the outcome can be quite positive. You may get advice on how to get into the profession you crave or even get job prospects. But you shouldn’t think about the outcome. Just reach out to those you look up to. Continue even if it feels like cold emailing in vain. Continue even if it feels like you’re banging on the wall with zero results. Chances are that you’ll get noticed.
Join College Clubs/Groups/Associations
Here we get closer to what exactly college gives you in terms of networking possibilities. Basically, college is a place where you are surrounded by a lot of people that can help you get started in your career. Of course, there’s a chance that you’re not studying for something that you don’t enjoy, but let’s avoid such grim scenarios. So, let’s get into the details.
Most colleges have different clubs, groups, and associations that you can join to expand your academic and career opportunities. Join them, and you’ll have a chance to meet a lot of amazing people that can come in handy with your career prospects. Here you don’t even have to work much to build your network. Just take the opportunity that college gives you.
Okay, not that you can simply join them, and the job is done. You need to be active there. Communicate with people. Tell them about your aspirations. Ask them for advice. It can be rather difficult for introverted people, but hey, here you’re killing two birds with one stone. You learn how to deal with your introversion and get career opportunities.
Meet With the Professors
You can surely rely only on those professors whose classes you take. But your college has a lot of professors that can help you with career prospects. Basically, you can meet them in clubs, groups, and associations mentioned above. You never know who will help you with your career aspirations.
Besides, it can get you in ridiculously funny situations. Meeting with professors won’t give you more free time for the overwhelming amount of homework. Thus, you may end up in situations where you order from the best essay writing services to meet with the professor. Hilarious, isn’t it?
Final Thoughts
So, here you have some tips on how to build a professional network while in college. Basically, the main message of this article is to use every opportunity you have. Odd jobs and college associations can come in handy with your career aspirations.
