Looking to kickstart your career? – A straight answer: Build Strong Networking in your college!
As a college student, you may be focused on your classes and academic pursuits. However, it’s essential to remember that building your professional network is as important as acing your exams. Networking can provide career opportunities, access to industry leaders, and insights into the job market. In fact, statistics show that 35% of professionals secured their current job through a professional connection.
Networking in college may not be at the top of your priorities as a student today, but it should be. The earlier you start building your professional network, the better. Whether you’re interested in landing an internship, connecting with potential employers, or expanding your professional circle, networking can help you achieve your goals.
In this blog, you’ll explore the importance of networking for college students and share practical strategies to help you get started. So, let’s dive in and start networking!
What is Networking in College?
Networking is about building long-term professional relationships that are beneficial to both parties. It involves meeting and getting to know such people who can offer career advice or guidance and help expand your effectiveness in your college.
There are three types of networking:
- Personal networking: It simply involves meeting other industry professionals from different organisations to enhance one’s career.
- Operational networking: It involves building relationships with colleagues within your organisation.
- Strategic networking: It involves the two types mentioned above of networking.
So, what is networking in college? It’s all about building relationships with people in your field, including working professionals, seniors, experts, and even professors. This can offer you valuable insights into the industry, create access to career opportunities, and provide mentorship to guide you on your professional journey. This makes networking a powerful tool for career development.
Benefits of Networking in College
Networking in college offers numerous benefits that can significantly impact your career prospects. Despite the common misconception that networking is just small talk, the connections you establish can lead to significant post-graduation opportunities.
Here are some of the benefits of networking in college:
1. Encouraging Interaction with Others
Networking in college offers several benefits to students, including developing positive relationships with professors, peers, and professionals in their fields of interest. Moreover, it provides a chance to hone communication skills professionally, which can be advantageous in the job market.
2. Builds Your Reputation
Networking is a valuable tool for building a professional reputation. You can position yourself as a respected professional by establishing connections and demonstrating reliability, support, consideration, and expertise. This reputation enables you to attract new career opportunities.
3. Creating Job Opportunities
Networking as a college student can lead to more job opportunities. Connections made in your network may serve as references or recommend you for internships, positions, and even unadvertised job openings. Informing your network about your job search can offer chances for career advancement or personal growth.
4. Makes You Visible
Networking isn’t just about showing up at every event; it’s about building a reputation as a supportive member of your group. By networking effectively, you become a familiar face and get the chance to showcase your skills and abilities. This increased visibility can help you stand out as a candidate when looking for job opportunities.
5. Access to Additional Resources
Expanding your college network increases your social circle and provides numerous opportunities to enhance your knowledge, develop new skills and access valuable resources. By connecting with other professionals, you can seek assistance, feedback, or references to benefit your current or future career.
6. Bring you Inspiration and Self-Confidence
Networking provides an opportunity for personal growth by boosting self-confidence and social skills. You can become more comfortable and self-assured by interacting with new people, which leads to professional and personal relationships.
Sharing challenges, experiences, or goals with others can lead to exchanging ideas and insights that offer new perspectives not previously considered. Offering advice or support can build your reputation as knowledgeable or reliable, increasing the chance that others may turn to you for assistance in the future.
How to Get Started: 4 Simple Networking Tips for College Students
Here are four simple tips for college students to build strong networking:
1. Connect with the right people
Having a strategic approach to make your networking efforts fruitful is important. Rather than connecting with just anyone, focus on building relationships with people who can assist you in reaching your professional objectives.
For instance, if you’re planning a career shift, concentrate on networking with individuals who are working in the industry you aspire to join. By doing so, you can gain valuable insights, referrals, and support from those with experience and expertise in your desired field.
2. Get involved on campus
Getting involved on campus has several benefits that can positively impact your college experience and professional growth. Engaging in extra-curricular activities and clubs allows you to make new friends, enhance your resume, and expand your network.
3. Communicate with Professors
Being active and engaged in your college classes can provide opportunities for networking with professors and faculty members. Building relationships with these individuals can lead to future internships, job recommendations, or networking connections.
If you haven’t taken classes with a particular professor or don’t know them well, consider contacting them via email or stopping by during their office hours to discuss mutual interests and career aspirations. They may be able to offer valuable advice or connect you with other professionals in your field.
4. Create an online presence
Developing a professional and extensive online presence can be valuable when networking with various individuals. Your online persona can also significantly impact how potential employers and companies perceive you.
One way to establish your online presence is by creating a website where you can showcase your portfolio, resume, and other professional information. A well-designed website can help you stand out and provide an interactive way to supplement your resume.
Additionally, social media platforms can also serve as a way to connect with classmates, friends, and even alums groups, allowing you to expand your network beyond the individuals you typically interact with.
The Bottom Line
College networking is not just about meeting new people, collecting business cards, or gaining LinkedIn connections; maintaining your networks requires effort and time. After meeting someone at a job fair or networking event, sending them a follow-up email is a good idea.
Even if they don’t have an open position that’s perfect for you right now, thanking them for their time can go a long way. This small gesture could make you stand out and be remembered when they are hiring in the future. So, ready to build your own network?
