I can't be the only recent (kind of) graduate who's been told this when talking to people about the lack of job opportunities for people my age, especially in my field.
Networking is an important factor when it comes to getting a career these days. The career advisors and professionals I've spoken with all seem to agree; getting a job is not as much about what you know as it is about who you know. (NB: Knowing someone doesn't mean you have to be their best friend. Don't be afraid to ask people with more experience to help you out, even if you've only talked to them once before or if you've just met. Most of them are more than willing to help you out. Plus, you can't get help if you don't ask for it.)
So how do you network? According to my sources (multiple career advisors, professors, and people who already have careers), the best way to get your name out there is to join an association or group in your field, join online conversations with fellow group members, and attend networking events put on by these associations.
This is excellent advice, but if you're like me, you want a little practice before you start making first impressions on people who could help make or break your career.
Luckily, networking is basically talking to people, sharing your story, and listening to theirs. This can be done almost anywhere, but I've put together a list of five people and places that will help you build up your networking skills.
Luckily, networking is basically talking to people, sharing your story, and listening to theirs. This can be done almost anywhere, but I've put together a list of five people and places that will help you build up your networking skills.
1) Volunteering
Whether it's at a specific place every week, or at random events around your city, volunteering is a great way to meet new people. Volunteers are supposed to be approachable and talkative, which is the perfect excuse to talk to strangers without seeming like a creep. And the great part about volunteering is you never know who you're going to run into or what kind of stories you'll hear.
2) Career advisors
As busy as they are, career advisors want to help. If you still have access to the ones from your own university/college, definitely take advantage of them. Tuition is not cheap, so you might as well use the resources offered to you to the fullest. They may have direct connections for you, and if not, once they speak to you (and once you add them on LinkedIn so they can view your online resume and portfolio) they'll be able to keep you in mind for when they do meet someone who could be helpful to you.
3) Your current job
If you're already employed somewhere, you're surrounded by networking opportunities. Talk to your co-workers, your managers, your bosses, your customers, different staff members you see in your office, etc. They could have friends working in your field of interest, or they could give you suggestions on how to get the job of your dreams that you may not have thought of on your own.
4) Social events
Have you ever been invited out to someone's birthday celebration but declined because the only person you knew who would be there was the birthday girl/guy? Next time you find yourself in this kind of situation, GO TO THE PARTY. Not only is this a great networking opportunity, but it's also a super easy way to make friends.
5) Your neighbours
Remember when it wasn't weird to be on a first-name basis with your neighbours? A lot of people don't, but your neighbours are people who are easily accessible and could have great contacts in your industry of choice. You'll never know until you talk to them. Plus, who doesn't love friendly neighbours?
2) Career advisors
As busy as they are, career advisors want to help. If you still have access to the ones from your own university/college, definitely take advantage of them. Tuition is not cheap, so you might as well use the resources offered to you to the fullest. They may have direct connections for you, and if not, once they speak to you (and once you add them on LinkedIn so they can view your online resume and portfolio) they'll be able to keep you in mind for when they do meet someone who could be helpful to you.
3) Your current job
If you're already employed somewhere, you're surrounded by networking opportunities. Talk to your co-workers, your managers, your bosses, your customers, different staff members you see in your office, etc. They could have friends working in your field of interest, or they could give you suggestions on how to get the job of your dreams that you may not have thought of on your own.
4) Social events
Have you ever been invited out to someone's birthday celebration but declined because the only person you knew who would be there was the birthday girl/guy? Next time you find yourself in this kind of situation, GO TO THE PARTY. Not only is this a great networking opportunity, but it's also a super easy way to make friends.
5) Your neighbours
Remember when it wasn't weird to be on a first-name basis with your neighbours? A lot of people don't, but your neighbours are people who are easily accessible and could have great contacts in your industry of choice. You'll never know until you talk to them. Plus, who doesn't love friendly neighbours?
Great tips. I've never considered my neighbours as a networking option before. That's a great idea.
ReplyDeleteAlmost every exit from your home can lead to a networking opportunity. You'd be surprised to see how many times you'll be able to pick up conversation and network in the most random spots (ie. Grocery store).
ReplyDeleteMy biggest piece of advice is always ensure to keep your business card with you, giving out your contact information can come in handy in the most unexpected situations.