SECURE YOUR FUTURE! – EXPANDING YOUR NETWORKING AS COLLEGE STUDENT

So, let’s start with “What is networking?” and “Why is it important for college students”.  Let’s take an example when you have friends. Usually, your friends have other friends besides you, and you have the opportunity to be introduced to them. Once you get introduced, there will be a relationship. That is what networking is; the process of making connections and building relationships. But in the professional sense, it will benefit you because you will form relationships with those who will help you to achieve your career goals.

Then why is it important? It is a great way to practice your social skills, allows you to keep learning, helps you stand out in a good way, connects you with better opportunities, and many more! Then, as college students, you need to pay attention to this networking to save your future career because 85% of all jobs are found through networking. You can check this report’s claims.

So, what are you waiting for? To start expanding your networking, you can try these tips:

• Get Involved on Campus. Once you get involved on campus, you can connect with other students, speakers, mentors, and advisers. The ways to get involved on campus are through student media, clubs, professional clubs, honor societies, social sororities and fraternities, and many more.
• Ask Questions. Building relationships is the key to networking. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation and ask open-ended questions. Make sure it allows you to build on the answers. Why? Because people want to know what you have heard because, in the end, it is not just making contacts but how you interact with them.
• Join Alumni Associations. To become a member of it, you don’t have to wait to be an alumnus because you can join when you are still an active student. The benefits are plentiful, including making new friendships with someone with similar goals or thoughts, which may refer you to clients or employers later.
• Volunteer. It provides a low-stakes and low-pressure environment that allows you to learn how you work best and engage in conversations with people who share your interests without feeling awkward. Other than that, you can also connect with people who can help you find a job or provide valuable mentorship.
• Use LinkedIn. You can expand your networking through LinkedIn. With a ready LinkedIn profile, you can connect with many people with the same goals or thoughts as you, thereby increasing your chances of achieving your career goals. Although most LinkedIn is used in the professional world, you, as a student, are highly recommended to prepare your best LinkedIn profile early.

Those are some tips you can apply. Remember that networking is very important, so as long as you are still a college student, you can carefully prepare to achieve your future career goals with the help of good networking. Good Luck!

References:

Career Education Columbia University. (n.d.). What is networking, and why do you need to do it? What is Networking, and Why Do You Need to Do It? | Columbia CCE. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/resources/what-networking-and-why-do-you-need-do-it

Colorado State University Global. (2019, September 23). How volunteering can expand your network. Colorado State University Global. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://csuglobal.edu/blog/how-volunteering-can-expand-your-network#:~:text=Volunteering%20allows%20you%20to%20impact,and%20strengthen%20your%20social%20bonds.

Duszyński, M. (2022, August 10). How to network in college [10+ networking tips for students]. ResumeLab. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://resumelab.com/career-advice/how-to-network-in-college

The Haven at College. (2019, July 26). The importance of networking in college. The Haven at College. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://thehavenatcollege.com/networking-in-college/

Hurst, A. (2020, March 26). 5 reasons why you need to network in college. SAGU. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://www.sagu.edu/prepu/networking-in-college/

Kohler, C. (2021, December 16). 7 networking tips for college students. TopResume. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/networking-tips-for-college-students#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20networking%20is,ready%20to%20enter%20the%20workforce.

LinkedIn. (n.d.). What is linkedin and how can I use it?: Linkedin help. What is LinkedIn and How Can I Use It? | LinkedIn Help. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a548441/what-is-linkedin-and-how-can-i-use-it-?lang=en#:~:text=LinkedIn%20is%20the%20world’s%20largest,to%20succeed%20in%20your%20career.

Lotfi, R. (2022, August 23). 8 tips to help college students start networking. CNBC. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/23/8-tips-to-help-college-students-start-networking.html

UMBC. (n.d.). 10 tips for effective networking. UMBC. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from https://careers.umbc.edu/students/network/networking101/tips/