How is the best way to establish a network?

Hi Quinn,

My number one way for networking is to investigate your school's or work's volunteer opportunities. You always meet the best people at a volunteer event and you instantly have something to talk about the next time you see them. Good luck!

Good morning:

This is a very good question and it is essential to become active in college to help you establish a network. This can help you become successful as the more contacts you make and friendships the more likely they are to know someone who can help you get an interview or possibly land a job in company. I would suggest becoming as active as you can and join groups that the college has to offer or consider joining a fraternity. Establishing connections not only gives you a better chance at landing a job as an internship it can also give you a chance to find a job with future employer.

From my experience in college I was able to work an internship which got me some experience on my resume. Don't be afraid to work free internship either as this will show future employees your dedication and drive. The more friendships and groups you become part of the more apt you are to find someone that knows someone and this could lead to interviews or jobs. By making friends and college and joining groups that the college offered it helped me to make contacts. Once I landed my first job outside of college this is where big network opened for me as I met people like myself who were new starting out and got to learn from more experienced people who not only could help me on my job but already had good connections.

Good luck and the first step is to do what you asked about. Join groups or fraternity and make friends and connections. Once you have done this, you will be on your way toward establishing your network. Never be afraid to ask questions or gain knowledge from other people.

Seek out career services to find out when employers are visiting campus.

Conduct informational interviews with individuals that have jobs that are interesting to you.

Don't forget social media as a networking tool. LinkedIn is the number 1 tool for professionals creating networks via social media. Once you enter your internship you can start building your online network by finding contacts on LinkedIn. Then your network will grow from there.