When looking to move somewhere other than home after college graduation, what is the best way to network in that new place?
I am graduating college in May and I am looking to branch out. It makes me nervous that I will not have as many resources in a new city. Looking for advice on networking in a new city where no one knows you. #college #graduate #college-jobs #college-grad
2 answers
Ken’s Answer
Hi Jenni!
Good question.
The best way to network is through the head of the alumni relations department of your college. That person has created and maintains a community of graduates. Contact that person and he/she will help you to get in touch with graduates of your school that live and work in your new area who share your major interest.
Another good way to network, is to locate professional organizations that represent your major career interest area. The reference librarian at your local library can help you find such organizations and a contact person,
Here are some networking tips that will aid in getting information and developing relationships:
http://www.wikihow.com/Network
https://www.themuse.com/advice/nonawkward-ways-to-start-and-end-networking-conversations
Best of luck. Please keep me informed. Let me know if and how this helps.
Sneha’s Answer
More ways to network down here -
One way to network would be to reach out to college alumni over LinkedIn or through emails from alumni directories & set up a 1x1 conversation with them - when you reach out, include what you want to get out of that conversation so that they'd be more willing to help if they know you wont be wasting their time or point you in a different direction if they aren't the right people for what you are looking for.
Another way to network would be through friends of friends - or connections of connections on LinkedIn. Send the people you are interested in reaching out who might be in your career network who you might be connected to through your alumni/other friends - and send them a similar request added above. You can also find local chapters of the organizations you are associated with and could network through that too.
Hope this helps.