Nick
What are some ways to network yourself?
I'm new a new student and want some helpful tips on meeting the right people people. #networking
3 answers
Jason Williams
Jason’s Answer
Look for volunteer opportunities that the company (or companies in your chosen industry) support with their employees. It is a great way to get some time with people who obviously have a helpful mindset. When you do speak with some folks, find out what their headaches are and what keeps them up at night. Once you have that, you can start sending them some suggestions, notes, relevant articles, to keep the conversation going. This builds your brand as a helpful and resourceful person, so that when a position opens, they will already have you in mind.
Keith Sun, MA, NCC
Keith’s Answer
Nick, there are two great ways to network yourself.
1) Do internships in career fields you're interested in. By developing relationships with supervisors who know your experience, many of them will consider you for full-time hire after your internship, refer you positively to other similar companies, or provide you an awesome reference.
2) Conduct informational interviews with professionals in your local community. An informational interview is an informal conversation between you and a professional in a career field or industry you're interested in. You're not asking about hiring, but you seek their advice, pick their brain, and ask good questions about the work they do, and how one establishes or advances themselves in that field.
Alexis Curry
Alexis’s Answer
Tips:
Research the role and individual beforehand so you have an understanding of what they do/have done.
Always come prepared with a list of questions (at least 5).
Be prepared to speak to what you have done, what you're skilled in, or passionate about.
Thank them for their time.
Always ask if there's anyone else who might be good for you to connect with, or anyone they could introduce you to. That way, you're always leaving with someone to meet with, forever expanding your network.