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What are some of the best ways to network as a student?
I am attempting to make my presence known, I guess, outside of my university and connect with different groups that I think perhaps I would like to work for. What are some of the best ways to do this? Are there specific events that would be better for me as an environmental science major? Is networking outside of your preferred field okay? Thank you!
#networking #social-networking #environmental-science
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4 answers
J P
Security enthusiast with 10+ years Linux / DevOps / software development / networking / tech leadership. Security+ certified. Looking for next adventure.
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Washington, Washington
Updated
J’s Answer
Hi Ashley, It's great that you're thinking of getting started early with networking. It's quite alright to network outside your field/major. Any group that supports Women in STEAM fields will introduce you to all sorts of people in many different fields. Finding local groups that support various environmental causes is a great way to network and learn about job opportunities. Check related local MeetUps and volunteer opportunities, which I've found to be excellent for networking. Examples that may help spark other ideas: http://www.earthdaycolumbus.org/volunteer-sites, https://www.columbus.gov/getgreen/Get-Involved/, https://columbusaudubon.org/education-pages/ecoweekend-main/
Thank you so much for your answer! I will definitely look into those examples provided, and see what other similar ones are also around, Thank you so much!
Ashley
Updated
Sue’s Answer
Hi Ashley - great question! Networking outside of your usual group would be a super idea. For example, what are your hobbies or other interests? If you like to sing or play an instrument, find a local community chorus or band to join. If you like to play sports, join a woman's baseball, soccer or softball league. Doing that, you'll meet people of all ages in many careers and industries. Use these opportunities to talk after practices about opportunities, advice, experiences and anything else that your teammates want to share. Your new network will ultimately help you learn, grow and build connections in your community. In my career that spanned 4 different roles and many industries, the networking done in my extra activities steered me in the right, next direction each time. Have fun!
Updated
Acadia’s Answer
Hi Ashley,
My advice would be to A. Join linked in if you haven’t yet and B. start applying for internships at companies that interest you. The best way to start building out of school connections is to get out into the workforce. Networking is key and it’s how I have gotten every position I’ve ever held.
Good Luck!
My advice would be to A. Join linked in if you haven’t yet and B. start applying for internships at companies that interest you. The best way to start building out of school connections is to get out into the workforce. Networking is key and it’s how I have gotten every position I’ve ever held.
Good Luck!
Thank you so much for your response! I, actually, posted this a couple of years ago and I have made myself a little better known since then. I created a LinkedIn profile and done several internships.
Ashley
I noticed that after I posted the response 😅 I just signed up so I’m new to this platform lol glad to hear your doing well!
Acadia Keyes
Updated
Dieu’s Answer
Ashley,
It is absolutely fine to network outside of your field. Networking is critical to be successful in whatever you choose to do personally and professionally. Some of my most meaningful relationships have been through networking. Volunteer events can open doors to networking for you. Find environmental volunteer events on websites such as volunteermatch.org to expand your network and open up potential opportunities. Good luck with building your network!
It is absolutely fine to network outside of your field. Networking is critical to be successful in whatever you choose to do personally and professionally. Some of my most meaningful relationships have been through networking. Volunteer events can open doors to networking for you. Find environmental volunteer events on websites such as volunteermatch.org to expand your network and open up potential opportunities. Good luck with building your network!