Are large or small colleges better for making business connections?
I've heard the common phrase, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." So, when making connections for future internships and jobs, are large or small colleges better for this purpose? #connections #business #networking
20 answers
Stephanie England
Stephanie’s Answer
Hey there,
I went to a very small school, and very infrequently run into alumni from my university. On the other hand, my husband went to a very large state school and always see people out and about with gear from his university.
But, consider this: my last 3 job interviews resulted from people I knew that were not connections from my university, but from other places. Networking is not something that is limited to university contacts. As Marie suggested, LinkedIn is a great place to maintain your connections and make new digital connections, plus consider everyone you meet a connection, if not a professional connection, maybe a personal connection.
Large schools may result in more numerous connections, or may result in more random connections in the future with alumni. But, at a smaller school, you may get a more in depth education with less students in classes.
There's a lot of things to consider when choosing between schools for higher education, but the fact that you are already thinking about networking means you are going to be good at it no matter what you choose as your school. Good luck!
Stephanie recommends the following next steps:
Jack’s Answer
Cassandra’s Answer
Nathan’s Answer
- How big is their alumni network, and how active is it
- What kinds of relationships do college programs have with local, national, or global companies
- Do programs offer internships or courses where students can work hands-on with companies on business projects
If a college, large or small, has a good alumni network, good relationships with companies, and can offer hands-on learning and experiential opportunities for students with businesses, then it could be a really good option to pursue to set you up with good opportunities as you wrap up your studies.
Susan’s Answer
How can an HS graduate gauge this difference? Perhaps check if the alumni group is active in the city where they eventually want to live. Look at the website and see how much seems to be dedicated to alumni. Perhaps call a few alums in your area and ask them!
Susan
Michael’s Answer
The size of the school does not matter, What matters is where can you get the best affordable education, in regard to your specific career aspirations. If you are undecided about specific career goals, then get the best general education possible. English, Economics, History, Psychology, and Math are all great majors. Your education is a life-long process. What's important is that you are prepared (know your stuff) to make honest sincere connections with people of influence who appear to be ethical and impactful.
Jash’s Answer
Jeff’s Answer
Carlos’s Answer
I suggest you focus on the industry you want to utilize your talents in, then start networking outside the "box". In other words, LinkedIn, Twitter, volunteering, etc. Many times, I have come across individuals that I've met at business lunches, seminars, and or speaking engagements. Because my particular industry is small, we are bound to cross paths again. So in a nutshell, yes...it's who know but also what you can do for them and on a consistent basis. That's how you make a name for your brand.
David’s Answer
Les’s Answer
The first step is to look at all the local organizations in the city or region where you work and join the applicable ones. Next, volunteer - that is where you really get to know. As an example, if I was asked this question by someone in the DFW area, below is a sampling of professional associations. You can compile a similar list anywhere - search and join.
Engineering\Technology Groups & Associations:
Society of Petroleum Engineers Dallas
American Society of Civil Engineers
Association of IT Professionals Dallas
Club AJAX
Communications & Vehicular Technology
Dallas Architectural Foundation
Dallas County Medical Society
Dallas Forum for Biomedical Technology
Dallas/Fort Worth ColdFusion User Group
DFW Business Objects Group
DFW Cisco Users Group
DFW Cold Fusion Users Group
DFW Society for Technical Communication
DFW Technology Executives
DFW Unix Users Group
Geek Meet
IEEE Dallas
IEEE/EMC Society
Information Systems Security Association
Information Technology Professionals
Java Metroplex User's Group
Metroplex Technology Business Council
MIT Enterprise Forum DFW
North Texas .NET Users Group
North Texas Global Telecommunications Society
North Texas Linux Users Group
North Texas Technology Council
Society for Technical Communication
Society of Earth Scientists Dallas
Society of Women Engineers Dallas
SPE Young Professionals Dallas
Tech Alliance of Dallas
Technology Entrepreneurs Exchange
Marie’s Answer
Hi Morgan!
Business connections can be made at both large and small colleges. Larger colleges tend to offer greater resources for students to connect with the community through career fairs and other networking events; however, you as the student should make the effort to connect with peers, professors and other professionals regardless of what college you go to and its size. Also, be sure to take advantage of those career fairs, conferences and other networking events while in school, especially if the school is hosting these events. This is a great way to start establishing a network early on before the job search starts.
While I was in college, I made sure to attend career fairs and connect with the companies I was most interested in working for during those fairs. I collected business cards and followed up with the recruiters by sending a thank you email and attaching my resume.
I also highly recommend getting on LinkedIn to help build your network. LinkedIn is great way to establish a strong network of professionals outside of school. You can also leverage other social media platforms to follow blogs and companies you aspire to work at and just connect with people worldwide to learn more about the industries you're most interested in professionally. For example, I follow companies like Airbnb, Google and Amazon on LinkedIn which as a result fills my news feed with articles regarding company news product, vision, jobs, etc.
Good luck!
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Dreyton Seth’s Answer
First congratulations on thinking long-term and identifying college as part of that long-term journey. When thinking of attaining a career via college, I would challenge you not to think about small vs. large school but think of mature vs. immature programs.
When researching colleges, look at their recruitment statistics, typically shared on their websites. There you will find answers to questions such as "where do students go after graduating from this program", "what companies recruit from this school", and "what resources the school offers to set you up for a successful career". By attending an institution that best answers these questions for you, you will have a better frame of reference of what can you expect from the program, no matter its size.
Everything else, such as network, opportunities and so forth will come naturally because by attending a program that aligns to those core questions, you will naturally meet like-minded individuals and build contacts that can service you in the future.
Your choice of college will be one of the single-most important decisions you make. Please be sure it is a decision you researched well, thought long and hard about and, are ready to commit to.
Dreyton Hilton
Simeon’s Answer
Jeffrey’s Answer
Jerome’s Answer
Blake’s Answer
You can get connections from either large or small universities. Large universities will give you more chances because there are more students, but that doesn't mean that they are better connections than the other.
Thanks,
Blake
Paul’s Answer
Scheilla’s Answer
Is not about big or small colleges, is about what you learn and how you apply it!
Heather’s Answer
Also, better to have a degree and less debt in most cases. I went to a public university and could pay for my expenses as I went. Coming out of school with no debt helped me to save up for a house sooner.
What has been important for career and networking was the group of people I met through activities and classes. Those are the people whom I consult for advice and assistance.
What can be important is the alumni network. For example, in Texas, often we do see disdain for a college that was a rival in football. That can affect the hiring manager’s preference.
Heather recommends the following next steps:
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