4 answers
diksha
Student
Green Brook Township, NJ
1
Question
Asked
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how do you network more efficiently?
how do you network more efficiently? i struggle with meeting new people and establishing good connections that will benefit me in the future. i miss out on a lot of opportunities this way.
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4 answers
Wayne Archibald
Cybersecurity Associate Director here to share knowledge!
229
Answers
Annapolis Junction, Maryland
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Hello Diksha, it's fantastic to know you're interested in networking during your high school and college years. This is an excellent time to hone your communication and relationship-building skills, which are vital in the professional world. Networking, which is essentially gathering contacts for professional exchange, can significantly boost your career growth.
Embracing networking as a student might seem daunting initially, but remember, it's never too early to start forging connections! The sooner you begin, the more contacts you'll gather for potential opportunities. High school and college are ripe with networking opportunities, potentially accelerating your career even before you've obtained your Bachelor's degree.
Let's explore some ways you can network as a student while still in school:
- Connect with Adults You Know: Starting your networking journey in high school? Begin with the adults you're already familiar with. These could be your parents' friends or your friends' parents. They can be valuable resources, particularly if they're in a field you aspire to join. You might be surprised at the number of contacts you have within your immediate circle, so don't dismiss them due to your personal relationship.
- Participate in Clubs and Organizations: High schools and colleges are teeming with clubs and organizations that you can join. Those relevant to your intended major are excellent picks, but don't limit yourself. Venture into new areas that could boost your career, either by providing practical skills or creating a diverse experience base for your professional journey. This might include leadership or volunteer clubs. Joining a club also offers a chance to network with your peers, who might have family or friends who could be valuable additions to your contact list. Teachers or professors involved in the organization or events could also be great networking contacts.
- Seek Internships: Internships are a significant milestone in many career paths and a fantastic way to enhance your networking skills. You'll meet potential future employers and colleagues, and there's a chance you could land a job post-graduation. The real-world experience an internship provides is invaluable during your college years, and showcasing your work ethic could secure a post-college role. Internships not only bolster your resume but also offer a glimpse into your field before you officially step into it. Therefore, connections made during internships can be beneficial, even if you decide to switch fields.
- Leverage Social Media: Don't hesitate to explore networking on social media platforms like LinkedIn during your college years. LinkedIn is a professional social media platform where many users are looking to hire or can introduce you to potential employers. It's never too early to create a profile, and it's a convenient way to keep all your connections in one place. You can maintain and deepen your relationships by actively engaging with your connections' content.
Embracing networking as a student might seem daunting initially, but remember, it's never too early to start forging connections! The sooner you begin, the more contacts you'll gather for potential opportunities. High school and college are ripe with networking opportunities, potentially accelerating your career even before you've obtained your Bachelor's degree.
Let's explore some ways you can network as a student while still in school:
- Connect with Adults You Know: Starting your networking journey in high school? Begin with the adults you're already familiar with. These could be your parents' friends or your friends' parents. They can be valuable resources, particularly if they're in a field you aspire to join. You might be surprised at the number of contacts you have within your immediate circle, so don't dismiss them due to your personal relationship.
- Participate in Clubs and Organizations: High schools and colleges are teeming with clubs and organizations that you can join. Those relevant to your intended major are excellent picks, but don't limit yourself. Venture into new areas that could boost your career, either by providing practical skills or creating a diverse experience base for your professional journey. This might include leadership or volunteer clubs. Joining a club also offers a chance to network with your peers, who might have family or friends who could be valuable additions to your contact list. Teachers or professors involved in the organization or events could also be great networking contacts.
- Seek Internships: Internships are a significant milestone in many career paths and a fantastic way to enhance your networking skills. You'll meet potential future employers and colleagues, and there's a chance you could land a job post-graduation. The real-world experience an internship provides is invaluable during your college years, and showcasing your work ethic could secure a post-college role. Internships not only bolster your resume but also offer a glimpse into your field before you officially step into it. Therefore, connections made during internships can be beneficial, even if you decide to switch fields.
- Leverage Social Media: Don't hesitate to explore networking on social media platforms like LinkedIn during your college years. LinkedIn is a professional social media platform where many users are looking to hire or can introduce you to potential employers. It's never too early to create a profile, and it's a convenient way to keep all your connections in one place. You can maintain and deepen your relationships by actively engaging with your connections' content.
Megan Rascius, DMD
General Dentist
1
Answer
Old Saybrook, Connecticut
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Diksha,
I love your question. It's something I think about on a regular basis still.
I think people hear the word "networking" and get intimidated - like it's something with strict rules and decorum. Networking is really all about building relationships. In any relationship, people want to feel valued and appreciated. When I meet someone who I admire, I often take the time to send a thank you note - either handwritten or via email. Thank yous and acknowledgement go a long way, especially today. My advice is to always thank people for their time and expertise, and they will not easily forget you. It's a simple gesture that can leave a positive mark in people's minds, and hopefully they will think of you positively for future roles.
I second everything that the other responders have said as well. Don't be intimidated - ask questions, reach out, send thank yous. With each interaction, your confidence will grow, as will your network. Best of luck!
I love your question. It's something I think about on a regular basis still.
I think people hear the word "networking" and get intimidated - like it's something with strict rules and decorum. Networking is really all about building relationships. In any relationship, people want to feel valued and appreciated. When I meet someone who I admire, I often take the time to send a thank you note - either handwritten or via email. Thank yous and acknowledgement go a long way, especially today. My advice is to always thank people for their time and expertise, and they will not easily forget you. It's a simple gesture that can leave a positive mark in people's minds, and hopefully they will think of you positively for future roles.
I second everything that the other responders have said as well. Don't be intimidated - ask questions, reach out, send thank yous. With each interaction, your confidence will grow, as will your network. Best of luck!
Mei Abellon-Baniqued
Consultant
19
Answers
Philippines
Updated
Mei’s Answer
Diksha, you asked a very good question that I wished I asked when I was still a student.
One thing I'll add from what was already shared here is in every interaction, think of what you can give to the relationship. What value can you bring? What can they learn from you? What can you contribute? Remember that networking is an opportunity not only for you to get to know others but for them to get to know YOU too.
Volunteer to do projects. Think of causes that you're passionate about and be active in supporting them. Not only are you helping others or your community, you're building your network and giving them the opportunity to get to know you too. You're also learning and applying skills in real life and nothing beats experience.
All the best!
One thing I'll add from what was already shared here is in every interaction, think of what you can give to the relationship. What value can you bring? What can they learn from you? What can you contribute? Remember that networking is an opportunity not only for you to get to know others but for them to get to know YOU too.
Volunteer to do projects. Think of causes that you're passionate about and be active in supporting them. Not only are you helping others or your community, you're building your network and giving them the opportunity to get to know you too. You're also learning and applying skills in real life and nothing beats experience.
All the best!
Peter Huang
Security consultant
81
Answers
Cupertino, California
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Wayne has already suggested social media, and indeed, these platforms are excellent sources to discover people or content that pique your interest. With the information you gather, you can confidently reach out to them, perhaps through LinkedIn, to pose a question or establish a connection. If your question is thought-provoking, it's likely that the other person will respond, making the task of creating connections less daunting.
Don't forget about the value of attending talks and conferences, even as a student. I fondly remember attending an IEEE conference during my first year of college. Meeting people face-to-face can be less intimidating than you might think. Remember, successful networking is all about preparation and your readiness to engage in meaningful conversation.
Don't forget about the value of attending talks and conferences, even as a student. I fondly remember attending an IEEE conference during my first year of college. Meeting people face-to-face can be less intimidating than you might think. Remember, successful networking is all about preparation and your readiness to engage in meaningful conversation.