10 answers
Dawson
Student
Provo, Utah
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best way to connect with professionals after graduation #Spring24?
Is LInkedIN still the best way to connect with people?
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10 answers
Data Scientist
2
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Data’s Answer
Networking can take time and effort; ultimately, these are human relationships that you are building!
Upon graduating, a few things that may be helpful to keep in mind:
(1) Stay in touch with your classmates, including those who may be a year or two ahead of you, in a professional context. Some of them will go on to explore adjacent industries that you are interested in, and as the years pass, they can become helpful to point you in the right direction for professions you may be interested in.
(2) If you find somebody who either works in an industry, job or career that you may be interested in, see if they are willing to connect and guide you on your career path. If you're able to do this in-person, the experience can be that much more powerful and memorable (I still remember networking interactions from years ago).
(3) When you wrap up talking to somebody in a networking context, see if there's anybody else that they can think of that would be helpful to talk to. Advice is to keep it as a light suggestion (vs. a persistent ask) - you're asking the person for a favor :).
(4) Use LinkedIn to solidify the interaction, and it may be helpful to leverage 2nd degree connections.
Upon graduating, a few things that may be helpful to keep in mind:
(1) Stay in touch with your classmates, including those who may be a year or two ahead of you, in a professional context. Some of them will go on to explore adjacent industries that you are interested in, and as the years pass, they can become helpful to point you in the right direction for professions you may be interested in.
(2) If you find somebody who either works in an industry, job or career that you may be interested in, see if they are willing to connect and guide you on your career path. If you're able to do this in-person, the experience can be that much more powerful and memorable (I still remember networking interactions from years ago).
(3) When you wrap up talking to somebody in a networking context, see if there's anybody else that they can think of that would be helpful to talk to. Advice is to keep it as a light suggestion (vs. a persistent ask) - you're asking the person for a favor :).
(4) Use LinkedIn to solidify the interaction, and it may be helpful to leverage 2nd degree connections.
David Green
Data Engineer
14
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Dawson,
LinkedIn is the most powerful site to grow and maintain your professional network. You can also look into local or regional professional organizations such as young professionals, industry-specific groups, or skill-specific groups. Staying engaged in your school alumni activities is also a great way to continue networking.
LinkedIn is the most powerful site to grow and maintain your professional network. You can also look into local or regional professional organizations such as young professionals, industry-specific groups, or skill-specific groups. Staying engaged in your school alumni activities is also a great way to continue networking.
Kristina Du
Enterprise Technology Solutions Associate at PwC
14
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
Absolutely, LinkedIn remains a fantastic tool for linking up with other professionals after you've graduated. But it's also important to leverage other channels such as professional associations, industry conferences, and personal connections to expand your network after graduation.
Audrey Luu
Technology Consultant
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Audrey’s Answer
Though nothing beats in-person networking, whether it's through your school's alumni events or industry events, LinkedIn remains a very valuable platform to connect with people from any background anywhere in the world!
Kaitlyn Luong
Consulting
19
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kaitlyn’s Answer
LinkedIn and alumni gatherings are great!
Ryan Schwab
Sales
14
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
LinkedIn all the way!
Stan Brosko
Sales
6
Answers
Brookhaven, Georgia
Updated
Stan’s Answer
Hi Dawson,
One of the most effective ways to connect with professionals after graduation is through networking. Attend networking events, career fairs, and industry conferences where you can meet professionals in your desired field face-to-face. Additionally, utilize online platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals virtually. Join LinkedIn groups related to your industry and engage with professionals by commenting on their posts or sending personalized connection requests.
Another valuable strategy is to reach out to professionals directly for informational interviews. Express your genuine interest in their work and ask for advice or insights into their career path. Remember to be professional, courteous, and proactive in your networking efforts, as building meaningful connections takes time and effort.
One of the most effective ways to connect with professionals after graduation is through networking. Attend networking events, career fairs, and industry conferences where you can meet professionals in your desired field face-to-face. Additionally, utilize online platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals virtually. Join LinkedIn groups related to your industry and engage with professionals by commenting on their posts or sending personalized connection requests.
Another valuable strategy is to reach out to professionals directly for informational interviews. Express your genuine interest in their work and ask for advice or insights into their career path. Remember to be professional, courteous, and proactive in your networking efforts, as building meaningful connections takes time and effort.
Andrea Friedman
Strategic Account Executive
7
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
Hi Dawson!
LinkedIn is a great resource to connect, but I would look in your area for young professionals meetups and networking events. Getting face to face is always better than online. I would also try and find an internship, one that would also allow you the time to job hunt.
LinkedIn is a great resource to connect, but I would look in your area for young professionals meetups and networking events. Getting face to face is always better than online. I would also try and find an internship, one that would also allow you the time to job hunt.
William Heidmann
Sales
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
William’s Answer
Hello Dawson,
LinkedIn serves as an excellent platform for initiating connections and expanding your network. It's also a valuable tool for reconnecting with your school and fellow alumni. However, there are also other, perhaps less apparent, avenues to explore when it comes to meeting new people.
Consider joining various organizations or becoming part of a sports team. Engaging in activities and hobbies that you already have a passion for is an effortless way to encounter individuals who share similar interests.
When you establish a connection with someone whose company you enjoy, don't hesitate to ask them for guidance on how to connect with others who share similar traits and interests. This could open up a whole new circle of potential friends and acquaintances for you.
LinkedIn serves as an excellent platform for initiating connections and expanding your network. It's also a valuable tool for reconnecting with your school and fellow alumni. However, there are also other, perhaps less apparent, avenues to explore when it comes to meeting new people.
Consider joining various organizations or becoming part of a sports team. Engaging in activities and hobbies that you already have a passion for is an effortless way to encounter individuals who share similar interests.
When you establish a connection with someone whose company you enjoy, don't hesitate to ask them for guidance on how to connect with others who share similar traits and interests. This could open up a whole new circle of potential friends and acquaintances for you.
Trung Le
Accountant
13
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Trung’s Answer
Get the most out of LinkedIn: Keep your profile up-to-date, join groups that interest you, and don't be shy to connect with leaders in your field.
Go to Industry Conferences and Networking Events: These are perfect spots to bump into professionals and get the scoop on the latest trends.
Be part of Professional Associations: Joining organizations that align with your career can give you access to valuable resources and chances to network.
Tap into Alumni Networks: Your university's alumni association is a goldmine for connecting with past students who've made it big in their careers.
Ask for Informational Interviews: Don't hesitate to contact professionals to learn more about their journey and get some handy advice.
These strategies can help you weave a strong professional network and unlock doors in your career. So, here's wishing you the best of luck and a hearty congratulations!
Go to Industry Conferences and Networking Events: These are perfect spots to bump into professionals and get the scoop on the latest trends.
Be part of Professional Associations: Joining organizations that align with your career can give you access to valuable resources and chances to network.
Tap into Alumni Networks: Your university's alumni association is a goldmine for connecting with past students who've made it big in their careers.
Ask for Informational Interviews: Don't hesitate to contact professionals to learn more about their journey and get some handy advice.
These strategies can help you weave a strong professional network and unlock doors in your career. So, here's wishing you the best of luck and a hearty congratulations!