College is all about preparing for your future. You now have the responsibility to determine how well you will perform in your classes and whether or not you will join clubs outside of class. Hopefully you choose to become involved at your school, because this leads to many great networking opportunities. I've compiled a small guide to get you started on networking, so you can land your dream job after graduation!
Attend the events that the Career Center hosts
Take advantage of the opportunities that happen on your campus. Your career center probably hosts events such as job fairs and alumni dinners. These events a great way to begin networking, because professionals come to these events specifically to meet students like you. This means that these accomplished people will be more than happy to talk to you. Make sure that you think about what you're going to say; try rehearsing a few sentences about yourself and think of some questions that you can ask.
Stay in touch with your professors
Ever heard of a teacher's pet? Well, it's not a bad thing when you're in college. Sitting in the front of the classroom and engaging with your professor is one of the best things that you can do. Don't be scared to go to their office hours if you ever have questions- I'm sure they would love to offer you advice! Building professional relationships with your professors means that you will have great references for future employers. Bonus: your professors might even connect you with other professionals in your field!
Get involved with social media
This is a super easy way to network. If you don't have a LinkedIn, MAKE ONE RIGHT NOW. It's the Facebook for professionals, and many employers use it to scout their new employees. Make sure that your profile is complete with relevant information and is above all; professional. Leave your cat pictures on Facebook and do not post them all over your LinkedIn!
Collect business cards
Assuming that you've been attending events, if anyone ever hands you a business card, KEEP IT. Make a file folder just for business cards. If you're applying for a job and you met someone who works for that company at an alumni dinner last month, find their business card and send them an e-mail and ask to get coffee sometime to talk about their company. They will appreciate the fact that you remembered them and would love to help you get the job!
While we are on the discussion of business cards, it doesn't hurt to make your own. You can customize your business card and buy it in bulk for a very reasonable price online! Bring this card everywhere you go- you never know when you could meet someone who is looking to hire.
Contact your former employers every once and awhile
This is why you should never leave a job in an unprofessional manner. If you stay on good terms with your former boss, they will be a great reference for you. Send them an e-mail once a year to see how everything is going; or if you worked in a store, stop in once and awhile to say hello!
Get involved in clubs on your campus
Join clubs that relate to your major. For example; I am a Fashion Merchandising major and I have joined the Fashion Merchandise Association. This is a great way to know your peers outside of class and create friendships that will last post-graduation! Your peers can also give you information to connections that they may have, which will only help you. If you've ever considered Greek life, that's another great way to meet people who have similar career goals as you. Being a part of a Greek organization also means there are alumni who would LOVE to help a fellow sorority sister get a job!
Finally, don't be scared to branch out of your comfort zone in order to network with people! I promise it's not scary, and it can be a very rewarding experience!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other networking methods!
Best of luck,
Kellyn
Take advantage of the opportunities that happen on your campus. Your career center probably hosts events such as job fairs and alumni dinners. These events a great way to begin networking, because professionals come to these events specifically to meet students like you. This means that these accomplished people will be more than happy to talk to you. Make sure that you think about what you're going to say; try rehearsing a few sentences about yourself and think of some questions that you can ask.
Stay in touch with your professors
Ever heard of a teacher's pet? Well, it's not a bad thing when you're in college. Sitting in the front of the classroom and engaging with your professor is one of the best things that you can do. Don't be scared to go to their office hours if you ever have questions- I'm sure they would love to offer you advice! Building professional relationships with your professors means that you will have great references for future employers. Bonus: your professors might even connect you with other professionals in your field!
Get involved with social media
This is a super easy way to network. If you don't have a LinkedIn, MAKE ONE RIGHT NOW. It's the Facebook for professionals, and many employers use it to scout their new employees. Make sure that your profile is complete with relevant information and is above all; professional. Leave your cat pictures on Facebook and do not post them all over your LinkedIn!
Collect business cards
Assuming that you've been attending events, if anyone ever hands you a business card, KEEP IT. Make a file folder just for business cards. If you're applying for a job and you met someone who works for that company at an alumni dinner last month, find their business card and send them an e-mail and ask to get coffee sometime to talk about their company. They will appreciate the fact that you remembered them and would love to help you get the job!
While we are on the discussion of business cards, it doesn't hurt to make your own. You can customize your business card and buy it in bulk for a very reasonable price online! Bring this card everywhere you go- you never know when you could meet someone who is looking to hire.
Contact your former employers every once and awhile
This is why you should never leave a job in an unprofessional manner. If you stay on good terms with your former boss, they will be a great reference for you. Send them an e-mail once a year to see how everything is going; or if you worked in a store, stop in once and awhile to say hello!
Get involved in clubs on your campus
Join clubs that relate to your major. For example; I am a Fashion Merchandising major and I have joined the Fashion Merchandise Association. This is a great way to know your peers outside of class and create friendships that will last post-graduation! Your peers can also give you information to connections that they may have, which will only help you. If you've ever considered Greek life, that's another great way to meet people who have similar career goals as you. Being a part of a Greek organization also means there are alumni who would LOVE to help a fellow sorority sister get a job!
Finally, don't be scared to branch out of your comfort zone in order to network with people! I promise it's not scary, and it can be a very rewarding experience!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other networking methods!
Best of luck,
Kellyn