How to Start Networking?

Being in college is a whole load of work then just studying. By saying so, I don’t mean that being regular in studies is not crucial. However, if there is a desire to relish your stay there, I would suggest getting out of your shell. When I was a student fresh in college, I had to open up to increase my chances of being accepted.

Unfortunately, no one will ever tell you how to do networking, at least not your professors. Also, there is no social media, and you have to take the plunge to get going. The least you may do is to start following the below steps.

Visit Your College’s Career Office

Firstly, learn how to be a regular visitor to your College career office. I remember in the beginning, I visited it every day to make some great contacts. You will find the place buzzing with some or other activity at all times. Many activities are ongoing, and loads of kids/teachers and seniors are a part of it.

Apart from that, such offices are always collaborating with employers, academic departments. The attempt is to find opportunities for students like you. Being in the right place at the right time works wonders for any student.

Joining Alumni Associations

It is tough to make a getaway, but once you become a part of any association, you are sure to go to great places. I was an active member of the alumni association. However, there were options like hobby clubs, honor societies, and debate clubs that you can consider.

Mostly alumni associations have links with past students. Such networking will get you in touch with employers and open new vistas of growth for you.

Connecting with Professors

Now, this is one tactic that most of us forget to use. We tend to ignore the opinion of our professors completely. The innate feeling is that we will not gain anything staying in touch with them.

But, you should know that this a fallacy fuelled by ignorant students. I strongly recommend building relationships with the professors as they can be your best guides. Not only do you gather some valuable insights but also respected references to mention in resume in the future.

Pursuing Those Who You Wish to Emulate

When I was starting, there was a college debate that I attended. The winner of the same was a senior whose speech skills were extraordinary. Upon asking the other students, I realized that he was in his final year and would be leaving college now. The next, you know, I made up an acquaintance with him.

Doing that, in particular, helped me gain a new perspective on communicating with people. You could also figure out some such people around you. For better guidance, you could ask them to be your mentors and teach a skill or two.

Local Networking Events

College times are full of one thing or another. As a student, I was always busy running around as a part of something or other. I aptly used the weekend to attend any local networking opportunities I got to know. Though mostly my existing contacts would inform about such programs.

Apart from this, I even looked out in the local newspapers and websites if something was coming up. You have to utilize your time to the maximum. If nothing is coming up, use the free time to mix up with the people in your college.

Joining Organizations

Have you ever felt that you wish to do something constructive? Most students want to keep excelling and learning, and some organizations encourage it. In fact, many of my friends were able to find part-time engagements with such companies.

But, it is essential first to know what your future desire is. That is, your ideologies must be similar to the organization else it won’t make any sense. Decide what you want to achieve by being a part of such a place. Once you have done that, look for options that match your criteria. Hopefully, you ought to land with a job soon successfully.

Volunteer

Volunteering seems to many as too much extra work. But, learning from my personal experience, I can tell you that this is not true. Volunteering teaches you how to micromanage things. Moreover, when you share volunteering references to your resume, it adds up to your value.

You may think how something like volunteering is so useful. The growth potential is high in this case as here you join hands for something that is a selfless task. People like to consider candidates who have a strong profile to flaunt. By volunteering or interning for a social cause, you give them an additional reason to believe in your abilities.

Have Realistic Expectations

Networking in college undoubtedly aids in giving your career a boost. But, the truth remains that the results of such efforts are usually not received instantly. Honestly, speaking in order to make a leeway, I had to do a lot more than just the basics of the tips mentioned above.

Often students start networking and our quick to feel disappointed when things do not work suitably. Experienced professionals suggest that you do not have high hopes whenever you take an intense interest in an opportunity.

Try your best to ensure that it offers you great returns. However, be assured by me that you would face failure too. Do not lose hope if that happens and keep your spirits high for the next one.

Conclusion

Once you enter college, you would have heard a lot of talk about networking. As a newbie, so many new changes and opportunities enthralled me. With time I realized that all of these options are not viable for me.

At this point, I started segregating and opting only for those which suit my profile. Within no time, my stay at college had become a chance to expand my career choices. The focussed approach I adopted made it simple for me to sail through placements. Contacts that I made out of these efforts remain lifetime supporters in the initiatives taken.