College students are constantly facing the pressure of what they are going to do after graduation. It does not matter if you are a business, biology, or music major; it is essential that you network. Networking means making connections with people and forming bonds. These bonds can help advance your career and get your name out into your industry of interest. Below are some tips for networking.
1. Go to Career fairs —Elizabethtown College hosts a career fair each year where employers from all over the area visit the school.
Career Services also provides information about many other fairs in the Elizabethtown area. These events provide the opportunity to meet a lot of people at one time and hand out résumés and business cards.
2. Talk to your friends and family — You would be amazed by how many networking possibilities exist with people you already know. Let them know what your field of interest is and that you are looking for a job. Ask them to keep you in mind if they hear any relevant information.
3. Talk to your professors and advisors — Many students forget that some of their most valuable resources are right in the classroom. Ask your professors if they have heard of any job openings or if they could introduce you to some professionals in the field.
4. Get involved in clubs — several clubs on campus have partnerships with local businesses and major corporations. Fellow students in clubs may also have connections that can prove useful for you.
5. Network online — Join a common interest group on the internet. You can talk with people all over the world who are professionals in your field. Make sure the group is legitimate and that it has a good reputation before you join.
Above all things it is important to be friendly and courteous and leave a positive impression.
Avoid shrugging off potential contacts. A lead that may look like a dead-end could provide a new connection in the future. While it is wonderful to know people, it is essential that their memories of you are positive so that they would be willing to link you with a potential employer.
Written by Elizabethtown College Students In Free Enterprise, a nonprofit organization that teaches others the principles of free market economics. Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to visit the SIFE blog at http://etownsife.blogspot.com/. Contact sife@etown.edu with any questions.
This article was originally published in the Etownian on Thursday, April 3rd.
No comments:
Post a Comment