Networking is simply making connections with people to build professional relationships. This can help you:
As your network grows, you will likely also be able to help others by sharing information.
Professional networking can happen online or in person. Start by talking to people you know or are already connected to.
Let them know you're thinking about your future and share what career fields interest you at this time. You'll be surprised by how much information you can get without asking a lot of questions.
You can even reach out to strangers by asking for an informational interview. This is a very effective way to expand your network and can help you learn more about specific career fields and companies that hire people for those roles. When doing this, be ready to share your resume if asked.
As our world goes digital, more and more professional networking is done online. All forms of social media can be leveraged to establish and build connections.
The most popular online professional networking tool is LinkedIn. Make a professional first impression by having a complete, up-to-date LinkedIn profile. Leverage the platform to build a strong network of professional connections, join groups to observe or participate in career-related discussions. Learn more here.
As you start applying for positions, employers may look into your online presence! Make sure your social media accounts are not unprofessional. If they contain a lot of personal information (as most of our pages do), you may want to check your security settings to make them private.
If your area of interest has private or specialized online networks you can join, you absolutely should consider them. They're a great opportunity to connect directly with people in your field, are safe places where you can learn to "talk the language" in your field. There are many student chapters of professional associations.