Networking: A Beginners Guide
Networking. It’s a buzzword we use and hear all the time. We scroll through LinkedIn and “connect” with people the platform suggests to us. But do we really develop genuine connections?
As a member of Gen Z that prefers a text over a phone call, engaging in discussion with people I don’t know very well or don’t know at all feels like a daunting task. Especially when we are used to being virtual due to the pandemic.
However, studies show that in today’s world, effective networking leads to more jobs, more opportunities, more knowledge, and faster advancement in a position. This means that networking is a necessity in order to advance your career, and it's especially vital in a remote world.
As a senior in health communications that has been actively seeking internship opportunities, here are some tips I find useful for building your network:
Say Yes
Were you offered a position in a student organization or asked to help a professor with a project? Is there a club on campus that you're interested in but haven’t joined? You should try to say yes to these opportunities, if your schedule allows, as they are a great way to meet other students in your field, professors don’t have class with, and even professionals in the community. Putting yourself in a position that allows you to meet new people is the best thing you can do to expand your network, because you never know when someone might have a job opportunity and think of you as the perfect candidate.
Reach Out
If you don’t have an extensive network of professionals readily available to you, it is completely acceptable to reach out to your close family and friends to see if they know anyone in the field or company you’re interested in. Another great resource is your professors, who have access to alumni networks. Asking these people to introduce you to someone is a great way to expand your networking opportunities, while still having the safety net of a mutual connection.
Set Up Informational Interviews
Once you have more connections, the best thing you can do is set up an informational interview with people who have jobs that you’re interested in. It might be unnerving to ask a stranger to talk to you about their job, but I’ve found that most people are eager to share their experiences and help you in any way possible. Not only will these interviews help you learn about the position, the company, and the people themselves, it also gives you experience talking to a new person in a formal setting, making you much more prepared for future job interviews. Take this time to get to know the person, be genuinely interested in what they have to say, and ask valuable questions. The best case scenario is that they take your resume or recommend you to a position, but if not, you still have a great connection, someone to support you in the future, or even a new friend!
Now that you have more information to improve your networking skills, make sure to be on the lookout for new opportunities that are presented to you, and take initiative to step out of your comfort zone and meet someone new! You never know what new doors will open for you through your professional network.
About Sara:
Sara is a senior at Grand Valley State University studying Health Communication with a minor in Marketing. She currently serves as the PR Co-Director of the GVSU Health Communication Coalition as well as an Account Associate for GrandPR. In addition, Sara is a Corporate Communications Intern for Perrigo Company plc, a manufacturer of private label over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and other health and wellness products.