If you’re new to college and just getting started with networking, it can be hard to know where to begin. Anyone who has graduated can probably tell you how they struggled with networking in college at first.
However, they will also likely explain from experience how important effective networking in university is for your future career prospects.
You may be thinking,”But I don’t want to network while I’m in school! That’s what grad programs are for.” However, if you want to create connections that will help you throughout your career, it’s important to start early — even before you graduate.
Our team at ResumeGiants free online resume maker want you to thrive in your career post-graduation and have plenty of impressive experiences and contacts to write your CV or resume when the time comes to find a job.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the most indispensable tips for networking in college and how to start growing your network, even if you’re still a college freshman!
Tips for Networking While at University
University is a great time to make connections and build relationships that can last a lifetime. One of the most important things when you begin networking at college is not worrying about the experience you haven’t got yet.
Networking isn’t just about trying to collect business cards from everyone (although you should definitely keep some of your own at hand to dish out!) but rather asking questions and building relationships with people who have similar interests as yours.
Networking in college is one of the most important ways of getting your foot in the door after graduation. By following these tips for networking in college, you can create a wealth of relationships that will help you in the future.
Know what you have to offer
“Knowing what you have to offer” is a pretty broad statement, but it basically means that a good way to start networking is by taking an inventory of your skills and strengths. You don’t need to be able to list off everything you’re great at—just the major ones.
Make a list of these things and keep it close by so that when someone asks how they can help you out, or how they can get in touch with you for future reference, you know exactly what you want to say.
Start with your immediate peers
If you’re unsure of the best ways to network at college, start with the people you already know.
If you have never networked before, you can take advantage of untapped opportunities among peers and family members and eliminate the initial stress that comes with starting the process.
If you join a fraternity or sorority, let your fellow pledges know what you’re all about and where you’re going in life.
You never know who among your inner circle can give you valuable advice, or who may have an invaluable connection they can pass on.
Find organizations or clubs that call to you
This is key to networking while at university. Join organizations or clubs on campus or in your community that are related to your major or career interests.
This will give you the chance to meet like-minded people who share similar goals and interests. You will also be working on developing your communication skills, as an added bonus.
A lot of clubs have hundreds (if not thousands) of members, so it can be easy to fall through the cracks without making an effort first.
Reach out via email or social networks and ask how else you can get involved with them, e.g. to help prepare for events or fundraising efforts.
Remember, volunteering in these kinds of events can also look great on your resume!
Join alumni associations
One of the best career networking tips for students is to participate in college-sponsored events and organizations, where many of the participants will be alumni or current professionals. This might include online job fairs, conferences, or seminars.
It’s important not only that students know how many different types of jobs there are out there when it comes time to leave school, but also where these jobs exist geographically, as well as which ones require specific skill sets.
Make the most of your school career office
Your college likely has a career office that is there for things like giving effective networking advice and providing resume examples–use it!
The career office can help you set up interviews, give advice on writing resumes and cover letters, practice networking skills and even go through mock interviews. They will also be able to help you prepare for job fairs.
Befriend your instructors
One of the most effective networking tips for college students is to build a good relationship with your instructors. Office hours are an ideal setting in which to get to know your teacher—and they may even be willing to serve as references for you later on in life.
If you find that one or more of your instructors is particularly helpful or knowledgeable in their field, this can make them especially good candidates to ask for letters of recommendation when applying for summer internships or post-graduate jobs.
Volunteer or intern
Volunteering is a great way to get your foot in the door. It’s an ideal opportunity to build your resume, make connections that can last a lifetime, and learn new skills.
While at college, it’s important to find volunteer opportunities that are relevant to your career path. If you’re interested in becoming an accountant, you could look into volunteering at one of the local accounting firms or financial institutions in the area.
This will help show recruiters that you have an interest in accounting, even if you have a resume with no experience in the working world.
Volunteer or intern positions can help to show them what kind of person they would be getting if they hire you after graduation.
Use social media to your advantage
As social media is key to networking in the modern age, no matter whether you’re still in college or have already graduated, you want to optimize your online presence to maximize your network and connections.
You should make sure that your social media channels are all professional, clean and up-to-date. Use a professional photo of yourself, and write a catchy professional bio that describes who you are and what you do.
A lot of companies use social media to find new talent, so make sure your online identity reflects the person you want them to see when they find your profile. This can also reflect on your IT skills to some extent, so make sure your social profiles and sites are up to a good standard.
Other General Networking Tips
Aside from the specific advice detailed above, some other simple networking tips for students you should keep in mind include:
- Don’t give up. While it’s easy to assume that your first few attempts at networking in college will be a complete failure, keep at it — don’t let an opportunity pass you by!
- Be proactive – Don’t wait for opportunities; make them happen! If you meet someone who seems interesting, go ahead and introduce yourself—you might just discover that they’re looking for an intern or a volunteer assistant at work.
- Follow up with your connections – Even if a new contact doesn’t seem interested at first, it’s worth sending them a quick email or text message to ask how they’re doing. The worst that can happen is that they won’t respond to your message—and even then, at least you tried!
It’s also important to keep expanding your network on a regular basis and remember to keep in touch with your contacts!
You never know when you might need to reach out to someone, and having a strong network in university will make it easier for you to get in touch with the right person at the right time.
Networking for College Students: Key Takeaways
One of the most common regrets people have after they graduate college is the number of people they didn’t make an effort to connect with while in school.
It can be easy to get complacent in college, especially if you’re not totally sure what your career path will be right now. But it’s important to remember that networking in university is key to building your student resume that will help you in the future.
There are plenty of students with amazing skills, passions, and ambitions who don’t get recognized until after graduation because they’re too shy or scared to reach out and talk about themselves.
That’s why it’s so important to take advantage of any effective college networking opportunities that come your way now—you never know when you’ll meet someone who can help you advance your career later on down the line!
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