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Hello, I am an incoming freshman in college. How should a Mass Communications student approach networking for jobs #Spring25?
Hello, I am an incoming freshman in college. How should a Mass Communications student approach networking for jobs? #Spring25
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Susanne’s Answer
Hello, Anyrah,
As a professional working in the field and teaching at the college level, I make it a priority to help students develop real-world career readiness early on.
It’s always inspiring to see first-year students thinking ahead about their future. Taking initiative now sets you apart and gives you more time to build meaningful experience before graduation.
Here are a few tips to get started on the right path:
1. Start with your college career center.
They’re a vital resource, offering internship listings, resume guidance, mock interviews, and often industry connections you won’t find elsewhere.
2. Set up your LinkedIn profile.
Treat LinkedIn like a professional networking platform, not a social media site. Use it to showcase your interests, coursework, early projects, and goals. Don’t worry if it’s still light at first—what matters is that you begin.
3. Attend campus and industry events.
Workshops, panels, speaker series, and student groups offer excellent opportunities to meet professionals and peers in your field. Introduce yourself, ask questions, and follow up with a connection on LinkedIn.
4. Build and nurture your network.
Don’t just collect connections—build relationships. Reach out to contacts periodically with a brief note, schedule coffee chats or Zoom catch-ups, and demonstrate genuine interest in their work. This builds trust over time.
5. Let people know what you’re looking for—early and clearly.
Many students wait too long to start looking for internships. Employers often appreciate students who plan ahead—it reflects the kind of intern or colleague you’re likely to be. And when you start early, you’ll face less competition.
Finally, stay curious, take initiative, and treat every interaction as a step toward your future. You’re already on the right track just by asking these questions.
As a professional working in the field and teaching at the college level, I make it a priority to help students develop real-world career readiness early on.
It’s always inspiring to see first-year students thinking ahead about their future. Taking initiative now sets you apart and gives you more time to build meaningful experience before graduation.
Here are a few tips to get started on the right path:
1. Start with your college career center.
They’re a vital resource, offering internship listings, resume guidance, mock interviews, and often industry connections you won’t find elsewhere.
2. Set up your LinkedIn profile.
Treat LinkedIn like a professional networking platform, not a social media site. Use it to showcase your interests, coursework, early projects, and goals. Don’t worry if it’s still light at first—what matters is that you begin.
3. Attend campus and industry events.
Workshops, panels, speaker series, and student groups offer excellent opportunities to meet professionals and peers in your field. Introduce yourself, ask questions, and follow up with a connection on LinkedIn.
4. Build and nurture your network.
Don’t just collect connections—build relationships. Reach out to contacts periodically with a brief note, schedule coffee chats or Zoom catch-ups, and demonstrate genuine interest in their work. This builds trust over time.
5. Let people know what you’re looking for—early and clearly.
Many students wait too long to start looking for internships. Employers often appreciate students who plan ahead—it reflects the kind of intern or colleague you’re likely to be. And when you start early, you’ll face less competition.
Finally, stay curious, take initiative, and treat every interaction as a step toward your future. You’re already on the right track just by asking these questions.
Updated
Pavani’s Answer
Hi Anyrah,
Its great that you are thinking about it even before starting college. You're already ahead of most.
Mass Comm jobs are heavily relationship-based. So, networking is the key to discovering most opportunities.
I would advice to start with Your Campus:
Join student media groups - TV, newspaper, PR club, debate, podcasting etc..
Attend career services events — resume clinics, speaker panels, employer meet-and-greets ...
Reach out to your professors — many are industry veterans and may have insider connections.
Create a LinkedIn profile & Post occasionally about what you're learning or events you attend. Use it to Find alumni in journalism, public relations, digital media, etc.
Good luck!
Its great that you are thinking about it even before starting college. You're already ahead of most.
Mass Comm jobs are heavily relationship-based. So, networking is the key to discovering most opportunities.
I would advice to start with Your Campus:
Join student media groups - TV, newspaper, PR club, debate, podcasting etc..
Attend career services events — resume clinics, speaker panels, employer meet-and-greets ...
Reach out to your professors — many are industry veterans and may have insider connections.
Create a LinkedIn profile & Post occasionally about what you're learning or events you attend. Use it to Find alumni in journalism, public relations, digital media, etc.
Good luck!