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How do students build a network?
How do students majoring in finance or other business classes build and expand on their network and connections? When is the best time to start, and how? Lastly, when it comes to finding jobs for after graduation, what is the best way to secure a job early on in your professional career?
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4 answers
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Monica’s Answer
Hi Dylan,
Thanks for sharing your question and being excited about making connections. The easiest way to make connections is through your classmates you do projects, study groups, etc with.
Also, go to seminars, events and volunteer opportunities. If you like what you attend, continue to show up and reach out to some of the attendees about your experience and willingness to continue to be involved. All of this experience can be added to your resume, that shows prospective employers your dedication. Take care!
Thanks for sharing your question and being excited about making connections. The easiest way to make connections is through your classmates you do projects, study groups, etc with.
Also, go to seminars, events and volunteer opportunities. If you like what you attend, continue to show up and reach out to some of the attendees about your experience and willingness to continue to be involved. All of this experience can be added to your resume, that shows prospective employers your dedication. Take care!
Updated
Heather’s Answer
I love this question because I used to hate networking and now I love it. I tell every student I've worked with at my local universities to start networking ASAP. Whenever I've gone in and talked about my career I tell them get your LinkedIn up and at least connect with me and with every other person who comes to present. You really never know when someone you met might be a hiring manager or someone who can give you advice on how to get into a company you're interested in.
That said, to get started I recommend setting up an account on something like LinkedIn where you can connect with other professionals and start building your own personal brand. The lovely thing about LinkedIn is you have something worth sharing so even if you're just posting now and again about something you read or learned in a class it's still something you can share with others. If you don't like the idea of posting yourself even being on LinkedIn and just engaging by commenting on others posts is a great way to start connecting with other people in your industry. I have met and received some cool opportunities in the comments section of others posts. It can take a few minutes a week and doesn't have to be a huge burden.
I also recommend as you connect with folks send them a personalized message with where you know them or why you want to connect. Sometimes professionals are busy or don't check their LinkedIn all the time so having a note helps you, and them, remember where you met or why you're connected. Plan to spend some time to regularly check in or engage with the posts of people who are relevant to your career or who you just want to stay in touch with. You have to invest in your network if you expect them to help you.
Finally, to answer your question about jobs if you can get internships or work while in college it's not a bad idea. Most jobs these days require experience so without something it will be hard to even get an interview. If an internship or job isn't an option even a regular schedule volunteering with a non-profit can give an employer a sense of your commitment, ability to show up regularly, to follow directions, and deliver on your volunteer assignment. There are often reading or math programs in local high schools or junior high schools where you can volunteer in your community while building a relationship with the volunteer manager who may be able to provide a recommendation for you.
If you have any questions feel free to comment and I can add more to this. I wish you the best of luck in your career journey and in networking.
That said, to get started I recommend setting up an account on something like LinkedIn where you can connect with other professionals and start building your own personal brand. The lovely thing about LinkedIn is you have something worth sharing so even if you're just posting now and again about something you read or learned in a class it's still something you can share with others. If you don't like the idea of posting yourself even being on LinkedIn and just engaging by commenting on others posts is a great way to start connecting with other people in your industry. I have met and received some cool opportunities in the comments section of others posts. It can take a few minutes a week and doesn't have to be a huge burden.
I also recommend as you connect with folks send them a personalized message with where you know them or why you want to connect. Sometimes professionals are busy or don't check their LinkedIn all the time so having a note helps you, and them, remember where you met or why you're connected. Plan to spend some time to regularly check in or engage with the posts of people who are relevant to your career or who you just want to stay in touch with. You have to invest in your network if you expect them to help you.
Finally, to answer your question about jobs if you can get internships or work while in college it's not a bad idea. Most jobs these days require experience so without something it will be hard to even get an interview. If an internship or job isn't an option even a regular schedule volunteering with a non-profit can give an employer a sense of your commitment, ability to show up regularly, to follow directions, and deliver on your volunteer assignment. There are often reading or math programs in local high schools or junior high schools where you can volunteer in your community while building a relationship with the volunteer manager who may be able to provide a recommendation for you.
If you have any questions feel free to comment and I can add more to this. I wish you the best of luck in your career journey and in networking.
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Building your network while you are a student starts with your immediate surroundings, or what I like to call your "square meter." This means engaging with the people and opportunities directly around you. Here are some practical steps to help you get started:
Participate in College Groups: Join clubs, societies, and organizations related to your field of study or interests. These groups are excellent places to meet like-minded individuals and form connections that can be valuable throughout your career.
Get Close to Your Professors: Your professors are not just educators; they are also valuable resources and potential mentors. Take the time to build relationships with them, seek their advice, and engage in discussions about your academic and career goals.
Leverage Your Immediate Network: Your classmates, roommates, and friends are part of your immediate network. Collaborate on projects, study together, and support each other's endeavors. These relationships can evolve into professional connections in the future.
Once you start working, the principles remain the same:
Be Strategic or Build Naturally: You can approach networking strategically by identifying key individuals in your workplace and industry, or you can build relationships naturally by engaging with colleagues and participating in workplace activities.
Participate in Activities Outside Your Daily Tasks: Get involved in company events, team-building activities, and social gatherings. These are opportunities to connect with colleagues in a more relaxed setting and build rapport.
Be a Team Player: Show willingness to collaborate and support your team. Being reliable and approachable will make others more inclined to connect with you.
Volunteer: Offer to help with projects or initiatives outside your usual responsibilities. Volunteering demonstrates your commitment and can introduce you to new people and opportunities.
Remember, networking is about building relationships of trust, common ground, and support. It's not just about collecting contacts but about fostering genuine connections that can provide mutual benefits over time. By engaging with your immediate network and participating in various activities, you can build a strong and supportive network without necessarily planning every step.
Participate in College Groups: Join clubs, societies, and organizations related to your field of study or interests. These groups are excellent places to meet like-minded individuals and form connections that can be valuable throughout your career.
Get Close to Your Professors: Your professors are not just educators; they are also valuable resources and potential mentors. Take the time to build relationships with them, seek their advice, and engage in discussions about your academic and career goals.
Leverage Your Immediate Network: Your classmates, roommates, and friends are part of your immediate network. Collaborate on projects, study together, and support each other's endeavors. These relationships can evolve into professional connections in the future.
Once you start working, the principles remain the same:
Be Strategic or Build Naturally: You can approach networking strategically by identifying key individuals in your workplace and industry, or you can build relationships naturally by engaging with colleagues and participating in workplace activities.
Participate in Activities Outside Your Daily Tasks: Get involved in company events, team-building activities, and social gatherings. These are opportunities to connect with colleagues in a more relaxed setting and build rapport.
Be a Team Player: Show willingness to collaborate and support your team. Being reliable and approachable will make others more inclined to connect with you.
Volunteer: Offer to help with projects or initiatives outside your usual responsibilities. Volunteering demonstrates your commitment and can introduce you to new people and opportunities.
Remember, networking is about building relationships of trust, common ground, and support. It's not just about collecting contacts but about fostering genuine connections that can provide mutual benefits over time. By engaging with your immediate network and participating in various activities, you can build a strong and supportive network without necessarily planning every step.
Updated
Adriana’s Answer
Building a Network in College
Start Early: Begin networking as soon as you enter college.
Join Clubs: Participate in finance or business clubs and organizations.
Attend Events: Go to conferences, seminars, and networking events.
Use LinkedIn: Connect with classmates, professors, and professionals.
Seek Internships: Gain experience and build connections through internships.
Talk to Professors: They can introduce you to their network.
Informational Interviews: Learn about careers and make connections.
Stay in Touch: Keep in contact with people you meet.
Securing a Job Early
Leverage Your Network: Use connections for job openings and referrals.
Tailor Your Resume: Customize it for each job application.
Prepare for Interviews: Practice and research the company.
Apply Early: Many companies recruit months before graduation.
Follow Up: Send a thank-you email after interviews.
Networking is about building relationships, so be genuine and show interest in others. Good luck!
Start Early: Begin networking as soon as you enter college.
Join Clubs: Participate in finance or business clubs and organizations.
Attend Events: Go to conferences, seminars, and networking events.
Use LinkedIn: Connect with classmates, professors, and professionals.
Seek Internships: Gain experience and build connections through internships.
Talk to Professors: They can introduce you to their network.
Informational Interviews: Learn about careers and make connections.
Stay in Touch: Keep in contact with people you meet.
Securing a Job Early
Leverage Your Network: Use connections for job openings and referrals.
Tailor Your Resume: Customize it for each job application.
Prepare for Interviews: Practice and research the company.
Apply Early: Many companies recruit months before graduation.
Follow Up: Send a thank-you email after interviews.
Networking is about building relationships, so be genuine and show interest in others. Good luck!