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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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9 answers
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Diana’s Answer
Hi Dylan,
I love how you are already thinking about building your network. I would recommend creating a LinkedIn- this is where when you network with people you can join them as connections on LinkedIn and that will be huge. Also in college there are so many different types of groups and organizations, I would find one or a couple that you are interested in and join those! Those organizations will be huge and if you join one that is close to your major or future job that you are wanting, you will be surrounded with people who have that same passion. Colleges also do college fairs, I would highly recommend going to there and talking with different companies and building connections there. Never be afraid to get involved, ask questions, and build connections. You will hear a lot that networking is key, and that couldn't be more accurate!
I love how you are already thinking about building your network. I would recommend creating a LinkedIn- this is where when you network with people you can join them as connections on LinkedIn and that will be huge. Also in college there are so many different types of groups and organizations, I would find one or a couple that you are interested in and join those! Those organizations will be huge and if you join one that is close to your major or future job that you are wanting, you will be surrounded with people who have that same passion. Colleges also do college fairs, I would highly recommend going to there and talking with different companies and building connections there. Never be afraid to get involved, ask questions, and build connections. You will hear a lot that networking is key, and that couldn't be more accurate!
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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.
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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
Elias’s Answer
This is a very good question to ask
First start a linkedin immediately and check out profiles and mimick them to set a professional online presence
Join student orgs, this is the best way and to make friends for life!
Join to networking mixers
Attend career day events / recruitment events to get in front of recruiters and hiring managers
Elias recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Elias’s Answer
This is a very good question to ask
First start a linkedin immediately and check out profiles and mimick them to set a professional online presence
Join student orgs, this is the best way and to make friends for life!
Join to networking mixers
Attend career day events / recruitment events to get in front of recruiters and hiring managers
First start a linkedin immediately and check out profiles and mimick them to set a professional online presence
Join student orgs, this is the best way and to make friends for life!
Join to networking mixers
Attend career day events / recruitment events to get in front of recruiters and hiring managers
Updated
Alishan’s Answer
My advice would be to join organizations or clubs relating to finance and your interests and build a network within your peers! Try to get involved, Learn from those around you, and offer help as well! As far as securing a job, job fairs are a great way to get ahead and get your foot in the door. In addition, it's also a good way to meet people in various industries and corporations that you can add to your network and keep up with!
Updated
Elias’s Answer
Hi Dylan,
It's great that you're asking about how to get ahead in life. Here are some ways to reach your goals through networking and internships:
Networking Tips:
1. Set up a LinkedIn profile and look at others for ideas to make yours professional.
2. Join student groups to meet new people and make lasting friendships.
3. Go to networking events and career days to connect with recruiters and hiring managers.
Internship Tips:
1. Networking is key to discovering new fields, industries, and internship opportunities.
2. Use a simple, professional resume. Avoid colorful designs unless you're in marketing or a creative field. Make sure it's easy for HR software to read.
3. During your internship, connect with everyone, from peers to senior managers.
4. Keep a networking journal with names, contact info, and notes on your conversations. This will be valuable in the long run.
It's great that you're asking about how to get ahead in life. Here are some ways to reach your goals through networking and internships:
Networking Tips:
1. Set up a LinkedIn profile and look at others for ideas to make yours professional.
2. Join student groups to meet new people and make lasting friendships.
3. Go to networking events and career days to connect with recruiters and hiring managers.
Internship Tips:
1. Networking is key to discovering new fields, industries, and internship opportunities.
2. Use a simple, professional resume. Avoid colorful designs unless you're in marketing or a creative field. Make sure it's easy for HR software to read.
3. During your internship, connect with everyone, from peers to senior managers.
4. Keep a networking journal with names, contact info, and notes on your conversations. This will be valuable in the long run.
Updated
Desirae’s Answer
Great question, and as someone who was able to secure a job before walking across the stage for graduations, I totally understand the pressure and desire to confirm your job! I didn't have many connections when I graduated, but I was internally motivated to apply as much as possible!
1. Set your profiles up on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc. Not only will this allow you to network with folks you meet at career/job fairs, you can now start to checkout the market and apply to the jobs you like.
2. Networking vs Applying Direct: Networking is key, but it doesn't have to take up all the focus. You should be applying as much as possible. It always helped me to get my resume peer reviewed, and then set a daily goal of applications I would send out.
3. Job Alignment: It is very easy to get a job you don't like or was not your first choice. If you have the ability to take your time, I highly recommend. As you interview more and more, you will become an expert at indicating what value you bring to the table.
4. Job Hop: Know that your first position will most likely not be your end all be all job. In today's job market it has become a norm to job hop after a few years, not just for experience but to maintain at a competitive salary. Understand that you don't have to stay at your first job forever or be unhappy, be smart about your finances and make strategic career moves!
1. Set your profiles up on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc. Not only will this allow you to network with folks you meet at career/job fairs, you can now start to checkout the market and apply to the jobs you like.
2. Networking vs Applying Direct: Networking is key, but it doesn't have to take up all the focus. You should be applying as much as possible. It always helped me to get my resume peer reviewed, and then set a daily goal of applications I would send out.
3. Job Alignment: It is very easy to get a job you don't like or was not your first choice. If you have the ability to take your time, I highly recommend. As you interview more and more, you will become an expert at indicating what value you bring to the table.
4. Job Hop: Know that your first position will most likely not be your end all be all job. In today's job market it has become a norm to job hop after a few years, not just for experience but to maintain at a competitive salary. Understand that you don't have to stay at your first job forever or be unhappy, be smart about your finances and make strategic career moves!
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!