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How can a young college student make connections?

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Amrita’s Answer

  • Build networking into your everyday routine.
  • Get involved on campus.
  • Pay a visit to your campus career center.
  • Develop your online presence.
  • Be open to new connections.
  • Don't be afraid to make the first move.
  • Maintain your networks

You can use some social media like linkedin.
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Lillian’s Answer

Hi! I think it's important to make connections with your peers, professors and counselors in school. You really never know who someone knows and you cannot be afraid to ask for help. Also, I think that it's important to research companies/organizations/people who are in jobs that you aspire to be in one day. Send them a professional and polite cold email to ask for a coffee chat or informational phone call. If people don't respond, don't be discouraged and keep going. Additionally, try to do internships in college (even if they're different kinds of internships) to figure out what you want and don't want to do.
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Tova’s Answer

Great question!

You haven't specified which field you're interested in, but a great way to meet people and build a network while you're in college is to attend meetups in your area(s) of interest. http://meetup.com/ is a great resource to help you find local meetups in your area. You can also look into professional associations in your field (use Google to find more specific information).

I'd also encourage you to make use of LinkedIn. Create a profile if you haven't already, and follow some companies, people, and hashtags that interest you. Engage with the content in your feed and connect with others. This is another great way to build up a professional network.

Best of luck!
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Ankit’s Answer

You can attend workshops and sessions for your career interests at meetups where you get to meet lot of bright individuals. Also you lookout for Community toastmasters groups near you where you can make connections as well as make your communications much more structured.
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Janice’s Answer

Hello Kaila-
College is very hard work but it can be fun too.
One typically attends college to further their education and/or to receive a degree they want to pursue.
Making connections is different for those living on campus vs. those living off campus.
If you live on campus, you most likely live with or near many college students.
If you live off campus, you attend classes in person or virtually.
Join college clubs, athletics, or study groups to network and meet individuals.
Consider working a few hours weekly to meet new individuals.
Consider finding a mentor if you know your career path. This person can introduce you to various individuals in your field of study.
Good luck with your endeavors!
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Tova’s Answer

Great question! 

You haven't specified which field you're interested in, but a great way to meet people and build a network while you're in college is to attend meetups in your area(s) of interest. http://meetup.com/ is a great resource to help you find local meetups in your area. You can also look into professional associations in your field (use Google to find more specific information).

I'd also encourage you to make use of LinkedIn. Create a profile if you haven't already, and follow some companies, people, and hashtags that interest you. Engage with the content in your feed and connect with others. This is another great way to build up a professional network.

Best of luck!
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John’s Answer

Ever day gives you an opportunity to put your hand out (fist bump) and make a new contact. Each contact can be a doorway to a broader group individuals who have skills and contact in areas of expertise or geos where you have never been.

Many of the answers above provide the "circles" to use to broaden out your exposure. As stated Professors can be a great connector to former students who have moved onto the work force. Volunteering in ANY capacity (Campus work, special interest groups, faith organizations) all allow for new friends to be made and broader circles to be cultivated. In some cases your class mates maybe children of former alumni who are well established in the work force or a metro area you may have future interest in.

Look for ways to cultivate conversations with those around you and ask people "How did you get established @ xyz".

Go Get'em! JW
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Jeffrey’s Answer

Kaila:


Building a network is one of the most important things you can do in school and throughout your career. As a young student get engaged with with social groups and causes that you are passionate about.


Get to know your professors. Especially for the courses you find the most interesting. Ask about their research. I had the pleasure on helping with research as an undergraduate and graduate student. Along with being challenging and fun, I met some very interesting people. The graduate research work led directly to a job out of school.


Good Luck!
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Marybeth’s Answer

Great question, Kaila! Starting off in a new environment can be overwhelming. Making new connections can start easily by getting involved in activities you already enjoy. If you participated in dance in high school, find a college dance club and join. If volunteering was something you enjoyed, find the campus connection to a local food bank and volunteer once a week to connect with your passion there. Perhaps you were in student government; join a committee working on student concerns to make connections with older students and faculty who may be advising those clubs. Once you get your "feet wet", make some new connections during these initial encounters, you may find your interests develop and change. Whenever you find yourself becoming interested in a new challenge, pursue it! You can't go wrong following your interests; new opportunities are bound to present themselves if you invest yourself in what interests you now. If you aren't sure what to try first, find a friend and agree to try two new activities together. There's always strength in numbers! Good luck and have fun!
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Simeon’s Answer

For making connections, remember that the students who are in the same position as yourself are some of the best connections that you'll be able to make. You can go to networking events and reach out, but your best connections are going to be those who are looking for jobs and internships just like you. Eventually, many of them will start succeeding and will be able to assist you in finding opportunities. Remember to return the favor as well as keep up with your network. Make a point of reaching out those in your network that you have good chemistry with.
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Natalie’s Answer

Use your social networking to your specific needs/wants. You have been told to talk to people and remember names. That is the easy part. Sifting through social platforms can be overwhelming. Join groups on socials with people who are into the same things you are. Reading, archery, phycology or anything you like.- Hope this helps
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Marlene’s Answer

Use social media in a positive way to connect to people, particularly those who share similar interests.
Volunteer at agencies that support your area of interest.
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Austin’s Answer

Hi Kaila,

Really good question. Meeting people in college is really important as it is never to early to start building your professional network. I would say that a key way of making connection is through internships. Internships give you professional experience, allows you to meet working professionals, and give you the ability to put things on your resume. As an intern it is totally normal to ask lots of questions and ask people for help and tips. This allows you the ability to establish relationships with people which can serve you later in life. If you have a good relationship with someone they will be more inclined to help you later in life.


Also, never be afraid to establish a working relationship with your professors. Professors are a great resource as they know tons of people, will gladly help you, and are often the best resource for student to utilize as they have much experience helping students. Do not just view your professors as people who are there just to instruct and teach you, you never know who they know and what tips they may have. I have had friends who were able to find jobs based off of what a professor told them/introduced them to.


I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck!!


Best,

Austin

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James Constantine’s Answer

Hey there, Kaila!

Making Friends and Building Bridges in College: A Guide for the Young Scholar

Embarking on your college journey as a young scholar, it's vital to remember that building relationships is key to both personal and professional advancement. Networking can be your golden ticket to internships, job prospects, mentorship, and lifelong companionships. Here are some friendly tips on how college students can establish meaningful relationships:

1. Dive into Campus Life: Participating in clubs, student bodies, or sports teams can open up a world of opportunities to mingle with new faces. These activities serve as a stage to connect with folks who share your interests and passions.

2. Be a Regular at Career Fairs and Networking Events: Colleges often organize career fairs and networking events that allow students to rub shoulders with professionals from diverse fields. These events are a great way to forge relationships with potential employers and industry gurus.

3. Harness the Power of Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn are potent networking tools. By creating a professional profile and linking up with alumni, professors, and professionals in your field of interest, you can broaden your network considerably.

4. Foster Bonds with Professors: Cultivating strong bonds with professors can be advantageous not just for academic reasons, but also for future recommendations and career guidance.

5. Seek Informational Interviews: Requesting informational interviews with professionals in your field of interest can offer valuable insights and help you broaden your network.

6. Volunteer: Participating in volunteer activities not only allows you to contribute to the community but also provides opportunities to connect with individuals who are passionate about similar causes.

7. Tap into the Alumni Network: Many colleges boast active alumni networks that provide mentoring programs, networking events, and career advice for current students.

8. Attend Professional Development Workshops: Engaging in workshops focused on resume crafting, interview skills, and professional etiquette can help you bond with like-minded peers and industry professionals.

9. Make the Most of College Resources: Don't forget to use career services offered by your college, such as resume reviews, mock interviews, and networking workshops.

10. Stay True to Yourself: When networking, remember to be genuine and authentic. Building meaningful relationships is all about establishing trust and creating a rapport with others.

By putting these strategies into action, young college students can effectively widen their network and forge valuable relationships that can aid them throughout their academic journey and beyond.

Top 3 Authoritative References Used:

Harvard Business Review
Forbes
LinkedIn
These sources were used to gather insights on effective networking strategies for college students from reputable publications known for their expertise in career development and networking advice.

Wishing You All the Blessings in the World!
James.
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Gigi’s Answer

Hi Kaila!

I think as a student, the first thing to making connections is to go out of your comfort zone and join campus organizations/jobs relating to your field of interest! I would also highly recommend creating a LinkedIn profile so recruiters and people in your desired field of interest to see you! I found that the most helpful in addition to joining on-campus organizations as many graduating students might know job openings and opportunities for you. You could also do coffee chats with professionals you admire or what to get to know more about. Good luck!

Best,
Gigi
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