3 answers
Reign
Student
Montrose, Colorado
1
Question
Updated
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Is it more important to make connections to professors or to outside sources (ex. research teams, internships, volunteer work etc)?
Hello! I'm a high school senior, and I was wondering what would be more useful in the future? Connections to education or connections to outside of school? Thank you! #Fall25
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3 answers
Tyler White
Account Executive - Tech Sales, Real Estate Investor, Coach
50
Answers
Springville, Utah
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
I really like this question - I would focus on both. Many professors have connections you can be introduced to for jobs, internships, and other opportunities to give you a strong start to your career.
Still, too many opportunities will be overlooked if one focuses too much time and attention on classwork/grades/professors. Get as many internships as you can, branching yourself outside of your network.
Still, too many opportunities will be overlooked if one focuses too much time and attention on classwork/grades/professors. Get as many internships as you can, branching yourself outside of your network.
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Reign !
Networking value has different levels according to the field of work and you didn't mention which career you need to know about. It is specific to each career which has different amounts of networking necessary.
In general, many careers require low, medium or high levels of interaction and both professors and college staff and fellow students as well as off campus events and activities in the community are EQUALLY important. This is because one never knows where one's opportunities may come from.
Some of the careers that require little to no networking in order to secure work are Accountant, Software Developer/Engineer, Technical Writer, Data Analyst, Medical Transcriber, Medical Coder, Wind Turbine Technician, Diesel Mechanic, Data Entry Clerk, Custodian, Security Guard, Laboratory Technician, Transcriptionist, Actuary, Surveyor, Truck Driver, Archivist and Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist.
Careers that are considered high intense networking fields are Acting, Dancing, Singing, Real Estate Agents, Public relations professionals, Event specialists, Journalists, Business Development Managers, Estheticians, Massage Therapists, and Hair Stylists and a certain amount of networking is done in the Technology sector.
My advice is not to go on how much networking is needed, but attend everything that is connected to your career. Trainings, conferences, lectures, Employment Fairs, Seminars, Symposiums, parties, events - everything on campus and off campus. Definitely pace yourself. I also believe that individuals have different preferences for networking so an individual should just do as they're moved to do. It is, however, very important during college and when one is aiming to start a career.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Networking value has different levels according to the field of work and you didn't mention which career you need to know about. It is specific to each career which has different amounts of networking necessary.
In general, many careers require low, medium or high levels of interaction and both professors and college staff and fellow students as well as off campus events and activities in the community are EQUALLY important. This is because one never knows where one's opportunities may come from.
Some of the careers that require little to no networking in order to secure work are Accountant, Software Developer/Engineer, Technical Writer, Data Analyst, Medical Transcriber, Medical Coder, Wind Turbine Technician, Diesel Mechanic, Data Entry Clerk, Custodian, Security Guard, Laboratory Technician, Transcriptionist, Actuary, Surveyor, Truck Driver, Archivist and Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist.
Careers that are considered high intense networking fields are Acting, Dancing, Singing, Real Estate Agents, Public relations professionals, Event specialists, Journalists, Business Development Managers, Estheticians, Massage Therapists, and Hair Stylists and a certain amount of networking is done in the Technology sector.
My advice is not to go on how much networking is needed, but attend everything that is connected to your career. Trainings, conferences, lectures, Employment Fairs, Seminars, Symposiums, parties, events - everything on campus and off campus. Definitely pace yourself. I also believe that individuals have different preferences for networking so an individual should just do as they're moved to do. It is, however, very important during college and when one is aiming to start a career.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Reign. Both connections with professors and connections outside of school can be very helpful.
Connections with professors are important when you go to college. Professors can help you choose classes, guide your studies, and introduce you to opportunities like research projects or academic programs. They are also the people who can write strong recommendation letters for scholarships, internships, or future jobs. A professor who knows you well (like your skills, interests, and work habits) can speak about you in a way that really stands out.
Connections outside of school are just as valuable, especially for career experience. Internships, volunteer work, part-time jobs, and research projects give you a real look at what it's like to work in a certain field. These experiences help you develop practical skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. Mentors or supervisors from these experiences can also provide recommendations later and introduce you to people in the career world.
So, which is more important? You don't have to choose. Think of professors as guides for learning and academics, and outside mentors as guides for real-world experience and career skills. Both help you in different ways and together make a strong support system for your future.
Connections with professors are important when you go to college. Professors can help you choose classes, guide your studies, and introduce you to opportunities like research projects or academic programs. They are also the people who can write strong recommendation letters for scholarships, internships, or future jobs. A professor who knows you well (like your skills, interests, and work habits) can speak about you in a way that really stands out.
Connections outside of school are just as valuable, especially for career experience. Internships, volunteer work, part-time jobs, and research projects give you a real look at what it's like to work in a certain field. These experiences help you develop practical skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. Mentors or supervisors from these experiences can also provide recommendations later and introduce you to people in the career world.
So, which is more important? You don't have to choose. Think of professors as guides for learning and academics, and outside mentors as guides for real-world experience and career skills. Both help you in different ways and together make a strong support system for your future.