How can I make the most of college if I’m not naturally outgoing or confident in social settings?
I’m an incoming college freshman intending to study architecture, and I’ve heard that networking is especially important in that field when it comes to finding good opportunities. I’m not necessarily shy, but I do tend to feel very self-conscious when interacting with others, which can make me come across as awkward. Because of this, I worry that I’ll struggle with networking in college—not only because I’m unsure where to start, but also because I’m hesitant to put myself in new social situations. I want to learn how to step out of my comfort zone, build connections and figure out where and how to actually start networking.
1 answer
Henry’s Answer
There are a number of ways to be a great professional; network savvy happens to be one of them. The other ways have to do with being a technical designer, construction advisor, or project manager. These ways require hard skills that will attract more opportunities than networking (and also the jobs you’re looking for)!