Mozart Guerrier

How did you start building your network?

The first step in building my professional network from high school was admissions counselors and asking questions. I attended a small state school and my admission counselor was hands and shared what courses would be most beneficial for my major, introduced me to upper classmen, and gave me life tips after my first time living away from home. The next person/group of people were my professors. I decided to ask questions not just to pass a test, but to learn more about a topic that I shared passion about with a professor. The key learning was this: Professors and people who work in education often are extremely passionate about their focus area -- if you share that interest (without being fake) it is often exciting for professors to share their passion with someone new to ideas. As shared interest turned to friendships, I would ask professors for advice, seek their feedback on work, and ask for introduces to people they may know at a different campus or company. In short, the more you can identify shared interests the best way to start a network. First step: In school, if there's a topic you enjoy send an email to your teacher/advisor and ask them if they would recommend more of a specific book, lecture, or video. Script: "Hey Dr. S, today you talked about relaxation scripts --- can you recommend any research you respect on meditation/relaxation? I found the topic fascinating and want to learn more"... Once you actually check out the person's recommendation, follow up and thank them. If you ask questions, recommend, and follow up with a thank you you'll quickly build a strong network.