Graduation
You might be saying “Oh, not networking!! Lesley, please tell us about something else.” I’m sure many of you have been told (or even said yourself) that the path to career success is connected to your networking skills.We often neglect our networking skills when we are gainfully employed in a job we enjoy. Then, if chance would have it that you find yourself out of work, you often declare that you are going to network to help find a job. As you start to think of people to network with, you realize that most of your professional acquaintances are from the job you just left. You might now be feeling slightly (or severely) panicked at the thought of making new connections to help further your career.
Here are a few quick tips to help you avoid this situation:
1) Start networking now as a student with fellow students, instructors, staff, and presenters in you classes. If you are working, network there as well but remember that colleagues are not the only folks you should have in your network. Stay in contact with instructors, other graduates and those outside of your work.
2) Join the organizations/associations that relate to your desired career field and get involved in them. Many often have a student rate of membership which is much more affordable. If you are not sure what ones are out there for your area, feel free to contact me for help – lfarnham@msbcollege.edu
3) Use a tool that is user friendly to keep track of your network of contacts. There are a wide variety of tools out there such as computer based directories (either software or websites like LinkedIn – I highly recommend this site as it is designed to used as a professional network site not a social site like FaceBook or MySpace), index cards, spiral notebooks, business card files, etc. The key is to choose a system that works for you and to maintain it.
4) Be selective in who you add to your network, especially if you are using an online based system. It is very tempting to add everyone you meet at an event, conference or social occasion. DON’T DO IT!!! The volume of people to keep track of will overwhelm you, and keeping info updated and staying in touch does take time. Only add those people you truly like, feel connected with, or those you feel you would like to get to know better and learn from. Remember, there is guilt by association, so choose wisely because you want “good thoughts” applied to you because you know “so and so” and not bad ones.
5) Look your best and act with confidence when networking. If you get a little nervous in networking situations, remember to breath and it will help calm you down. Do your best to not let them see your jitters, and remember to smile and make good eye contact along with your nice firm handshake. Appropriate dress is important as well, and if you are unsure of what to wear, go on the conservative side to be safe. How you look and act weighs heavily on that first impression along with what you say.
Simple, isn’t it? Well, not always for all of us. It does take practice to build up your confidence in your networking abilities, especially with meeting new people. Remember your attitude makes a huge difference. Go into the process expecting to succeed, and provided that you have the skills to do so, you most likely will. Your network provides support for you and you provide support back to those in your network as well. So, be sure to lend a hand and share what you know with those in your group, and it should be a win-win all the way around!
Lesley Farnham
Director of Career Services
Globe University/Minnesota School of Business is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees, Bachelor of Science degrees, Associate in Applied Science degrees and diplomas.