What is Networking? I had always heard about my Network, the value of it, and that networking was very important. However, it took me a while to figure out how to actually network and what it looked like.
What is Networking?
First, let's start with your network. Like I mentioned in my last blog post, your network is everyone around you. It is your friends, family, and everyone you know. You can expand your network in a multitude of ways like joining new clubs, being in a gym, and so many more ways that introduce you to new people. By meeting these new people, you interact with people who open you up to new opportunities. They might have interned for a company you are interested in, know someone at that Startup you want to become a part of, or simply be able to point you in the right direction of an application process.
Examples
After figuring out what my network was, I then had to figure out how to network. For me, joining new clubs, finding new activities, and the Scheller College of Business have all been avenues where I have been able to meet new people. Some of the people that I met had done internships that I found interesting, and I asked them if they could tell me more about it sometime. From there I had several coffee chats, where I asked people about their internship experiences and how they went about finding and securing their internships. People are very willing to help, especially if you have something in common, such as attending the same school. In this way, I have had people give me recommendations for internships and others have shown me who to contact in order to get my foot in the door. Alumni of your school are also extremely valuable resources as they are often very willing to help young students with career advice.
How to apply it
Applications of networking take many forms. One way to apply it is by having your connections make introductions for you. This is a great way to expand your network. Often after coffee chats, I ask if there is anyone else they think I should talk to, and almost everyone has a useful answer. This way, you continue to meet new people, get new perspectives, and continue to make new connections. With this simple method, you really only need one person to start creating a network. Just begin by hopping on the phone or meeting someone for coffee, and the next thing you know you will be meeting many more people.
Another applicable example is having people that you know refer you for a job. Referrals are one of the most common ways to get a job, and many companies don’t even post all their jobs because they solely rely on referrals. If you are thinking about applying for a job at a company that someone in your network works at, reach out to them before you apply, and let them know you are planning on applying. That way they could send your resume in before you apply, or guide you as to the correct sequence of steps to go through if it matters. If you have already applied, then you should let them know you have applied.
Conclusion
Networking is a valuable skill that I always heard about, but didn’t always know how to apply. It has opened many doors that I never thought possible as I have continued to expand my network. At the very least, through meeting and speaking with different people, you get to hear many different insights and interesting perspectives. Simply put, the bigger your network, the more opportunities you are exposed to.
Matthew Pinto
Thank you Matthew, very cool!