Networking
What is networking and why do people keep telling me I should do it?
In this age of omnipresent technology, you might think of computers when you hear the terms “network” and “networking.” Although networking for your job or internship search doesn’t refer to your computer, the relationship it describes is similar in both usages – it’s about making connections.
In its simplest form, networking is talking to other people and building relationships with them. What makes it applicable to your job or internship search is that your conversations are deliberately focused on a purpose (such as getting advice on your search, learning information about an organization or industry of interest in your search, etc.).
Doesn’t that mean I’m “using” the people I network with?
Well, in your daily life, you likely ask people for information and advice all of the time without feeling that you’re “using” them. For example, “how do I get to the Steinman College Center?” or “thirty-two flavors of ice cream – which one do you recommend?” In the case of networking, you’ll be speaking to people who are interested in the same things as you are (a particular career path, organization or industry) and asking them to share their opinion. Thus, if you approach networking the right way, the people you network with will likely enjoy sharing with you what they know, and they’ll feel good about being able to help you.
Why You Should Network
There are a number of reasons why you should make networking your main activity in any job or internship search:
• To learn information that will help you decide which career path is best for you.
• To get advice that will allow you to improve the way you present yourself to recruiters (i.e., through your resumes, cover letters, and in person)
• To find opportunities that you would have no other way of discovering (see how organizations recruit). It’s estimated that around 70% of positions are attained through networking.In essence, networking allows you to enlist a large number of professionals who may be willing and able to assist you with achieving your career goals.
What Does Networking “Look Like”?
There are a number of different ways that you might network, some of which can happen in your everyday life.
Unplanned Networking
Although this type of networking happens by chance (and therefore should not be at the center of your networking activities), it demonstrates that networking can happen anytime and anywhere.For example, you may be on a plane or in the stands of a major sporting event and be seated next to someone who would be a great contact in your job or internship search. You’ll never know unless you strike up a conversation with the person (“Do you fly this route often?” or “Have you been to many games this year?”) and eventually steer the conversation towards asking what they do for a living.
Planned Networking
This is by far the most effective way to find a job or internship and should be the backbone of your entire search plan.Planned networking refers to the process of actively identifying contacts who may be able to assist you in your job or internship search and requesting an opportunity to speak with them to get their advice. This method of networking is called an informational meeting. In an informational meeting, your goal is to not only receive recommendations and information from the contact, but also to impress them (i.e., as a viable candidate for a job or internship in your chosen field). This doesn’t mean that you’re being interviewed by them for a job – you’re not. Rather, you should approach the informational meeting as an opportunity to build the contact’s confidence in you so that they would be willing to recommend you for an opportunity should they hear of one.
How to Approach Networking
Although one goal in networking is to get a job or internship, you shouldn’t approach networking with only this narrow agenda.
Don’t Ask For a Job
Don’t ever ask a networking contact if they can give you a job or internship. Most people will be willing to give you free information and advice, especially when you’re a student. However, asking to be hired imposes upon your networking contact and thereby demonstrates a lack of good judgment. Therefore, you will likely end up not being hired by your contact, and also significantly reduce their willingness to offer further assistance to you.The best approach is to think of your networking contacts as advisers who can give you helpful insights and advice, as well as leads.
Don’t Take Shortcuts
Just because networking contacts can provide you with information, don’t think of them as a substitute (or shortcut) for doing your own research. For instance, if you meet with a networking contact and ask them for information that you could have easily found on their employer’s website, not only are you wasting their time but you’re also conveying to them that you’re lazy. This goes against your interests – you want to create a positive impression with your networking contacts so that they will be willing to assist you further.In addition, the value of the information you get from networking contacts will be significantly increased if you already have a foundational understanding (from your own research) of the topics you discuss.
Do Focus on Their Needs and Show Appreciation
Think of your networking contacts as customers and be aware of their needs. For example, you’ll probably interact with professionals who are extremely busy. Ask them only for a minimal amount of time and assistance, prepare thoroughly before you interact with them, and personalize all of the communications that you send to them.Show your appreciation for their assistance by sending them thank-you notes. Also, consider how you might be able to be of assistance to them (either now or in the future). You will want to be in touch with this person as you progress through your search (and maybe even your career) – lay the groundwork for positive future interactions.
