Tips for Effective Networking While in College
Posted: March 11, 2021 | Author: Lyndsey Nelson | Read Time: 2 minutes
College is an excellent place to collaborate with new people and to connect to other students who are entering the same career path you are planning to pursue. However, it can often be nerve-wracking to know where to begin networking. Here are some tips to help you prepare to network while in college.
Present Yourself Well
You never get a second chance at a first impression, so be sure to make an impression that lasts! Smile, make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and use good posture when you meet new connections.
Always Be Ready to Give your Pitch
An elevator pitch is a one to two minute pitch presenting yourself, your skills, and your career interest. Having this pitch ready to present at a moment’s notice will help you be able to present yourself and create a networking connection.
Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your business. Some good questions to ask might include:
- Given my strengths in ____, can you suggest some positions within your
organization that might be a good fit for me? - What do you think I should do NOW, to prepare myself for a career path in the area of [your field of interest]?
- May I follow-up with you about this matter in the future?
- Ask Questions and Listen to Answers
- Show a genuine interest in others’ projects. Some good questions to ask might include:
- What do you do?
- Please describe your current position and organization?
- Tell me about your most recent project.
- What is a typical work-day like for you?
- Can you tell me about YOUR career path and how you got started in your field?
- What does it take to be successful in your organization?
Utilize Professors’ Office Hours
One of the best resources at Southern Utah University is our highly trained and experienced professors. Don’t be afraid to utilize your professors’ office hours for career advice. Many of your professors have had experience working in the same fields that they teach and they are more than happy to help students navigate the occasionally confusing world of entering a career field.
Be Aware Of /Utilize Your Online Presence
The world of social media is an excellent place for you to connect with those in your desired field. Follow people you admire, interact with their posts, share them, and reach out to them. You never know what can happen if you reach out to someone -- most people are willing and excited to help others out where they can.
Networking is an important part of entering a career field. Whatever path you find yourself interested in, college is an excellent time to find connections along the way that will help you move forward in your life. For more information about building an effective network, reach out to SUU’s Career and Professional Development Center.
Tags: Career Center
