If you ask the professionals what helps in being successful in your career, most of them will tell you it’s the connections that you have with your peers and the people you work with. It is as important as technical knowledge to go further in your job.
Building a professional network while in college is essential for your career development. Having a strong professional network can open doors to various opportunities, such as internships, mentorships, and job offers.
Here are ten tips to help you build your professional network while in college:
1. Attend Career Fairs
Career fairs are events that feel like you’re going on a mass dating site. You meet all kinds of people here, from the students like you who are there to seize any opportunity they can, to startups that are looking to find prospective hires for their company.
These are great ways to meet potential employers and network with professionals in your field of interest.
2. Join Clubs and Organizations
As much as focusing on your studies is important, it’s equally necessary to be a part of a cult club in your college. It can be anything - be it a music club, investment club, book reading club, etc.
Joining clubs and organizations related to your career goals is a great way to meet like-minded individuals who can provide you with valuable advice and connections.
3. Use Social Media
Contrary to common belief, not all social media are bad. Take LinkedIn for example.
LinkedIn is a great platform for building your professional network. Make sure to have a complete profile, connect with professionals in your field, and engage with their content.
4. Attend Industry Events
Companies love showing off what they have to offer to consumers. Large and small-scale industry events are how they reach out to their consumer of interest. Attend industry events, conferences, and seminars to meet professionals and learn about the latest trends and developments in your field.
5. Volunteer
If doing everything else on the list is not enough for you and you still have time, volunteering is a great way to meet new people and gain valuable experience while helping your community. Volunteering can help a lot in the future as well if you are planning to go for further studies.
6. Reach Out to Alumni
Every college more or less has a big library of alumni that they still interact with. Reach out to alumni from your college who work in your field of interest. They can provide you with valuable insights and connections that can help you in the future.
7. Informational Interviews
With the alumni, Conduct informational interviews with professionals in your field to learn more about their career paths and gain valuable advice. Take them out for a cup of coffee or lunch and talk to them.
8. Build Relationships With Professors
Yes. You heard it right. Professors can be a great resource for building your professional network. Make sure to attend office hours and participate in class discussions.
9. Stay in touch
After doing everything on the list, make sure to stay in touch with the people you meet and build relationships with. Follow up after meetings and events with a thank-you email or message.
10. Be proactive
Be patient and don’t rush. Building a professional network takes time and effort. Be proactive and persistent in your efforts to build and maintain your network.
In summary, building a professional network while in college is essential for your career development. Follow these ten tips to build a strong network that can help you achieve your career goals. Remember to be proactive, stay in touch, and continue to build relationships with the people you meet along the way.
What tips would you suggest that other students should know about? Let us know!
Vineet Subba
Career Cues