“Networking” sounds like such a broad concept; it can often seem daunting to those who are unfamiliar with the concept. Young professionals may find themselves thinking: What even is networking? How do I build connections that are beneficial to my career? How will growing my network help me in the long run?
This blog is intended to answer all your networking questions and make an intimidating topic feel a little less scary. So let’s make things simple. Here are the top four ways to build connections and grow your network:
Your network is closer than you think.
As stated above, the idea of networking can often feel like a daunting or overwhelming task. However, starting off isn’t as difficult as you may think. When in the initial stages of building your network, a great place to start is to first connect with your close circle of friends and family on LinkedIn and other networking sites. Connections formed through mutual relationships are sometimes the best ones. After all, your close companions know you better than anyone else!
With that being said, remember that an inside connection doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get the job. Keep these tips in mind when you find yourself networking with those who are close to you, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries and expectations about separating your personal and professional relationships.
Be clear on why you want to connect with people.
When you connect with someone on LinkedIn, make sure it’s clear that you want to make a meaningful connection. People you connect with are taking time out of their day to chat with you and help you gain some professional insight, so it’s important that they know exactly what it is that you want from them. In order for both sides to get the most out of a connection, being clear on why you want to connect will help them understand how they can best help you achieve your goals. Remember, the majority of people you connect with want to see you succeed.
To start off, find something you are passionate about and see what resources are out there for you to connect to people with similar interests. For example, if you are passionate about amplifying Latinx voices in the video game industry, participating in organizations like Latinx in Gaming is an easy way to make meaningful connections over a shared interest.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to industry professionals.
A great way to gain insight into jobs and industries you are interested in is to reach out to current professionals in those fields on LinkedIn and other forums. Additionally, don’t be afraid to look for past graduates from your university who are working in roles that are intriguing to you. It can be as simple as messaging someone with a brief “hello,” saying you noticed that they were an alumn and you would like to ask them some questions about their role.
Remember to be polite and introduce yourself, and be sure to follow up with a thank you note. In the future when applying for positions, that person who you formed a connection with will hopefully be able to vouch for you as a professional in their network.
Utilize your professors and university network.
Chances are, your professor was an industry professional before teaching at your university. If you form a strong relationship with them, they could provide you with resources into their vast professional network. It’s much easier to connect with a professional with a personal introduction than a cold outreach. By consistently attending office hours and staying active in class, professors will be able to tell you care about your future career and will be very willing to help. Professors are a resource that are very much underutilized.
Another great professional networking resource are campus clubs. Many campus organizations host guest speakers during their meetings. These guest speakers are more often than not industry professionals who are very inclined to help students. You can easily get their contact information from their presentation and even ask questions and connect with them during the meeting. Some student organizations are free to join, as well, so they are a great opportunity to expand your network.
Overall, the best way to start building a network is to start small. Whether it be your peers, classmates, colleagues, or family members, everyone who knows your work ethic can be a useful connection for you. Don’t get caught up in the numbers of your network; take things one connection at a time and eventually you will find that you already have a much larger network of people than may have thought. Most importantly, have confidence in yourself when building connections and know your worth.