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Networking is NOT:
- Begging for information or a job.
- A one-way proposition--using another person for connections.
- Just for desperate job-seeking times
Networking IS:
- Another name for what you already do: exchange information with friends, classmates, families, and teammates, and others.
- A set of learnable skills. Even shy people can network.
- Useful in personal, work, school, and job settings.
- A fun way to learn and meet interesting people.
YES, BUT.........."I don't have any contacts."
People who say they "don't know anyone" overlook the obvious. Try this: On a sheet of paper make space for five categories
- Friends
- Family members
- Teachers
- Classmates
- Co- workers/Teammates.
For each category write the names of five people you know (from any time in your life). For each person note when you met, how you met, and the last time you had contact with them.
You now have 25 contacts. And you can probably add to several categories. Each of these people is also "connected" to at least 25 others, meaning your are within two steps of reaching 625 people!
Networking is powerful and rewarding. Contact your college career center for tips on how to apply it to your own job search.
