Why College Students Should Network

You're no doubt familiar with social networking, but how about professional networking? As you prepare to enter the world of work, you may want to devote some energy to establishing relationships with other professionals in your field and in related occupations. Your connections may be invaluable to helping you succeed in your future career, and it takes time and effort to build up an effective network. It's best to start while you're still in school so that those relationships are already in place when you need them.

The Benefits of Networking for College Students

What is professional networking? Networking is simply making honest, genuine connections with others who have similar professional interests. It's understood that these relationships are mutually beneficial — that both parties are willing to help each other when they can.

Networking is particularly important to college students. While you're still in school, the people in your network may be able to help you set up informational interviews, externships, internships, and co-op job opportunities. Some may serve as mentors by providing guidance and advice about your education and career path.

Most importantly, members of your network may be able to help you land your first job after graduation by providing referrals. Imagine that you've just completed a job interview, and you're excited about the opportunity. The hiring manager is debating which of several qualified candidates to choose, and suddenly the manager receives a recommendation about you from someone in your network. That endorsement just may sway the decision in your favor.

How to Network In College

There are plenty of ways to begin your networking efforts while still in college. As you go about identifying people and connecting with them, consider these networking tips for college students:

Virtual Networking

One of the most important networking skills for college students is the ability to connect with others online, which may be more comfortable for introverts. But before you begin, you'll want to create an online presence for yourself.

One possibility is to build your own website, which you can do fairly easily and cheaply through website builders like Wix, Network Solutions, or Web.com. Your website should contain professional photos, your resume, work examples, and possibly testimonials from others you've worked with. Another possibility is to build out a comprehensive LinkedIn profile.

Since LinkedIn is the top networking site for professionals, it's an ideal place to make and maintain connections. However, you may also find potential contacts through websites and online groups on various social media sites. Also, be sure to research your school's alumni association online to identify possible contacts. Once you've found people, send them connection requests back on LinkedIn.

You may also want to connect with people you know in real life. For example, you could connect with former teachers, coaches, supervisors, and co-workers. Don't forget your parents' friends and any friend's parents if they work in your field.

Networking at Live Events

While virtual networking helps you connect with people everywhere, you can also attend live networking opportunities to meet local professionals. Networking events for college students may be sponsored by your school, such as alumni meet-and-greets and career fairs. Other events, including formal networking mixers and fundraisers, may be sponsored by the local chamber of commerce or other organizations.

Before you start attending networking events, develop an "elevator pitch," which is a 30-second speech summarizing your education, primary skills, and career goals. Practice it numerous times so that you feel comfortable talking about yourself with recruiters, hiring managers, and other professionals. When you do meet someone, be polite and show your genuine interest in that person while also introducing yourself and explaining that you're job hunting.

Naturally, you want to make a good first impression on everyone you meet. Any one of them could become your future boss or co-worker. You should dress in business casual attire and bring along some professionally printed business cards with your contact information. Be sure to collect cards from those you meet so you can follow up with them later.

In-person networking can happen organically as well, especially if you look for opportunities as you go through your day. Professors, college administrators and staff, classmates, and even people at your favorite coffee store may become contacts once you've talked to them. You never know when you might meet someone who can assist you, so be prepared and be proactive whenever it's appropriate.

Maintaining Relationships and Giving Back

Of course, establishing relationships and forming new connections is only part of networking. The rest involves nurturing those relationships and giving back when you can, both of which may happen long after you've graduated from college.

Here again, LinkedIn makes it easy to keep your network updated on what you're doing, how your job search is going, and more. Keep your posts and photos professional to support the positive impression you've made. You may also want to send an occasional friendly email to select people with whom you want to build a closer relationship.

One way you can give back to your network is to post links to interesting articles and reports related to your profession or field. Since your network is in the same field, they will appreciate the professional development information you're sharing.

Someday, you may be in a position to give back by offering career advice or helping others find employment and advance their careers. In the meantime, however, focus on making meaningful connections and nurturing your network, and don't hesitate to ask for their assistance.