As business students, we all hear the word “networking” so often, but what does it mean? How can you get started? How can it be fun? I had these same questions when I first started networking with Penn State alumni and professionals in industries where I wanted to work. In this article I will outline the purpose of networking, how to get started networking, and how to be successful when networking.
What is the purpose of networking? The word networking often induces people to cringe, due to stereotypes that networking is insincere and transactional. However, networking can be so much more than this and it’s all in how you approach it. Networking can have any variety of purposes, but the main purposes for students include: learning about a field or industry, obtaining a referral at a company of interest, get career advice, etc. Approaching your networking calls as an opportunity to gain perspective into a professionals life, instead of just for a referral, will make the process much more enjoyable and interesting.
How to get started networking? LinkedIn! LinkedIn is a networking haven due to its massive popularity and functionality. Not only do most working professionals have a LinkedIn, but you can also filter for schools, majors, and even keywords! The most common first step in networking is creating a LinkedIn, but what about after this? After creating a LinkedIn, I’ve found that the best (and easiest) way to network is by finding something in common with the people you want to talk to. The most common similarity students leverage is their school’s alumni network, and Penn State’s is second to none! However, you could filter by sport, location, or any other interest area. Connecting with people who share interests with you also makes for great conversation topics! When connecting with people on LinkedIn, adding a note with your connection detailing what you’re interested in can make your request more likely to be accepted. After being accepted, tailor your message specifically to this person, and their profile.
How to be successful when networking? Networking is best when targeted, instead of reaching out to as many people as possible, try to find people who you specifically have interest in learning from due to their background or other attributes. Always remember, people you are reaching out to are busy, be respectful of their time, keep your message short while containing all necessary information, and be flexible. They may cancel or reschedule the appointment, so be open to shifting the time around. Most importantly, be GENUINE! Ask questions that really interest you and reach out to people who you care about learning from. Networking is simply relationship building and the foundation of any relationship is what everything else is built on top of! When networking, be targeted, genuine, considerate, and have fun! Learning from those that came before you is a privilege and make sure to cherish the opportunity!
*if you have any questions or want to learn more about networking; feel free to reach out to me, Sachin Sashti, at sks7092@psu.edu!
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