Building Network While Attending University

College isn’t just about academics; it’s also a terrific time to start considering your career ambitions. During your beginning years of higher education, networking can help you find a career after graduation. According to one study, networking was an important part of 78 percent of recent college grads’ job search. Here’s some ways of how you can kickstart growing your professional network while you’re still an undergraduate.

We’ve all heard the old phrase, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” when it comes to landing a job. Networking is important because it helps you to form connections with people who can help you achieve your objectives. It is advisable to begin building a professional network while still in college. A great place to start is by creating a LinkedIn account, which allows you to search for and connect with individuals. Employers, recruiters, industry experts, and other people interested in a career are among them.

LinkedIn also makes it easy to connect with alumni, who are frequently happy to introduce you to other professionals and provide career advice. Professors fall into the same category. If you’re passionate about a subject, don’t be afraid to reach out to instructors that specialize in that field. One of them may turn out to be the person you turn to for advice on your career route, potentially changing the course of your life.

Consider doing an internship to get your name out there in your chosen field. Even if it doesn’t lead to a job, you’ll meet people who can help you find other opportunities. Your colleagues may be able to recommend you for future employment openings. Another way make connections is to get involved with groups and activities on campus. Participating in sports, clubs, honor societies, fraternities, sororities, and other groups, for example, helps you to meet new people and build bonds with classmates, mentors, counselors, coaches, and other professionals. Volunteering and taking on a part-time job are two more great methods to meet people in the business sector.

Make it a point to attend networking and professional events, whether they are held in person or online. This allows you to meet people who have similar interests to you and discuss challenges in your field of study. Make sure you are properly dressed, be involved in the conversation, and ask questions to show interest. Send a follow-up email to a professional you’ve already communicated with.

More advice on how to expand your professional network while in college may be found in the image.