The summer in between graduating high school and starting college, my Dad “made me” take a summer job with a friend of his at a local non-profit in Buffalo. I would be helping out while someone was on leave by filing, stuffing envelopes, mailing new hire packets, answering incoming calls, taking meeting minutes, you name it. I came in every day and did what I was asked to. After a few weeks, I learned that if I introduced myself to someone new and asked how their day was, it made their day. I learned that if I listened to everything going on around me, and then offered to help/meet a need, it made someone’s day. By the end of the summer I was helping with scheduling interviews, sitting in on interviews and taking notes and helping with event planning. At the end of the summer, I left with a recommendation letter. I thought that piece of paper was a million bucks!
Why was this experience so important? It instilled in me the need to build relationships and do a great job/leave a positive impression on each person I interacted with. I also learned that by being helpful and taking initiative, I’d be given more advanced or interesting responsibilities. It also gave me a letter/contact I used to get my first “official” internship a couple years later! Are you starting off in/looking to change your career and don’t have the network or experience you need to get where you want to be?
- SAY YES (if you can!)- If offered an opportunity that may get you a step closer to work in your desired field, gain skills you may need for your future, or will introduce you to people who may be able to get you a step closer, take it. It may not be exactly what you want to do, but that experience will pay off. Remember you need experience to get experience. Being too picky, especially in high school or college, may be narrow minded. Getting some experience is good – you will start to learn what types of jobs or environments you like or don’t like, you’ll meet interesting people you can learn from, etc.
- Know your professors and career services offices. By going up to my professors after class to get to know them and make sure I stood out (the University at Buffalo was HUGE) I was connected to new opportunities! My career services office went above and beyond to help me find opportunities. Why did they help me so much? I took ownership of the process. I wasn’t just asking them for something. I was always positive, energetic, responded to their emails timely, and was grateful. This plays a huge part in whether someone will help you. It’s never too late to connect with these resources.
- Create a LinkedIn profile and follow these tips to get it filled out!
What else can you do to network?
- If you have a LinkedIn profile, now is the time to GET ACTIVE. Send connection requests to classmates, alumni, professionals in your desired field in your area, etc. Send thoughtful connection notes and express an interest in learning and following their insight. Do not just ask for a job. It doesn’t feel too good does it when someone you don’t even know asks for a favor from you and hasn’t gotten to know you at all. Remember you need to build that relationship first. (Don’t underestimate the power of Twitter/X for professional networking too!)
- Get out there IN PERSON. I know this is hard, but make it to events in your area. There are plenty of free/cheap networking events you can find in your area. Find professional association groups such as the BNHRA or BNSME. People have to know you, and you have to be findable and visible, for them to be able to tell you about opportunities, other contacts they have, offer advice, etc!
- Remember, you can network anywhere! Be positive, friendly and optimistic. You could be making someone’s day by smiling and saying hello. The universe knows your intentions and good karma comes back around. Volunteer for your local community organization? Take your kids to daycare or dog to daycare/boarding? Keep seeing the same person in your local grocery store? Say hello! You never know who knows who. People will remember that you made an effort to introduce yourself and get to know them.
So why should you network ASAP? Establish, build and maintain positive relationships to learn and GROW personally and professionally!
Claire is Coaching 