You’re likely at university to gain the skills you need to pursue a career in a particular field. However, skills alone won’t be enough — you also need to have the right contacts. Building connections means networking. There are several ways you can begin networking while you’re still at university. In fact, you should start as soon as possible rather than waiting until you’re about to graduate.
1. Visit Your Career Centre
The career center on campus is a valuable resource for all things related to your future employment, including networking. For instance, the staff may be able to put you in touch with alumni who are working in the field you want to enter or give you advice about how to reach out to other professionals.
2. Pursue Opportunities to Gain Experience
Apply for positions that will give you experience in your field. At the same time as exploring possible career paths and developing your skills, you’ll undoubtedly work with people who will become useful connections. Opportunities could include internships, research assistant positions, and work opportunities through your faculty.
3. Use LinkedIn
Networking today frequently takes place online. There’s no better place for meeting professionals in your field than LinkedIn. To make a good impression, grow your list of connections by adding everyone you know, complete your profile with information about your career goals and experience, and showcase your key achievements. Then, start reaching out to people who have your dream job and employers you’d like to work for in the future.
4. Ask Professionals for Career Advice
Before you can reach out to professionals you find on LinkedIn and people you meet at networking events on campus, you need to have a reason for starting a conversation. One option is to ask for career advice. The best time to do this is while you’re still a student, as people will be more willing to help you. If you wait until you’re looking for a job, in contrast, people may feel like you’re looking for referrals rather than advice. They may be hesitant to help you if they don’t feel they know you well enough.
5. Stay in Contact
Once you’ve met someone, stay in contact to develop a relationship. If you have a genuine connection, the person will be more likely to think of you when a job opportunity arises or will be able to write you a more detailed letter of recommendation.
6. See Everyone as a Potential Connection
Don’t underestimate the importance of the contacts you have in completely unrelated fields. Many of them may have large networks that could include people who are in your field. Besides, people who know you well tend to be more valuable contacts than someone you’ve only chatted to briefly online because they’re more interested in helping you reach your goals.
7. Set Networking Goals
To ensure you actively network throughout your time at university, set yourself some goals. For instance, you could set a target for the number of connections you want to have on LinkedIn by the end of each semester. You may also like to have a few possibilities in mind for internships several months before you need to apply and a shortlist of career options or companies you’d like to work for.
In addition to people you meet on campus and through work and internships, you can network with others who live in the same student rental. Oshawa has a vibrant student community at Foundry Simcoe. You’ll have the chance to meet students from a variety of backgrounds in the community lounge and around the building. Book a tour to check out the facilities.
