Look out Kid, It’s something you did

Networking. Most know about it. Few do it successfully (at least in my humble opinion).

So I decided, why not talk about it? With graduation on the horizon for many (including myself) tis’ the season for resumes, interviews, job searches and the like, making it ever more important to master the art (skill) of networking.

It wasn’t until this year, my senior year of undergrad, that I realized the importance of networking. Maybe I’ve been living under a rock, maybe this has to do with my lack (previous lack that is) of connection to really important social media sites like twitter, or maybe it’s because I am not a Type A personality kinda gal. Regardless of what it is, here is what I have found to be helpful to remember/do when trying to network and build connections with those around me.

• It’s never too late to start. It really isn’t. Even if you’re about to graduate like me, stop in to a professor’s office hours, ask questions, talk about your own plans and maybe ask for some advice. You never know who is going to be the one that will help you in the end.
• Leave all and every opportunity open. My dad always told me, “never burn your bridges”, which is SO true. You never know who is going to be the one to write you a solid letter of recommendation. Always try to leave on good terms with former employers or former professors, because 10 years down the line, it may be their help you’re needing.
• Be extroverted, even if you’re not. I have a hard time following this piece of advice myself, but the times in which I HAVE been extroverted, I have made great strides in my professional life. During my internship, I milked it for all that it was worth, I made connections with a lot of attorneys in the area and I know that in 5 years, fresh out of law school, having known and met the DA will give me a one-up. Not because I did good work, but because I put myself out there and extended what I had to offer.
• Always be “on”. About 2 weeks ago, Caroline and I were having a conversation very similar to this blog post, about the power of relationships and networking. She’s the BEST at networking because she has a great sense of self and really puts herself out there. Caroline has the ability to meet people even at the nail salon (true story) that help her in professional life. It’s a powerful thing to be able to do that. This isn’t to say, though, that you should ALWAYS be on someone’s ass about connections, numbers, and bragging about how awesome your blog is, but to talk, ask questions, and build rapport with even someone sitting next to you at say…a nail salon. Every event, party, or gathering is an opportunity to make a connection, don’t let it be a loss. I guess what I mean by “on” is…be prepared. You just never know!
• Get involved. Put yourself out there! No one is going to recognize your efforts or skills if you don’t put it out there. With sites like LinkedIn now being used by many professional people, it’s a great way to let yourself be known and highlight your talents and know what’s going on. Also, never underestimate the power of building relationships with people through social networking sites like twitter or facebook. In the past few months I have found roommates, potential jobs and made new friends while utilizing those sites.
• Get experience. If there is one thing I regret it is not getting more experience in my major field. I wish I had decided to intern at a website or write for a local newspaper. Gaining experience makes you look better than the guy next to you who may only have menial job experience. It’s never too late to start “getting your hands wet” if you will. Also, don’t turn something down because it doesn’t offer what you “want” to do. I am currently working at a job that I thought would only have me doing secretarial work, but they’ve actually put me in charge of completely over-hauling the way they publicize information, a lot of which has given me really helpful skills that I think many employers would be pleased to see.
• Utilize websites. My school offers a really great career services office that hosts a site that lists jobs so that recent or upcoming grads can find jobs. Find out if your school offers one that is similar. It would be silly not to utilize a free service like that. I put my resume up and received a lot of emails offering me internships at local law offices, and while ultimately I chose to intern at a state agency, it was nice to have options. For those out of school, I have used and know people who have had success with CareerBuilder.com, they send daily or weekly emails and let you know what’s out there in the field you are looking for. It also allows employers (if you so choose) to look at your resume.
• Friends are networks too. Don’t think that networking only speaks to professional relationships, some of my closest friends have provided really great connections in the past. Again, leave every door open for possibilities.

I found that a lot of bigger cities (NY, Boston, Chicago) host their own network sites/ network nights. Google your local city to find one in your area. Also, if you have any other helpful tips for networking, comment away!

PS.) Help your friends out!! If you know they’re looking for a job that you may know about, let them know! If you know someone that could help your friend, put them in contact with one another. Be helpful. Be useful. In the end, those that you helped, will probably in turn help YOU out.

With that being said, Brian finally went public with his dot com, check it out here.