Networking. This age-old word is enough to terrify and intimidate anyone, regardless of how old you are and what position you work in. The added pressure of being told by your university to attend an event because “it will be a good networking opportunity”, can take away the enjoyment and make you feel like you need to behave a certain way and say certain things in order to impress; otherwise, you will ruin your chances of landing that job or internship. Don’t get me wrong, professionalism plays a part in leaving your best first impression, but not so that it takes away from being your authentic and genuine self. Striking that balance is the key.
But how can we manage the feeling of panic and anxiety that creeps up on so many of us when thinking about networking? And how can we feel more confident about approaching people and leading the conversation where we want? As someone who used to be able to relate to this, I have put together some tips that have helped me through the years and that seem to benefit some of the students I deliver workshops to or see in 1-1 appointments.
What is Networking?
Firstly, let’s decipher this word to its real meaning. Simply put, networking is conversing with other people who share a common interest or professional field. Through this, you can build and foster relationships often with a view to advancing and progressing your own career.
Where can you do it?
It can happen absolutely anywhere. Although, as a student you might find that you will go to university organised events or careers fairs with the intention of networking with professionals from organisations where you want to find internships or jobs. But approaching someone whilst conducting a survey for a dissertation, starting a conversation about the topic of interest, and discovering that they work somewhere or have contacts elsewhere that you would like to work, also counts as networking. And yes, this happened to me! Equally, meeting someone at a party in your chosen profession or with industry connections can also be a valuable networking opportunity.
How can you do it with Purpose?
Let’s be real. Networking is just a fancier way of saying “conversation”. It really is just talking to people, building connections and relationships, and discussing mutual interests and ideas that might lead to discovering internships or jobs in your field of interest.
Now that we have unearthed its intimidating exterior, it doesn’t sound so scary at all! But it is as much about strategically planning as it is about seizing the opportunity when it comes your way. It just gets a little easier to do once you understand what you stand for, what you have to offer, and what you hope to gain.
Sit down with a pen and paper and start mind mapping all the different things that make you, you. Include your values, your skills, your experiences (work and life), your interests, your strengths, your weaknesses, your background, your aspirations; before you know it, you will have crafted your own story and become more aware of yourself as a person. Use this to think about your own “why” as an individual. Why are you studying what you’re studying? Why do you want to pursue a particular industry/company? Why do you do what you do? All these aspects will give you the confidence to bring to the table. We are so often worried about what we need to get out of networking i.e. the job or internship, that we forget what we already have to give and how we can utilise that to create more meaningful connections with possible internship or job referrals.
Your strategy will depend on the type of networking opportunity you find yourself in or are preparing for. But generally, if you are going to a specific event where you know the guestlist, you can do your homework and research the companies or individuals beforehand. Prepare some questions but don’t force them all on the person in one go. If you’re volunteering, then you already know that you have a common interest that can be used to spark conversation.
Remember, it is so important to be able to read the room and be open and honest about yourself to build genuine relationships that aren’t forced. Similarly, ensure that you follow up with people afterwards, but with intention and not just because you feel obliged to email them regularly to maintain the relationship. And if you find it difficult to make the first move, try going to events on your own. You’re more likely to put yourself out there and speak to strangers without the comfort conversation of your peers, which can lead to endless possibilities.
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