Connecting for Success: The Art of Networking

Landing your first corporate job out of college can be daunting...

Picture this: you've got all the right qualifications, a stellar resume, and a fiery passion for your dream job. But here's the catch—it often takes more than qualifications to open doors and land the right opportunities. And that's where networking comes in!

In my career, both collegiate and professional, the one commonality I've noticed amongst all successful people is this: they all have a network that helps them grow! Networking, and doing it well, is the first step to connecting with the right people and gaining invaluable mentors along the way.

As an international student navigating unfamiliar waters, networking proved to be the compass that pointed me in the right direction. It’s helped me find mentors that have changed my perspective on progress and helped me achieve the goals I’ve set for myself.

In the words of 9 out of 10 of my mentors: your career isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon! And if you build the right network, running that marathon is going to be so much easier. It’s not just about the next job, the next offer or the next negotiation; it’s also about setting yourself up for a long, successful career.

All of this to say, networking is so much more than just a 15 minute coffee chat. It’s about building valuable relationships that help you grow throughout your life and career.

The "Why" of Networking

If you do it right (and consistently), networking can provide you with access to a vast pool of mentors who willingly share their wisdom, experience, and insights, empowering you to make informed decisions and avoid the common pitfalls.

As a college student, it's an opportunity to explore potential employers and companies up close. It's like trying on different shoes before finding the perfect fit. By engaging with industry insiders, you get a sneak peek behind the curtain, allowing you to assess whether a company aligns with your values and ambitions.

And as an international college student, networking is the key step that sets you apart from other applicants and makes you an even more compelling hire.

Best Ways to Network

By this point, hopefully I’ve sold you on why you need to build a solid network. But where can you start? There’s a few ways to approach this, but here are some things that work well for me:

Informational Interviews: Seek out professionals you admire and request informational interviews. This approach is less about asking for a job and more about learning from their experiences and gaining valuable advice.

LinkedIn Groups: Beyond the traditional LinkedIn connections, explore LinkedIn groups that align with your interests or career goals. Engage in discussions, share valuable insights, and connect with like-minded individuals. For example: if you were super excited about pursuing product management, here's some groups you could follow: Product Management Networking Group, Technical Product Manager.

Volunteering for Professional Events: Offer your time and skills to assist in organizing or volunteering at industry-related conferences and events. It's an excellent way to network with key players and demonstrate your dedication.

Online Mentorship Programs: Leverage online communities to find people that you think are good mentors. The Pardesi initiative, for example, is a great platform made for South Asian women to find their mentors.

Online Mastermind Groups: Join or create online mastermind groups focused on personal or professional development. These close-knit communities provide a safe space to share challenges and receive feedback. Most of them are pretty expensive, but if there's a space you're super passionate about building connections in, might be worth it!

How to network:

Now that you know why you want to network and where you can start, here’s how you break it down. And since I’m one for systems, here’s my step-by-step approach to building a solid network.

Identify Your Purpose: Be clear about why you want to network. Are you seeking guidance, looking for a job, or simply expanding your knowledge? Knowing your purpose will help you focus your efforts.
Find the Right People: As mentioned earlier, use the methods we discussed to identify individuals in your desired space. Seek out those who align with your goals and values.
Craft Authentic Messages: When reaching out to someone, be genuine and authentic. People can spot insincerity.
Keep It Snappy: Time is precious, so, when asking for a chat or meeting, keep it short and sweet—15 minutes, tops! Short meeting times makes it likelier that someone makes the time to chat with you and if the conversation goes well, you can always keep chatting or schedule a follow up.
Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Now comes the fun part—the actual networking. When you get on a call with a professional / role model, it’s easy to feel intimidated. But, a mindset that helps me prepare for a coffee chat is this: they’re not just a job title, they’re more. Humanizing people, and seeing them for their story makes conversations less intimidating. When talking to someone, don’t just ask about their job; ask about their journey too. People love sharing their stories when you genuinely care to listen.
Authenticity Trumps All: You know that feeling when someone's just going through the motions? Let's steer clear of that. Networking is about building connections, not just ticking boxes. So, be genuinely curious, and show empathy. Even when trying to impress a potential employer, remember that they aren’t just trying to hire you for your skills; they’re hiring someone that they are also excited to work with.

And there you have it -- your one guide to everything you need to know about Networking as a new / young professional! I hope this read sold you on the art of networking, and where you can start building your network. As you venture more deeply into networking, as long as you have your purpose, passion and genuine curiosity intact, you’re golden 🙂

Tell me YOUR best networking tips, and if this post helped :)

Like what you read and looking for how we can create a plan for you to be the best networking wiz? Book a 1:1 coaching call with me!

Book A Call

Comments