Getting good at networking is a skill few students invest in for a couple of reasons. The benefits of a great network aren’t always immediate and it takes time to build high-quality relationships. But the advantages of a strong network are immense and can introduce you to your next big project, a job opening, and lifelong friends. In this newsletter, we’ll share with you some of the core principles of networking that most students overlook when they start.
Have a Reason
Don’t start networking just because it seems like the right thing to do. Reach out to people because you have a goal in mind: you’re looking to learn more about a role, make friends, or look for career advice. Having a reason will help narrow who you should be reaching out to and what topics to discuss during your call.
Start Locally
There’s nothing wrong with reaching out to total strangers you have nothing in common with, but the chances of you getting a response back are slim. Starting off with first connections (people you’ve met) or second connections (people that know people you’ve met) will increase your rate of success and help reinforce the foundation you’ve started.
Quality over Quantity
Aim to have a strong, reliable network rather than a large, unreliable one. Build each relationship like you would a friendship. If you find this difficult to do with someone, consider divesting from that connection a bit to prioritize others.
Support your Network
Most people forget to do this, but it can mean so much to those in your network. Provide people with the support you would expect of them, even if you’re early in your relationship. Becoming someone people can rely on is the best way to build your relationships at any stage.
Networking will take time, but once you start, you’ll ask yourself why you hadn’t done it sooner.
Resources of the Week
Don’t Just Network - An article on developing meaningful networks
Huntr - Keep track of your job recruitment process this fall with Huntr
ORIGIN Bootcamp - A database of great resources for students interested in technology and entrepreneurship
Guidelyte - A database with product management internships and resources
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