I spent the past weekend revamping my LinkedIn. Hasn't been touched since 2015. Yikes. Now, networking has definitely been on my mind as I've worked to find anyone from my high school ex to that kid I met on a cruise in 2008 one time and never saw again, in hopes of building my connections list.
Ever think about the concept that everyone is in our lives for a reason? I definitely do. I think it's very possible that very few of us are taking full advantage of the amazing networks we have built up throughout our lives. I've always heard stories of college alum who talk about how the only reason they got the job they have now is because of the connections they had in college... and I mean, ALWAYS. Whether it was a classmate, a professor, or a counselor who got them the gig, almost everyone I have talked to cannot stress the importance of creating relationships in college enough. College is amazing. There are so, so many resources for us students and they are all here getting PAID to help us succeed. Basically, college can set us up for the rest of our lives, but maybe not through the ways that we think. I'd like to argue that college is less about the courses you take and the grades you get, but more about connections we make through experiences we have. I read an article (www.forbes.com/sites/lizwessel/2016/09/07/the-5-best-ways-to-network-while-youre-still-in-college/#18dc2ba72e15) that gave five tips on how to network while you're still in college, and honestly it totally reinforced my opinion about how much of an advantage we have being labeled as "students." A few pretty obvious ones... use work, clubs and internships to get to know people and ask questions, then stay in touch even if you're checking in just every few months. And talk to everyone about your interests. Some thoughts I hadn't really considered as much... Cold-emailing. It's brilliant. You send a genuine, thoughtful email to any role model you want. You can get in with them (most likely, but don't quote me on it.) I've gotten in with several PR professionals already for school assignments. But who's to say it has to be for a school assignment? You want to learn from the pro's? Email them. Most of them are happy to help. Another route is talking to professors. Some of the smartest minds in the valley are in the next classroom over. Even if you're not registered for their class, go talk to them. They're there to help you, too. I love this idea. I've never thought of it, but you can literally talk to anyone on campus you want. You can find their offices, track down their class times, find the names of their first-born children, you know... (kidding, I do not endorse this.) But seriously, your college campus is YOURS. Not taking advantage of the amazing opportunities there would be a loss. I'm going to try to utilize these tips n tricks and I'll let y'all know how it goes. Until then, Good luck. KTG Links: www.uvuprssa.org www.facebook.com/uvuprssa/ www.instagram.com/kaitiguiver/
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