17 April 2015

Networking

This word scares most people, especially because it has become crucial in today's workforce. Who you know and how you help other people is really important when it comes to finding a job. But as a college student I feel like I need people more than I can help them. Here are a few ways to help people in your network.




Recommend a New Intern: If you decide to leave your current internship and are still on good terms with your supervisors, recommend someone for your position. Make sure to speak to that person first and confirm they are interested in the role. Also, be confident that this person would be a good fit for the company.

Volunteer: Many professionals volunteer outside of the workplace, and may need help with an event they are participating in. If you have the time and are willing to commit, grab a couple of friends to volunteer at the event with!

Offer to Teach a Skill: As millennials we tend to pick up on trends a little faster. If your boss is older or there is someone else in the office who doesn't get an Excel shortcut or how to use Twitter, offer to help. Be careful not to sound superior, instead offer in a genuine way to help.

Send Articles: Send articles to them about their favorite sports team or a hobby you know they have. They'll appreciate the reading material and the fact that you remembered facts about them. Do it once or twice a week, but not more than that.


Networking is about building relationships with people you have a connection with, and having a mutually beneficial relationship. It's not about schmoozing and asking for something all the time.

Relax and be yourself! Don't worry!




14 comments:

  1. The more I've learned to network, it seems that it's not as important as who you know, but as who knows you. These are definitely some great tips for networking and reaching out to professionals in your field! Great post Ashley!

    Pick Your Beau

    Pick Your Beau

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    1. Thank you! I actually enjoy networking, but that might be the public relations pro in me!

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  2. Love this! Not many people know how important networking is. I went to an event last night and networked and it really did well for me. It's all about how you put yourself out there. What you get is what you give! Have a great Friday. :)

    xoxo
    Lauren Ashley
    www.thefashionistasdiary.com

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    1. I completely agree! Thank you for reading!
      xoxo

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  3. I feel like networking is overlooked by so many younger people! I get in every networking opportunity possible, and more times than not, it's so much fun!

    Great post!

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  4. This is a great post! As someone currently in the working world, this is very true. You have to be social and get yourself out there in order to get a job these days.

    xoxo, Jenny || Breakfast at Lillys

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  5. Volunteering is such a great way to meet people! Wonderful list :)

    XX, SS || A Little Seersucker Sass

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  6. These are great networking tips. I try to volunteer as such as I can to get my foot in the door and meet people who I can befriend but also work with in the future!

    http://thealwaysblog.com

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  7. Networking is also scary for me. I had never thought of emailing someone with an article they would be interested in. I am always impressed when people remember things about me after I meet them.

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  8. Yes girl- networking so IMPORTANT!! The earlier you can start, the better! I have been blessed to have an internship since my sophomore year that has allowed me to network with incredible people in my field who live in my city and beyond, but I try and take advantage of opportunities beyond that, too.Blogging is also great practice for networking too!

    xoxo A
    www.southernbelleintraining.com

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  9. Networking has always made me so nervous! I love these recommendations though. I especially love the sending articles tip. That's nothing that I've ever thought of.

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  10. Networking is a terrifying reality of professional life now. My club at school actually just had a networking skills event because it is so vital! But I have to admit I'm not always great at it. I've done the intern recomending for past employers and I also offer to help coach younger undergrads with things like resume writing and interview skills. These are all great tips!

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  11. This is a great list! I completely agree that networking is so important and is such a great skill to have.

    XOXO
    Marie H.
    Progression By Design

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  12. Such great tips for networking! It can definitely be scary at first but finding common ground always makes it easier!

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