Networking is a word that tends to prompt eyerolls from students everywhere. And don’t get me wrong, I get it. The thought of hitting up someone random for an informational call that really amounts to “how can you help me get a job” can be nauseating. Just ew. But, frankly, it’s a necessary part of career growth and something that everyone has to do from time to time. So, for anyone that needs it, here are some tips for how to approach the process in a way that doesn’t leave you sweating bullets.
If your only associations with networking are that it’s gross, nerve-wracking, and ineffective, of course you aren’t going to like doing it. It can be hard to get past the fact that sometimes the only reason you’re talking to someone is because they are doing things in their career that you would like to do someday. But, it’s important to understand that there are ways to bring authenticity to these conversations. While networking is a cornerstone of career growth, a key to successful networking is genuine curiosity. Being curious about the people you talk to brings an authentic excitement to the conversation.
I consider myself pretty good at networking, but one of my biggest obstacles when it comes to the whole thing is my social anxiety. There are days when the very thought of talking to someone new makes me want to puke. And knowing how to manage and prevent those emotions is a personal journey that I’ve found extremely beneficial. For me, that looks like setting aside a “Networking Day” where I just focus on that. I go through everything (my contacts, my emails,
the people I follow on socials) and make a list of everyone I want to reach out to. Then, I’ll make a template message to send out and adjust it accordingly. For me, this system works. I still reach out to people, and feel mentally prepared to talk to them if and when they respond. This part is up to personal preference but I’ve found that having a plan has been integral to my networking success. But remember that your plan doesn’t have to look like mine! Some people prepare elevator pitches when they go to networking events and others simply do quick breathing exercises before talking to someone new. Whatever works for you is completely valid, just remember that it’s important to understand what tools you’ll need to be as comfortable and confident as you can.
It might sound cliche, but seriously, chill. Thinking about how people can impact your job prospects and overall career can be overwhelming and it can be hard not to spiral in that thought process. But remember that if you’re going to be in an environment where you’ll be networking, know that everyone else knows that too. Everyone has to network or has had to before. And people are rooting you! I’ve never been reprimanded by someone for asking about their career. In fact, people love talking about themselves and have worked hard to get to where they are. More people than you might think want to help you, see you succeed, and be able to say that they played a role in that success.
Lead with curiosity, and watch your network blossom. And don’t forget that you bring value to every conversation that you have too! I can’t tell you how many times ‘ve heard from working professionals that it’s refreshing for them to speak to eager college students who are driven to succeed. And I have no doubt that’s you. Remember that you got this!