Washington Interns

Networking.  How many times does a college student have to hear this word before they realize the importance of acting on it?  I’ve encountered quite a few students in my experience who know nothing about it…but those are typically the same people who are in college without a resume either…Ok but seriously, networking is an extremely important and useful skill, so make sure you have it down pat because it may help you get that new job you really want!

Networking is basically like socializing, but usually is in a more formal or professional setting.  Just like your social life, networking calls for making good impressions, keeping in touch, and remembering an acquaintance’s name.  Networking can be amongst your peers or with those who are older than yourself.  So whether you’re getting to know your co-workers or chatting with a campus recruiter, you’re networking!

 Great places to start practicing your networking skills include college career fairs, volunteer events, internships, your job, church, clubs, student groups, roommates, floormates, study groups, class, and believe it or not, Facebook! 

In order to be successful you have to be comfortaable and open with people, so try to introduce yourself to everyone and carry on a nice conversation with as many people as possible!  Find people with similar interests as you since that makes it a lot more probable that you will talk to them in the future.  If no one shares similar interests with you, then try to connect with the person (this works especially well if you’re talking with a professional!)  Also, make sure you keep in contact with others after you meet them, otherwise you’ll defeat the purpose of it!

Any questions/comments? Or have any suggestions I didn’t cover? Post them!