So I feel like it would be great to see a couple of networking moments as they happen. But since I cant post a video of my past, I guess I'll settle for just telling you how my experiences went- both good and bad.
My first experience really highlights how far networking can take you- and it all starts with my father. My father talked to his best friend about the fact that I was looking for an internship. In turn, my father's friend knew someone who needed interns. After calling him, it turns out he was looking for full time students, but he knew of someone who typically needs interns. This fourth guy had just recently filled his last position for interns but did know of a fifth guy. This fifth guy also turned out to be an Israeli general working on a joint defense project with the Air Force. We talked a few times, but in the end I did not quite have the skills needed for the position.
So in the end, five people down the line, I nearly ended up working on a military defense project for the summer (and paid too!). I was amazed at how friendly people were.
About two years ago now, my father talked with an acquaintance of his that he hadnt seen in a while. The acquaintance asked my father if he knew of anyone to fill an internship for that upcoming summer. Of course, my dad suggested I call. After only a brief discussion, I ended up with an internship for the summer. Quick, easy, and 15 minutes of networking turned into a great summer internship. As a side note, that experience helped me acquire my next internship this past summer. So in reality, two internships for a 15 minute networking phone call.
A little networking goes a long way.
My first experience really highlights how far networking can take you- and it all starts with my father. My father talked to his best friend about the fact that I was looking for an internship. In turn, my father's friend knew someone who needed interns. After calling him, it turns out he was looking for full time students, but he knew of someone who typically needs interns. This fourth guy had just recently filled his last position for interns but did know of a fifth guy. This fifth guy also turned out to be an Israeli general working on a joint defense project with the Air Force. We talked a few times, but in the end I did not quite have the skills needed for the position.
So in the end, five people down the line, I nearly ended up working on a military defense project for the summer (and paid too!). I was amazed at how friendly people were.
About two years ago now, my father talked with an acquaintance of his that he hadnt seen in a while. The acquaintance asked my father if he knew of anyone to fill an internship for that upcoming summer. Of course, my dad suggested I call. After only a brief discussion, I ended up with an internship for the summer. Quick, easy, and 15 minutes of networking turned into a great summer internship. As a side note, that experience helped me acquire my next internship this past summer. So in reality, two internships for a 15 minute networking phone call.
A little networking goes a long way.
2 comments:
What if your parents don't have good contacts. Mine have pretty regular jobs and don't seem to know anyone who does investment banking or consulting. How do you run into those kind of people?
You know, my parents are the same way (a teacher and a broker). So I ended up asking my friends what their relatives did. You would be amazed by what a network you already have and just don't know about yet. Or you could always come to The Career Center. Do you know two of our Career Peers from last year now work in investment banks in New York? I won't write down their personal information here, because that's not cool, but email me (kemckenz@wustl.edu). They'd love to tell you what it's like and put you in touch with more people.
Katie
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