Networking- It’s Just Talkin’ to People

Networking. Some think of it as schmoozing or kissing up, but really it’s just having a conversation with someone. It’s being at those family friends’ holiday parties and actually talking to the adults and not playing with their parents in your search for companionship.

That old guy with the way oversized glasses and a few strands of hair left in his comb over, yeah he could actually be pretty interesting and knowledgeable; hard to believe, I know.

So what is networking? Simply put, it’s getting to know people and talking to them about their careers and potentially getting leads for internship or job searches.

Where do you start? Friends and family. Do you really know what all your friends’ parents do? As you talk to people you will branch out to others whom you didn’t know before.

Word to the Wise- DESPERATE IS NOT ATTRACTIVE. Desperate guys aren’t attractive; same goes for job hunters.

-Be interested in the conversation and try to learn about the person, their career, and their company. DON’T ask for a job in the first 30 seconds of a conversation!

What’s next? After speaking with someone if you feel comfortable doing so and that it is appropriate you could ask several things, such as for their business card, if he/she knows of any job openings, or for an informational interview.

Crucial Step- Follow up as appropriate!!

NO REGRETS- I was at a Q&A with James Carville and could have asked him for advice related to my plans post-graduation. I didn’t (partly because I was star-struck & couldn’t figure out how I wanted to say it) and I definitely regret it.

So be prepared and take the risk- Go talk to someone!