Numerous books and articles have been written about networking as an essential element of a successful career. Most students and recent graduates still do not see networking as an important part of the academic process. Why is this the case?
Many of us understand networking very narrowly. What comes to mind when we hear the term? Most likely, we think of a professional event where people in smart suits exchange business cards, making useful contacts. In reality, it is just one manifestation of networking.
Networking is defined as "meeting people engaged in the same activity for the purpose of exchanging information, experiences, supporting each other, etc.". It follows from this definition that the purpose of networking is not necessarily to obtain useful work contact. Networking is much broader and more: it is an enjoyable and useful informal communication, which can be of great benefit to the student.
Networking and internships
Internships and projects are an essential part of learning, and are crucial to a graduate's success in later employment. An internship is the first and most important criteria for a recruiter when choosing a candidate. When an employer is choosing between two graduates with equivalent qualifications, preference is always given to the student with internship experience.
The competition among students for internships is serious. It is every bit as intense as the competition among graduates for good job offers.
The job market has become even more competitive in recent years, and recruiters do not have the physical ability to scrutinise every CV they receive. Under these circumstances, recruiters turn to internal referral recruitment - when current employees of a company recommend suitable candidates from their network of professional acquaintances. If a student is recommended for an internship, the chance of passing the first stage of CV screening and achieving a personal interview is much higher. Professional industry contacts also make it easier for students to get internships.
Networking and study
Networking also plays a huge role in the learning process itself. Students go to university not only to study a certain field of study, but also to learn about the world in all its complexity. Imagine a classroom of 50 communication students. Each of them is unique, each person has been led to this department by his or her own path. Someone is interested in business communication and wants to work in PR, someone plans to go into science and study rhetoric in graduate school, and some student does not understand what he can do after graduation.
Would it be useful for an undecided student to talk to their classmates and find out how they want to fulfil their potential? Absolutely. And this kind of informal conversation is also networking. By networking with people with related or completely different interests (classmates, professors, industry professionals), we not only learn more about directions in the professional world, but also learn about ourselves, and build and adjust our path. We can learn about the world through the experiences of others. One conversation can change our career and our whole life.
You can start networking today, because each student has a minimum network like a pro of contacts - teachers and classmates. To make these contacts warmer, it is enough to initiate communication: be interested in other students, actively participate in discussions, come to teachers and ask questions, share plans, ask for advice. Besides the fact that such communication is interesting, it also has a practical meaning.
For example, university professors usually have very good links with industry. Often professors are the first to hear about jobs and internships and are asked by companies to recommend active and competent students. Classmates can also spread the word about interesting opportunities: scholarships, competitions, job interviews. The "word of mouth" principle also works in American universities.
Networking and student organisations
Networking can also take place outside the classroom. Any college or university has student clubs and student associations.
Each of these organisations is active. Members regularly meet with renowned experts and speakers. Students have the opportunity not only to attend such interesting events, but also to become part of the management of the organisation. For example, it is possible to run for the presidency of a club or to work as a financial manager. Membership in a student organisation is not only a great platform for networking, but also a great opportunity to prove yourself. Management experience and active involvement in the life of a student organisation is included on your CV and valued by employers.