Career Networking Tips You Should Start Using Now

When it comes to landing a new career, it’s often said that it’s not what you know but who. While this phrase may not mean much to you right now, you can actually start using it to your advantage during your college and university days. In doing so, you can set yourself up for career success after graduation. While you may be a few semesters away from getting your diploma or degree, now is the time to start networking to give yourself a leg up in the competitive, career-driven world. Here are some networking tips college and university students should start using as soon as possible.

Get Social Where You Live

Your student housing in Oshawa is a great place to begin your networking journey. After all, you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals who may not have the same majors or career goals as yourself, but they will be looking for jobs and working at the same time as you. Many of these students will find jobs at companies that have different departments, so while networking with an engineering major while you’re studying marketing may seem impractical, you never know who your peers know and which favours you may be able to ask of them in the future.

Utilize Your College or University’s Career Services

One of your first stops when you begin considering career options should be your school’s career services office. These departments employ professionals who can help you prepare for future job hunting, interviews, and resume building. They will also help you network with alumni who have stayed involved in the school and are willing to help current students and graduates alike. Even if you’re in your first year of college, the career services office at your school will be able to help you establish the skills needed for job hunting so you’ll be well-prepared for the future.

Engage in Your Classes

In addition to engaging actively in your classes, be sure to make yourself known to your professors. This is especially important for courses that relate to your major. Sit up front, ask questions, and attend office hours to form a positive relationship with your professor. You’ll be needing references for your resume, and when you form these beneficial relationships with professors, you can count on them as a valuable resource during your job search later on.

Reach out to Staff and Faculty

Don’t limit yourself to just the professors who teach your courses. There may also be professors in your department that you won’t have classes with at all during your college or university career. Reach out to those who may have valuable career advice or help you land an internship or job during or after college. To get in contact with them and introduce yourself, send them a friendly email asking them if you can arrange a time to meet to discuss your career path.

Go to Networking Events

If your school offers networking events with alumni or others in the field, don’t pass them up. Attending these events will offer you a free opportunity to meet individuals in your field in person. Be sure to dress professionally and carry some resumes with you so that if you meet someone with a job opportunity, you can impress them with how prepared you are. By attending as many of these events as you can, you can also improve your communication skills for future interviews.