Networking as an absolute necessity

As a university student you always hear that you should network as it will benefit you in the long run. I am an avid believer in networking as I have seen where it can take you places and open doors. But how do you do it? As I was no expert I went to research and actually found a good article from a Caribbean website by an author named Patricia Grannum. Its quite interesting and gives some good tips on how to network. (Most of these I do so I know that they work)

Networking Tips for New University Students

By Patricia Grannum

Sep 14, 2010

 So you’ve started  university and you’re totally excited about the new experience that you’re going to have. I know that the last thing you’re thinking about is networking for jobs. But university is an excellent time and place for networking. Remember you’re laying the foundation for your career path and networking is an important part of that journey. It’s never too early to start so here are some tips on professional networking just for you. 

Get involved in campus and professional organizations:
I know when you’re at school it may be hard to focus on anything other than passing classes and liming off and on campus. But joining organizations are great places to build working relationships with people that can become even more beneficial after graduation. Becoming a leader in an organization is also an added bonus and looks great on a resume.

Make connections in unlikely places:
One of the best resources for networking contacts you have as a university student is the guest speakers that come to your school. Don’t be too shy to approach these professionals and introduce yourself. Remember, more often than not they were once university students themselves who were curious about the industries they were studying to become a part of. Ensure that you get a business card and follow up with them. You never know, it might help you land a job when graduation comes around.

 Attend Industry Conferences:
Sometimes you have to pay to attend these conferences- and we know student budgets are limited- but they are worth every red cent in terms of networking value. At an industry conference, you would probably be the only student there which would make you stand out a lot more that you would at a university job fair.

 Go on fact-finding missions to establish relationships:
You can treat the projects that you have for class as ways to connect with professionals in your field. If you have a particular question that you believe someone at a company you want to work for is an expert on. Why not email them and ask for their perspective. You may be thinking that there’s a chance that you’re email would be ignored but hey, there’s also a chance that they’ll remember your name if your resume gets passed onto their.

Use the Internet to find information and network with people:
As a young professional –yes it’s a good idea to think of yourself as a young professional when you’re a university student- there’s a good chance you’re already familiar with online networking.. for chatting with friends. But it’s a valuable resource for building a name for yourself as a professional in your field.
Why not start a blog? Caribbean professionals, like Karel Macintosh and Corey Graham have become well known in their fields due to their blogging. Why not you? Also, it’s never to early to join online communities for professionals such as Linkedin or Caribbean Axis Professional and Student so that you can start building your professional network now

Don’t forget traditional networking methods:
While networking online is cool, don’t forget traditional networking tactics such as getting and using a business card, attending job fairs, tapping your professors for information etc. These are also vital for networking success. 


Taken from: http://pro.caribbeanaxis.com/articles/career-advice/MjA=/The-Search/MTkx/Networking-Tips-for-New-University-Students