TIN #095 - 3 Tips College Students Can Use To Grow Their Professional Networks Before They Graduate
P.S. - These tips will work for you even if you're not in college
This issue is aimed at college and high school students.
Graduation season is upon us, and there's no better time to start building your network.
Even if you’re a parent or a mentor, these tips can help guide the young adults in your life.
And most of them will work for you, too!
This issue takes about 4 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started:
My online course, “5 Steps To Grow Your Professional Network,” is FREE for all my newsletter subscribers. Learn the process I use everyday to grow my professional network.
Each week, I post a new podcast with tips you’ll find in the weekly newsletter and bonus stories, wisdom, and motivation. The Introverted Networker podcast is like the weekly newsletter but with additional narration and thoughts from me. Be sure to listen to this week’s podcast and check out the previous episodes of the podcast as well.
The video version of the podcast is available on my YouTube channel.
Tip #1: College Students Have A Bigger Network Than They Think!
Networking isn't about knowing high-ranking executives or influential people; it's about creating mutually beneficial relationships with the people around you.
Here are three groups of people already in your network. Be sure to grow relationships with these types of people:
Classmates and Peers: Your classmates, study groups, and club members are the first layer of your network. Engage with people in your major or those involved in campus organizations.
Upperclassmen: These students are a few steps ahead of you. They have internships, job offers, and valuable advice on navigating the job market.
Professors and Advisors: They have extensive networks of alumni and professionals. Don’t underestimate the power of academic connections.
Building a network in college is easier than you think. You’re constantly meeting new people who can become valuable connections in your future career.
Tip #2: Get A Head Start on LinkedIn
LinkedIn might not be as fun as Instagram or TikTok, but it's a powerful tool for professional networking.
And, if you get started while in college, you’ll have a three or four year head start on your peers who aren’t using it.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
Complete Your Profile: Ensure you have a professional photo, a compelling headline, and a detailed about section.
Engage Regularly: Follow industry leaders, comment on their posts, and connect with people in your field of interest.
Consistency is Key: Spend a few minutes each day or week on LinkedIn. The more active you are, the more visibility you gain.
By the time you graduate, your LinkedIn profile will be a robust tool, giving you a significant edge over your peers.
Tip #3: Shift Your Mindset To Giving
Networking isn’t just about what you can get; it’s also about what you can give.
Even as a college student, you have valuable insights to offer:
Unique Perspectives: Your fresh outlook and current academic knowledge are valuable to professionals who may not be up-to-date with the latest trends and research.
Employer Insights: Share what you and your peers are looking for in employers and job opportunities. This information is gold for recruiters aiming to attract top talent.
Remember, networking is a two-way street.
Offering value to others can lead to stronger, more meaningful connections.
Wrap-Up
Start building your network now.
Don't wait until you need something.
Growing your network while in college puts you ahead of the competition when it’s time to job hunt.
These tips aren’t just for students; they apply at any stage of your career journey.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need more guidance.
Subscribe to the newsletter, follow the podcast, and connect with me on LinkedIn.
Keep connecting and building those relationships!
Before You Go…
Check out Thought-provoking Things Worth Sharing by Mike McBride. In addition to including TIN #094 in his newsletter, Mike has a link to great article by Swiss-Army Leadership that will appeal to this introverted audience.