Why Networking is Important for All Students

I'm sure you've heard, or even believe in the misconception that networking is only for those in the business world. We're here to debunk that theory and share some insight as to why you should start networking in college.

When you attend an event or gathering, do you only talk with those you already know? If not, you are already networking. Networking is all about meeting new people, sharing perspectives, and utilizing your connections for a greater impact in your work. Networking is a skill that is commonly overlooked by many college students in career areas other than business.

Although networking is commonly associated with finding job opportunities, it can also be utilized for finding research opportunities, grants, scholarships, internships, or even mentorship opportunities. College students, especially at smaller school, often network with their professors and campus staff without even realizing it. The part of networking that many students miss out on is the utilization of these connections.

After you finish a class with a given professor, how often do you reach out to them afterwards in order to strengthen your connection? I'm guessing not very often. This is one of the easiest ways to start making networking a part of your life. After you finish a class, an easy first step for networking is to connect with your professor on LinkedIn if they have a profile. This allows them to stay up to date with your future and to also forward any opportunities that may fit your academic focus.

Another easy way to get started on networking is to reach out to professors when looking for research, internships, or even jobs. It is not uncommon for faculty or staff to know about various opportunities prior to them being released to the general public. Faculty have also been through the same stage in your life that you are currently in and are able to point you in the right direction, even if they don't know of any specific opportunities.

Although these two methods are somewhat formal, networking is also informal and can appear in many unconventional ways. We have hosted networking events over coffee, service, food, and even at a local brewery. Networking often happens while you wear business casual and attend various conferences with your colleagues, but it also happens at happy hours and coffee shops. You may have heard that networking is only effective in certain scenarios, which is not true. Networking is valuable whether it is in a board room or in the corner booth at your favorite diner (Kroll's anyone?). Networking has everything to do with how you execute it rather than where or when it happens.

Wherever you go in life, always stay on the lookout for new people to meet and don't hesitate to take that first step, shake some hands (or elbow bumps for now), and fill up your phone notes with contact information from new connections.

Regardless of your major, start networking today. Networking is not only a great way to discover new opportunities for your academic advancement, but also to increase the number of resources that you can draw on later on in life.

Subscribe down below for more posts about networking, student-alumni relations, and about the work of Cobber SALT.