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College Networking for Post-Graduation Employment

The U.S. Department of Labor says that 48% of people find their jobs throughreferrals or word of mouth. In short, networking is the single most effectivestrategy for landing the job you want. Getting a job by knowing the rightperson seems like having an unfair advantage over the millions of job seekerswho respond to classified ads, post their resumes online, and cold callcompanies. On the other hand, everybody else is already playing the networkinggame. One of the best networking strategies is to start building up yourconnections early in your career.

Why network in college?

If you’re in school now, you might not want to enter the workforcefull-time, or you may not be qualified for your ideal position until you’ve gotthe degree in your hands. But networking in college is one of the best ways toget close to the people who can help you down the road.

Think about it this way. By showing up on time, participating in class,being a reliable team member on group projects, and sharing notes with studentswho are out sick, you’re already demonstrating skills that will make you asuperb employee. All those people you meet in your major classes are going togo out into the world seeking similar careers, some before you graduate, andsome after.

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Once you’re out of school, your former classmates will become yourcompetition for entry-level jobs. That’s why making friends and playing nicehas its advantages. Networking in college means that your peers who findemployment first can point you toward companies who are hiring and evenrecommend you to their own companies when positions become available.

Keep in touch with classmates.

One key to successful  online colleges networking is keeping intouch after graduation. If you’re not super-chummy, use email, Facebook, andTwitter to keep your contacts in the loop. Asking for advice, introductions,and recommendations goes over much better when you’re already in regularcommunication.

Another key to successfully networking in college is to be receptive toother people’s attempts to network with you. As much as you hope to use yourcontacts to get ahead professionally, others will ask the same of you. Whenothers feel your networking is a one-way street, you might find yourself out ofluck as a recipient. Make sure you give as much as you get and pass along leadsthat you can’t use.

Stay on your professors’ radar.

Networking with your peers in college is a great first step, but don’tignore the invaluable professional references your professors can provide.Often, professors are people who have workplace experience in their subjectarea or know professionals in the field. Keeping in touch with them putsanother weapon in your job search arsenal.  The key to networking withcollege professors is to be memorable. Professors want all their students to dowell, but most of them disappear after graduation. Be the kind of student whoworks hard in class to win their respect, asks for help when needed, and isn’tafraid to visit during office hours. Become a successful networker byrequesting different types of letters of recommendation from them, writingthank you notes when they assist you, and occasionally sending emails to letthem know how you’re doing.

Students who impress professors not only get career advice, but can also getspecific advice about which companies or hiring managers to target. When aprofessor tells you to let the hiring manager know that she recommended you getin touch, that’s the sound of a previously closed door inching open because ofyour networking skills.

******READ ME***** Hey wonderful college freshies all around the world,thisvideo is just for you!I thought it may be beneficial for you since startingcollege is a really fun,exciting ,yet stressful time!So here is *MY* thoughtsand opinions from someone who’s been there,done that(me!).Enjoy! MORETIPS+ADVICE: 1.)Make Friends! -Nothing is worse than having no friends incollege.My first year of college was rather lonely since I didn’t make much ofan effort to reach out to other students,and I do regret it.Be active in clubsand activities in your dorm hall so you can learn more about your fellowclassmates and campus!Also,reach out the various “groups” or types ofpeople.Especially international students! 2.)Get Him to the Greek! -I hear manygreat things about joining a greek organization even though I am not part ofone.They seem to have many great benefits and is also another way to betterserve your community and make friends! 3.)More on College Dating! -There’splayers in college just like anywhere else.Don’t take any kind of relationshiptoo seriously until you REALLY get to know a person! 4.)Looking Put Togetherreally IS Important! -I mentioned this is the video,but there’s always someonewatching you wether you realize it or not(sounds creepy,but it’slife).Professors and Faculty sometimes pay close attention to how theirstudents dress and present themselves to class so don’t get too sloppy withit.Especially if you’re a business/law/medicine/fashion major! 5 …

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