Networking Connections

Last night, I met with students in the GOLD program through the Office of Student Leadership & Activities.  We discussed the topic of networking skills and mingling etiquette.  Two of the questions I posed to them were, “who is in your network?” and “who are the people, clubs and organizations that might help you achieve these goals?” All twelve students were able to come up with healthy sized lists.  However, they forgot the most obvious – each other! 

Some of our best networks are the people around us, those who see us almost everyday, whether that is family, friends, other students, faculty or administrators.  These people can help you in a variety of ways.  For instance, these people (a.k.a “Connections”) all know other people.  Last night, one student mentioned that he had a family member in the film industry in California.  Another student talked about how his cousins were successful attorneys.  Certainly, this information or these connections could help others in the group.  That brings me to the word “help.”  Those who know you, those who interact with you on a daily basis tend to want to see you succeed.  They want to help you on this journey and help you make connections.  Don’t be afraid to ask.  We are all here to help.

Here is a simple blog post from the site InternMatch.com that I think is really useful as you embark on this journey of making connections and asking for help. 

Suzanne Dagger, Director of
Career Development and Assessment