Networking and Professional Associations

Everyone has heard the saying, “It is not what you know but who you know” and unfortunately that is true for many workplaces.  For that reason to be successful in your career you must network.

Starting a Network

Many students do not even know where to start when it comes to networking but it is much easier than you think.  Here is a list of places and people to contact when you are starting to network

• Family

• Friends

• Classmates

• Faculty

What to Say

When you approach a family member, friend, classmate or faculty, you ask them for information or their advice about a career field.  Or, you ask them for information on how to apply at their organization.  You do not ask them for job.  Remember, you network to gather information and hopefully personal referral to an organization.

Where to Network

Beyond your family, friends, classmates and faculty, you need to start to network in your career field.  You can do this through Professional Associations, Student Clubs and Student Organization.  It is very important to get involved with these groups because it helps strengthen your resume.  Also, these groups will have functions where employers will come looking to hire individuals

Find your Professional Association by clicking this link.

Find Student Clubs and Student Organizations by clicking this

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