Networking as a student is a great way to learn about organizations and gain industry insights. It can help you to investigate opportunities and is invaluable whilst job hunting. It need not be scary and is really about building connections and genuine relationships.
As a student, networking is an excellent approach to learn about specific companies and obtain business knowledge. It can assist you in researching opportunities and is really useful during job looking. It doesn’t have to be terrifying, and it’s all about making genuine connections.
LinkedIn is an excellent place to start. This is a risk-free networking opportunity! Attend one of the Employability Service sessions if you’re a student at ARU and don’t already have a LinkedIn profile. Come to one of our Be Your Best seminars to learn how to build your network, or come to one of our Drop-In meetings for guidance. Connect with your classmates, professors, friends, distant relatives, and parents’ pals.
Use LinkedIn’s University Alumni feature. Find ARU graduates who have completed the same degree. What are they doing and where do they work? Is this something that you’re interested in learning more about? If that’s the case, write them a message describing who you are and inviting them to connect. Try searching for HR managers or other experts in your field of interest on LinkedIn.
The company sites on LinkedIn are a treasure of information, and they’re particularly handy for checking out their most recent job openings and the backgrounds of the people they hire. If you’re already a student at ARU, you can join student-run organizations and attend our Employability activities on campus.
Volunteering and attending presentations are both excellent ways to meet new people. If you’re attending a networking event, make sure you do your homework first. Have a clear notion of who you want to talk to, why you’re interested in the company, and how you’re going to approach them. Prepare what you’re going to say; if you need support, the Career Centre’s Elevator Pitch Builder can help.
One of the most common errors people make is failing to introduce themselves. At a career fair, I overheard a fascinating conversation between an employer and a student. They only realized the student’s name after he had gone away, despite the fact that they had discussed a fantastic summer placement possibility and the employer had urged him to contact him!
Have the bravery to attend events; if you’re worried, bring a friend along for support. With practice, networking becomes a lot easier! It doesn’t have to be official, of course. Conversations with people at the coffee machine or in the lunch line can sometimes be just as valuable.
Best of luck, and have fun expanding your network!
