It’s not what you know, but who you know. Networking is important to everyone, especially students. During orientation the idea that networking is a skill that needs to be developed, students were encouraged to meet other students and find similar interests. This is a good start, but it shouldn’t end there.

I’ve had professors mention networking in passing during class, “get a LinkedIn account”, and then move on to their lesson. I don’t think we need a whole curriculum created to educate students on networking but one class out of a semester should be dedicated to it. Maybe have the students create a LinkedIn profile in one class and submit their filled out profile for the next. Students could then network by adding classmates to their professional network.

Student business cards would be a great idea for Sheridan’s Hazel McCallion Campus (HMC). The students at HMC are there for business, why not make personalized Sheridan business cards for each student; name, program of study, and email. Each student gets 100 cards on the first day of school. If the student runs out of cards, which they should, they can simply order more for a small fee. This is more closely related to how professionals network. In the “real world” we don’t look for people with similar interests and right their name down on a scrap piece of paper. We hand out and receive business cards.

Networking is not about you. It is not about what someone can do for you, but how we can help each other. For example, you may meet someone and they may be looking to hire a marketing student. You tell them that you are an accounting student but, you know someone from your marketing class that they should talk to. You can then connect those two individuals. This is networking.

Networking is one of the most important skills you can acquire for your professional evolution. It can help you get your first job out of school, help you fill a position at your company, help you change positions, change careers. Networking is about making lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.

Please share your thoughts on the power of networking, or tips you’ve learned.

Here are some useful articles on networking:
Networking Advice for People Who Hate Networking
10 Tips for Successful Business Networking
Start Networking Right Away (Even If You Hate It)