Welcome to the second part of our series on enhancing your career skills. In the first part, we covered how to create a standout resume. Now, let's dive into networking. Networking might sound like a term reserved for professionals in suits, but it's important for students, too. A lot of people think networking happens only at big job fairs or recruiting events where everyone is trying to get noticed by a few company reps. That narrow view can make networking seem intimidating and not very fun.
In reality, networking is way more than just those events. It’s about building meaningful relationships that can help you now and in the future. Whether it's connecting with a classmate, talking to a teacher, or meeting new people at a club event, these interactions are all part of networking. Here’s how you can start networking effectively while still in high school.
Why Should You Network?
First, let’s talk about why networking, or building relationships, is important. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70% of jobs are found through networking. Having a strong network can provide you with recommendations, advice, and opportunities that you might not find on your own. Networking can lead to the unexpected!
1. Create a Networking Plan
To make the most out of networking, it helps to have a plan. Start by setting clear goals. Do you want to learn more about a particular career? Are you looking for summer internship opportunities? Your goals will guide your networking efforts and keep you focused.
Steps to Create Your Networking Plan:
Identify Your Goals: Define what you want to achieve through networking. This could be learning about different career paths, finding internships, or connecting with potential mentors.
Identify Your Network: Before expanding your network, it’s useful to map out your current one. This helps you see who you already know and how they might be able to help you. This includes teachers, counselors, family friends, neighbors, coaches, club advisors, and even peers. Group them into categories based on how they can help you, such as career advice, academic support, or personal growth.
Plan Your Approach: Decide how you will reach out to these contacts. Will you email them, send a LinkedIn message, or talk to them in person?
Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Networking isn’t a one-time activity. Schedule regular times to reach out to new contacts and follow up with existing ones. Remember, networking is a skill that improves with practice!
2. Start with Your Interests
One of the easiest ways to start networking is by diving into your interests. Whether you're into art, science, or music, engaging with activities you love helps you meet like-minded people and build meaningful connections.
For example, if you’re passionate about science, join the Science Club or enter science fairs and attend local science events to connect with teachers and researchers. If music is your jam, join the school band or a local music group and perform at events to meet other musicians and music teachers. If you love writing, join the school newspaper or a writing club and attend writing workshops to meet other writers and editors. For tech enthusiasts, join the coding club or participate in hackathons and tech fairs to connect with fellow tech enthusiasts and industry professionals.
By getting involved in activities related to your interests, you'll naturally meet people who share your passions. These environments are perfect for building a network of valuable contacts who can support and inspire you in your journey.
3. Leverage Social Media Wisely
Social media isn’t just for sharing memes and selfies; it’s a powerful tool for networking. For students, platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Instagram can help you connect with professionals and peers who share your interests.
LinkedIn: Start by creating a LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills, achievements, and goals. Follow industry leaders and join relevant groups. For example, if you’re interested in engineering, follow or join groups like the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) or the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). These organizations often share valuable resources, job opportunities, and events that can help you grow your network and knowledge in the field of engineering.
Twitter: On Twitter, participate in conversations using hashtags related to your interests. For example, if you’re interested in journalism, use hashtags like #Journalism, #WritingCommunity, or #Media to join discussions and connect with writers and media professionals. Follow accounts like @nytimes or @NPR for updates and opportunities in the field of journalism.
Instagram: Even on Instagram, you can follow and engage with accounts that align with your career goals or interests. For example, if you’re passionate about graphic design, follow educational influencers and professionals such as @adobe (Adobe) or @behance (Behance). Engage with their content by commenting on posts, asking questions, and sharing your own projects.
By actively engaging with these platforms, you can build a strong network that not only supports but also inspires your career journey.
4. Conduct Informational Interviews
One of the best ways to network is by doing informational interviews. An informational interview is a meeting where you seek advice and insights rather than asking for internships or jobs. It's a great opportunity to gather valuable information about the fields you’re interested in and expand your professional network.
Where to Find Potential Contacts
When thinking about who to ask for an informational interview, the lists below might give you some ideas for people to reach out to and places to find helpful contacts.
People:
Coworkers
Family members
Friends
Friends of friends
Mentors
Teachers/counselors
Past employers/coworkers
Classmates
Doctors/lawyers/dentists/bankers
Local merchants
Members of place of worship
Neighbors
Places:
Local/regional/virtual career fairs and events
Community groups and local clubs (e.g. Rotary Club)
Chamber of Commerce
Social networking sites (e.g. LinkedIn)
Steps to Conduct an Informational Interview:
Identify Potential Interviewees: Use your network map and the above lists to find professionals in careers that interest you.
Reach Out: Send a polite email or LinkedIn message introducing yourself and explaining why you’d like to talk to them. Keep it short and respectful of their time.
Prepare Questions: Before the interview, prepare a list of questions. Ask about their career path, what a typical day looks like, and any advice they have for someone starting out.
Ask for Further Introductions: During the interview, ask if they can introduce you to other people who would be helpful for you to talk to.
Follow Up: After the interview, send a thank-you note expressing your appreciation for their time and insights.
Keep in Touch: Let them know where you are in your career path and continue to develop the relationship. They might think of you when they learn of a possible opportunity.
5. Be Genuine and Helpful
Authenticity is key in networking. Be genuinely interested in the people you meet and look for ways to offer value to them. Networking is a two-way street; it’s not just about what you can get but also about what you can give. Whether it’s sharing useful information, offering to help with a project, or just being a supportive peer, being helpful strengthens your connections.
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Networking as a high school student might seem intimidating, but it’s really about building relationships and connecting with people who can support and inspire you. Start by exploring your interests, then create a networking plan and map out your current connections. Conduct informational interviews to learn from others' experiences. By being genuine, helpful, and proactive, you’ll create a network that opens doors to exciting opportunities now and in the future. So, dive in and start connecting. Remember, networking is like a treasure hunt!
Feel free to share your networking experiences or ask questions in the comments below, and remember to stay tuned for the final part of our series, where we’ll cover essential interview skills to help you ace your next interview. Happy networking!
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