If these numbers don’t convince you to immediately open up a tab and send a compelling message through LinkedIn, check out senior design major Natalie Jewett’s testimony about how she secured an internship last summer through networking:
Last summer, one of my connections tagged me in a LinkedIn post about an open intern position. I took the initiative to reach out and introduce myself, which led me to a summer internship! I would not have heard about the position if it weren’t for my LinkedIn connection, and it gave me credibility to have a mutual point of contact with the person hiring. If someone ever connects you, make sure you follow through and thank the person who connected you!
I also sent a “reconnecting” email to an old boss when I came back into town from studying abroad. I didn’t have any expectations other than wanting to hear about how she had been and possibly sharing a little bit about my experience. The positive outcome of reaching out was an unadvertised position offered to me for the summer!
You never know where a conversation may lead, so don’t be shy and introduce yourself to recruiters. A great way to start is with informational interviewing.
Maintaining Connections
The importance of making connections is often emphasized, but what about maintaining those connections? Networking is really about making authentic connections that last.
Here are some tips for making meaningful connections:
- Be curious, ask questions and direct the conversation back to your connection, don’t talk about yourself the whole time.
- Follow up and follow through; if you say you are going to do something, do it.
- Don’t just reach out when you need help.
- Give compliments and let people know the positive things you are thinking! “If you think it and believe it, say it.”
- Send FYI emails, they have no obligation for either party but keep your connection alive. If you are thinking about a person, let them know.
As with anything, networking takes practice. Over time, you will learn which strategies are most effective for you. Here are some additional tips from professionals and recruiters:
“Do a LinkedIn search for a Specific topic + Biola to get connected to Biola professionals who are experts in that area. The specific topic does not have to be a job title, it can be a skill you want to grow or an industry you are curious about. Send a request and a brief message. It’s amazing how many people want to share!”