“A good network may well be the way to finding a good job during or after your time as a student,” says author, speakerand network expert Charlotte Junge.
The earlier you start building and strengthening your network, the more you will be able to benefit from its potential. That’s why it can be a good idea to consider networking during your education, as it may already be the time where you meet the contacts who can open doors for you in your future career.
A good, strong network
“A large network is a good, strong network. With a good breadth and depth, both parts need to be present,”, says Charlotte Junge.
If you want to build a good network, it’s not only about knowing as many people as possible. It’s also about knowing a wide variety of people, who have different skillsets within many different fields. You never know who might be useful to have in your network. That’s why Charlotte Junge encourages students to think beyond their own fields and circles, when networking.
How to start building your network right
Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, building a solid network is possible. Charlotte Junge considers networking a skill everyone can learn, especially as a student and already a part of a constant learning process. She also tells us that a good place to start building your network is by dedicating time to planning.
“You can do a mindmapping, where you map and write down which circles you move in. In order to not narrow you network down too much, it’s a good idea to consider who could be interesting to have in your network outside of people you know from your studies. For example, from your volunteer work, your student job, your personal interests, or a completely different place.”
She does note that it’s important that your networking mindset doesn’t turn into a facade you adopt because you want something, but that you integrate it into your lifestyle and your way of approaching the world.
Something many student could learn from is getting out into physical networking situations and be more goal-oriented.
Use social media
Social media sites like LinkedIn are useful tools when it comes to using your network and its full potential, but that also necessitates that you use them actively and that you consider your own role in the network.
“It’s important that you are perceived in your network as someone who wants to give, because networks are about both giving and receiving. That’s why it’s important to think of what you can contribute to your network. For example, when you are in your formal networks and someone is facing a job-related issue or a challenge with their company, can you help? Can you offer them something – a piece of advice, knowledge, a contact? It’s about being good at leveraging your relationships. If you become known as someone who thinks outwardly with their network, then your network will also be there for you when you need it,” Charlotte Junge tells us.
Once you’ve established yourself as someone who gives in a network, it is, according to her, much easier to use the network to receive something in return.
Take part in your network
Social media isn’t enough in and of itself – you yourself need to physically get out there and socialize in order to nurture your network. That will also make you seem like someone who wants to be involved and participate in the network. Here, Charlotte Junge thinks that students could improve when it comes to using the resources and networking opportunities available to them.
“I think something many student could learn from is getting out into physical networking situations and maybe be more goal-oriented. Student organizations, Friday bars and Facebook may not be enough.”
That means that it’s about looking in the circles frequented by interesting people, even if it’s not relevant to your field.
“Networks have become the main way into new jobs and so it’s very important to get out there and make yourself visible. It shouldn’t be impersonal, but it’s important to make sure to get out there,” finishes Charlotte Junge.
Start networking now: make a LinkedIn profile, find a job you can share with your friends, or share this article on social media.
