As a new professional starting out and looking for experience, networking and meeting people can be very helpful in shaping your career. But how does one network? Raise your hand if you feel like you don’t know how to network.
If you raised your hand, you’re not alone. Most new professionals feel like they don’t know how to network or where to begin. Here, we discuss our favourite ways to network that are both easily accessible and available to new professionals looking for new opportunities:
Use Social Media To Make Online Connections
Have you ever thought of using Twitter to network? It’s a great platform that connects you with people so you can start a conversation. You can follow people and leaders in industries, look through Twitter lists, follow hashtags or participate in Twitter chats to connect with others locally or globally. Facebook groups are also great for this! Many Facebook groups are active and help you e-introduce yourself to others in the industry and/or community. Don’t forget the most obvious platform LinkedIn, which was specifically designed to create an online professional profile. LinkedIn offers many professional resources including groups, programs, and events that are useful to connect with like-minded people.
Look For Industry Associations Or Community Groups
Joining industry organizations can be extremely valuable for networking. By becoming a member of an industry organization, you become privy to programs or member-specific events that can be valuable for you to connect with other professionals. For example, is there a club on campus that interests you? By joining it, you never know what you could learn from its other members.
Go To Professional Development Events
Events include a social aspect that offers a unique opportunity for networking. There are many free events for new professionals. It is finding them that is the trick. Plenty of organizations host specific events geared toward new professionals. Therefore, make sure to check out campus events, local Facebook events to see what might be happening in your area, and even Eventbrite as they list all of their public events as well.
Volunteer Your Time
It’s always worth investing your time in an organization. Or into a project that also helps build your resume when starting out as a new professional. Volunteering is a great way to meet people with similar interests and develop relationships that you can turn to in the future. Volunteering could be a reference or a different opportunity that can develop more skills while still being a way for you to learn.
If you’re nervous about networking as a new professional, check out Networking Tips For Introverts for more advice.
What are some of your networking hacks for a new professional? Let us know in the comment section below.
