Freshly out of college? Then either you have a great job, or you must be looking for one. Right? In both cases, networking is the key. If you have good contacts, you can succeed in your career and make great personal bonds too.
How to network, though? That is one question that haunts every fresh graduate. It is because networking is challenging even for people working for years. Thus, fresh graduates will undoubtedly find it challenging.
Fret not, though! In this blog, we are discussing few tips that can help a graduate network.
Tip 1: Be smart about your age
When you are fresh out of college, you are young. At your age, people are eager to help and guide you. Thus, leverage your age smartly in front of professionals who can help you network.
That means doing your research and asking for guidance from the right people. That can mean meeting and approaching them at an event. Or you can send them an email or ask them to meet for coffee. Do remember to ask lots of questions and make notes too.
Tip 2: Have a business card
Even though you do not have much professional experience, having a business card is essential for a graduate. You should get a digital business card with links to your portfolio or website. Also, include all your contact information like phone number and email address. One tip is here is to use a professional email address and not some weird one like coolprincess.com.
Tip 3: Do your research about the industry
You must show passion for the industry and company you aspire to work in. Why? For the simple reason that a fresh graduate doesn't have much experience. Thus, your passion can help you make a good impression on employers and others.
Whenever you meet such people, whether for job purposes, or networking, know about their industry. Know about the weaknesses and strengths of the company amongst more.
Tip 4: Make a brand for yourself
It is critical to make a brand for yourself by delivering an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a brief introduction about you that sets you apart from the competitors. In your case, the other graduates.
Usually, the pitch has information about your corporate job too. If you do not have one, include your internship and other skills you possess.
Tip 5: Show your usefulness
Networking is a give-and-take relationship. If you want to work with a company or person, you need to show your usefulness to them. If you are meeting your preferred employer at a networking event, show what you can give them.
That includes providing a solution to any subject or aspect of their business. Something that the employer is not paying much attention to.
Tip 6: Have a goal
Do not sign up for every networking event you come across. Have a goal in mind and only go for one that event serving you with a purpose.
Have a great start to career with these tips.
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