Making connections and networking

Entering into the workforce can be a daunting task. Knowing where to find careers can

be intimidating but know you don’t need to face it alone! A fundamental part of building a career

is expanding your network. A good place to start is getting into contact with career services on

campus and having a professor in your declared major that you can turn to. There is no such

thing as a stupid question, and these people are there to answer! They can help you with finding

internships through university alumni, or using their own contacts to build connections for you.

Another important factor into building your network is entering professional networking

sites, such as LinkedIn. The first step, after creating your account, is constructing a profile that

you believe best represents you in the professional world. (Remember: keep your profile picture

professional, no selfies!) But just having a profile on LinkedIn does not help you network. The

best way to use LinkedIn is to start following other professionals and companies you are

interested in, and interacting with their content. Helpful tip: A good way to find professionals to

follow is to search what you are interested in, and filter by your university! Although these

professionals have graduated, they still have strong affiliations with their alumni and, more often

than not, are willing to help you out.

Joining university clubs, such as PRSSA, is another great way to start building your

network. Not only are you exposed to professionals through agency tours and guest speakers,

but those in the club with you are connections as well. People who join clubs will eventually be

the future of this career, and making good relationships within are connections you can use

once you are out in the workforce!

These are not the only ways in which to start building your career, but it is a good place

to start. However, the most important part is starting early! Making connections while you are

still at university allows you free access to resources, such as career services and professors.

As well as professionals will recognize that you are a “go-getter”, and that is a great first

impression to have in the PR world!

Sources:

https://www.livecareer.com/career/advice/jobs/expanding-career-network

https://www.imsmarketing.ie/digital-marketing/importance-of-linkedin-for-your-business/