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Networking When You’re Out and About

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Pepperdine chapter.

Pepperdine University is known for it’s connections and alumni networking. However, networking does not have to be limited to Pepperdine hosted networking events, rather, it should extend beyond. For example, I had a friend who’s dream it was to work in the fashion industry, so she attended a Rebecca Minkoff fashion show with her resume in hand and managed to land a summer fashion internship in New York City. So how do you network properly when you’re off campus and off the computer? #HCPepperdine has the scoop on 3 tips to expanding your network base:

1. Always keep your resume and elevator pitch with you.

So it might require purchasing a larger bag to hold your folder of resumes, but it is absolutely necessary if you’re looking for a job or internships. After all, in a city like LA, you never know who you’re going to meet.

2. Attend social company events (especially if they’re free).

So you want to work for the tech industry and Microsoft happens to be hosting a free fair to expose their new products. Attend the event no matter how small or intimidating it may seem. You can meet so many people at these corporate events. And if they’re free, then you have no excuse.

3. Be nice to everyone.

The people you know and the people you’re already friends with may be able to help you in some way in the future. Maybe your best friend might become some successful CEO one day and maybe you might just be in need a job. Hence, try to be nice to everyone because people will remember you.

My name is Queenie Navarro and I am an Accounting major in my 3rd year at Pepperdine University. On campus, I am involved with the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and am currently interning for College Fashionista as a Style Guru. In my free time, I enjoy going on spontaneous adventures and am devoted to the belief that life is about taking chances and trying everything that the world has to offer. I've shopped 'til I've literally dropped, I used to be part of a punk rock band, I've tried everything from escargot to scorpions on a stick, and have been fortunate enough to travel in over 40 countries before I even turned twenty. Overall, I consider myself to be a very open-minded person and am inspired, daily, by the people around me. One day, I dream of working for the corporate offices of some fashion magazine while hopefully getting to travel the world.