As the semester creeps to a close, more students are thinking about their future, whether that be the next steps in their college career or their post-graduation plans. As someone who is graduating this semester with a job in my career lined up, I like to think I’m qualified to discuss how to navigate the beginning of your professional career. With that being said, one of the most important things you can do is network. Talking to people is the ticket to paving the way for your success as a college graduate. Here are five ways to network effectively.
- Post on LinkedIn
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I’m sure this has been said many times, but LinkedIn is truly a great way to communicate. Keeping your profile updated means that recruiters know exactly the kind of person they’re looking at. It’s not as scary as it seems. Keeping your account up-to-date can be as simple as creating a reflective post at the end of your semester that highlights what you’ve done. You can also create a recap of a career event you attended to show you’re passionate about your field, which is something job recruiters look for.
- Find Your Community
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It is so important to talk to people! UCF has tons of clubs that align with various career paths, making it the perfect place to network. Clubs like the Future Technical Communicators are specifically made to help students find jobs in technical writing. The Future Educators Association does the same for students who want to pursue a career in education. There are countless spaces to talk with others and further your career goals.
- Reach Out To Professionals
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Reaching out to professionals is definitely one of the more intimidating aspects of networking, but the result is always worth the hassle. Start by going on LinkedIn and finding others who work in the career you’re passionate about. Then, send them a message and ask for an informational interview. This might take a few tries, but there are more people than you think who are happy to help.
Ask questions about their day-to-day life, how they got to where they are, or what is most challenging about the industry. In the end, try asking if they know of any other people who would be interested in chatting with you, and don’t forget to send a “Thank you” note! Cultivating a group of people who can support your efforts is essential when beginning your career.
- Create a Portfolio
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Creating a portfolio, in addition to my resume, was definitely a game-changer for my applications. They show the specifics of what’s in your resume without recruiters needing to do any digging. Having it on hand, whether that be in your LinkedIn profile or linked on your resume, just makes finding who you are easier. Sites like Canva and JournoPortfolio make it easy to create an online portfolio suited to your needs.
- Attend Networking Events
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From career expos to volunteering opportunities, UCF hosts a myriad of events that can not only support your resume but also teach you more about your career path. Take the time to meet up with other students with your career interests, and take a moment to have fun!
Networking can seem overwhelming at first, but taking baby steps can create the community you need to further your career in a field you’re passionate about. It puts you a step ahead of others when applying to jobs, as you gain recommendations and a more personalized understanding of the industry straight from working professionals. When networking, the most important thing is to learn and create (and maintain) connections.