The Network Advantage

Have you ever asked yourself why networking is important to your career? Rather than asking why networking is it important, start by asking, "How do I network?"

“Networking is about relationships,” says Jay Thoreson, manager of the Career Center.

Thoreson encourages students to connect with alumni and professionals in order to gain information about careers and learn about opportunities. Networking isn’t just for students, it’s something you do your entire life. Building lifelong connections could help when you are looking to switch jobs or helping someone else find a job.

Thoreson offers these tips:
1. Network with everyone – friends' parents, your parents’ friends, alumni, community members you may know and professionals in a field. It is much easier to make connections with people you know.
2. Take it seriously and don’t be too casual about it. 
3. Make a professional impression. Ask if each contact you have made would be willing to refer you to others and even give that person a call on your behalf.
4. Don’t stop networking. By making positive connections, you will have people in the field that can coach and assist you when it comes to gaining experience in college and for the rest of your life.

“Networking opportunities happen all the time,” says Thoreson. “Don’t consider the fact that you met someone as just a coincidence.”

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