Network
College is not just time to learn about a certain discipline in order to work in that field someday. College is also a great opportunity for professional development and growth. One important skill you can begin to develop while a student is networking. This may seem scary to some, but you will find a number of opportunities to practice networking while at WTAMU. From your first year through your last, it is never too early (or too late) to make connections with people that can potentially help you get a job upon graduation.
So, what can you do now to start networking?
- Attend career fairs: This is the perfect opportunity to talk to employers and learn more about them and their industry. Begin attending career fairs early in your college career, so you are experienced by the time senior year rolls around and you are actually ready to be hired.
- To see a tentative schedule of upcoming career fairs go here.
- Engage with your professors and staff at WT: Faculty and staff want you to be successful so reach out to them. Not only can they help you learn more about professionalism, you can gain valuable connections through them as well.
- Mock interview: The Mock Interview program is another way to meet professionals in your field and, of course practice, interviewing.
- Head over to Handshake to view our upcoming Mock Interview dates here.
- Attend networking events: Find local organizations in your area that cater to young professionals. Sign up for and attend networking events sponsored by both campus and community organizations.
- Do an internship: Wow! This may be the best way to meet and form relationships with professionals in your target industry. Additionally, many of these internships have the potential of turning into a full time job in the future.
- To learn more about finding an internship check out our How to Find an Internship Workshop.
- Use LinkedIn: This is online networking at its best. Use it to keep in touch with those in your professional and educational network.
- Check out our Leverage LinkedIn webinar to learn how to effectively use LinkedIn.
- Conduct informational interviews: This is an interview that YOU set up and provide you with the opportunity to gain insight on what it is like to work in a certain job or company.
- To learn more about Informational Interviewing, click here.