By Oheine Porter
Campus News
“Networking is an essential part of building wealth” was said in a video I watched years ago. I may not remember the source but I now live by that saying.
In my first semester in college, I had one goal: get a degree. That was all. Networking seemed like an “adult thing” to do. On the other hand, I was not sure where to start, but soon cultivated the mentality that networking was going to be as beneficial as going to college itself.
Let’s start off with the ultimate question: What is networking?
Networking is creating, meeting people, and fostering valuable relationships.
It is different from just “having friends” or “buds”; Networking and making connections is different from just making friends because there is a meaning and a professional purpose behind it—or as Daniel Ally, business expert and author, would call it, default friends.
Default friends are people that are your friends because of your environment not because of a specific purpose. For example, you have friends from high school, your neighbors, church members, and even your co-workers. Of course, you can network with these people but now it is time to get outside of your comfort zone and meet the new and interesting people at your college/university!
Connecting outside of your environment (which is most likely your comfort zone) will not only grow your network but also your confidence; you are now able to be confident that you know people have your back and vise-versa. Like Henry David Thoreau, American poet and philosopher, stated, “[The connections you make in college can and will last a lifetime] Friends… they cherish one another’s hopes. They are kind to one another’s dreams.”
Networking and connecting in college should not be frightening, it should be a lifestyle. You are networking and connecting with people you do not know on a daily basis. Whenever you ask a stranger for the time, or complimenting the business lady on your way to work on her new shoes or asking the subway artist how he got started – you are making connections! In addition, if networking happens on a daily basis, then connecting with new students, professors, and other faculty at your university is only an extension of what you have always been doing.
Have a (professional) social presence
The majority of college students are on social media as much as we are in class (if not more). Whether it is Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. But now is the time to use these as a tool to advance your career and connect with your peers. You need a professional, social presence to network. You need to be able to contribute something valuable to the other person, all while maintaining your integrity and a clean reputation. You could be the straight-A student, the future CEO, or the failure. However, you do not want to present yourself as a lowlife, and that is why you need to be able to have a social media presence that reflects who you want to be. What does that mean? Keep your posts professional, and refrain from posting too much personal information on your profile. Remember, employers look at your account, and they do not want to see you double fisting beers at that wild house party.
In order to be a professional, you need to think before you post online; am I okay with my employer seeing that picture of me? While you ponder this topic, consider all of the people you are impacting by posting negative or risque material on social media. Employers scope out good examples, and honorable workers; make sure your social media profiles match your intentions. This does not mean that you cannot post vacation shots or a picture of your photogenic dinner, but listen to your head when hitting the upload button. What you post will affect you inside and outside of the workplace.
Join a club or organization that fits your interest
If it wasn’t for my college advisor I wouldn’t have thought of joining a club or organization. I considered it during my first semester of college. But at that time, I only thought of passing and then graduating. That was my only goal for college to get a degree and forget everybody else that I interacted with. I later found that the interactions I made in college were enriching and important. College is your time to not only expand your network but to form long-term friendships with people that have similar interests as you. Plus, joining club or organization with like-minded people will make networking immensely easier.
As for me I haven’t joined any club; I created a club! Because, as I said before, my goal was to only graduate, but I thought to myself there must be other people out there who have wanted to be part of something bigger. For me, my interest in graphic design inspired me to create a club. Regardless of age, gender or major the club allows members to learn more about each other, gain networking skills, and connect with like-minded people. You don’t have to be as ambitious as I am to start a club but there is definitely a club or organization that is out there for you; and if you can’t find it, create one!
Just say Hi
This is probably the most simple but difficult tactic but it has given me the most bang for my buck. Remember, everybody feels the same way that you are feeling when it comes to meeting new people. Take initiative and change your college experience from dull to adventurous with a simple “Hey, my name is…”
In college, or anywhere in your post-academic years, know that your networking will bring you more opportunities than you can ever imagine. One conversation can start to create serendipity to a better and more enjoyable college life.
Oheine “O” Porter is a student at Queensborough Community College with a passion for Graphic Design and creativity.
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