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So, now that you know how important networking is, go ahead and try it out! If you still feel hesitant, try taking assistance from a career coach. One such platform is https://www.champbuddy.com, which offers numerous affordable options to make your career journey easier.
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Master your Networking Skills Hey students! It’s never too early to start thinking about your career. While the job market will continue to evolve, some things will never change – like the importance of networking. 88% of professionals today consider networking skills to be vital for a thriving career. While it might seem daunting to build a professional network as an undergraduate or graduate student, the earlier you start networking, the sooner you gain knowledge and skills that will help you flourish in the profession you choose. Unfortunately, you won’t learn much about networking skills from just your college lectures. That’s why we’re dedicating this piece on telling you more about networking and how you can start mastering it very early.
What is Networking? Building a professional network is very similar to you building connections on social platforms like Facebook, Instagram etc., except that here you will focus on building connections with people from your field of interest. These connections can be subject matter experts, working professionals, or even professors in your field of specialization. Why should you spend time & energy on networking? You might have heard the phrase, “it’s not what you know, but who you know”. While what you know might get you an entry into the room, it’s who you know that gets you a seat at the table. Your connections will typically root for you when you look for career guidance, internship leads or industry insight. They might also play an integral role in helping you jumpstart your career. For example, 35 percent of professionals say they secured their current or most recent job through a professional connection, according to Jobvite's 2018 Job Seeker Nation study. On the other side of the coin, 60 percent of survey respondents say they've referred a friend or contact to a company. Here are some simple tips to master this powerful tool: 1. Make networking an important part of your daily routine: Networking with the help of your current faculty members might be a great starting point. Your professors may refer you in their academic circle by assigning you certain research projects, sample surveys for a project etc. While it may seem mundane to you in the beginning, it is a great opportunity to connect with someone in your field of interest. You could be opening doors to possible referrals into the corporate world. 2. Build a stronger alumni network: Your seniors are one of the most comfortable connections you can make. They have already gone through the phase you are currently in and might be placed in jobs you aspire to have. Building a network with your alumni can reap umpteen benefits, such as getting you a summer internship, a referral in the final campus placement process, help you understand what to expect in the corporate scenario, or even just act as a sounding board. 3. Expand your online presence: While it may sound clichéd but do create your LinkedIn profile! You may also want to leverage your social media circles such as a school alumni group. Such groups frequently keep posting open job opportunities or any webinars/conferences which are great places to understand what you can expect in the field you’ve chosen. You can also create an online portfolio to showcase your skills and recent projects which can turn out to be a great head start!
4. Maintain your networks: Networking is not a numbers game. While more the merrier can seem enticing to you, the genuineness of your connections is what go a long way in helping you out. Put in the required effort to follow up with your connections, and jot down important information about them on your phone for future reference. Also, don’t be afraid to make the first move! Confidence and asking the right questions are essential when it comes to building strong connections. So, now that you know how important networking is, go ahead and try it out! If you still feel hesitant, try taking assistance from a career coach. Today, there are numerous career counsellingpackages and options that you’ll find suiting your needs. One such platform is Champbuddy, which offers numerous affordable options to make your career journey easier. Join hands with their industry veterans and subject matter experts to get a complete career concern diagnosis. So, book an online session at https://www.champbuddy.com and get professional guidance to build a better future.