The Importance of Networking ... according to Christina

January 11, 2010

Who are the people in your network?

Sure you learn a lot during your time in university ... but you also meet a lot of people. As a graduate I think that fact is often forgotten when the post-undergraduate job search begins.

Career Services teaches a student how to create a flawless resume, handle interviews and, most importantly, how to market the degree they have just earned. All of these are extremely important in finding a career. The resume, interview and marketing of your degree are key ingredients to getting out of your U of C sweatpants and into a suit. But many students don’t know where to begin the job search ... who do I market myself to?

Throughout your student career you meet new people every day. Just think about your week so far. Met anyone new? Even if it is that girl beside you in English, the guy in line up for coffee, or the instructor’s hand you shook in the department office ... they all count. They are all officially a part of your personal network.

Think of your personal network like your social network on Facebook. You have a handful of friends that you message regularly, a larger grouping that you post comments to, and a huge pile of people you add just to add ... Your personal network is like that, just not digital!

The people you have met during your undergraduate studies are the last ingredient to a successful job search. These connections can provide encouragement, give you suggestions, and point out your strengths and weaknesses. They also can act as a reference, put in a good word for you, pass on job leads and opportunities, and provide you with career advice.

Don’t forget that although getting a job is about what you know ... it is also very much about who you know.

Happy Convocation,
Christina