Post- Grad Networking

I wrote a lot in school about how networking can be the spark for your potential career path and how easy it is to do while in school. But what happens when you leave the sheltring walls of college and move into the real world?

Even more networking opportunities!

Just a few examples since I’ve been out of school:

• My Dad, thankfully, has been pulling the networking card for me. Although I was nervous about it at first, I realized that my Dad is helping me get my foot in the door to be introduced to the right people, but I still have to get the job on my own. With Dad’s help (and his friends’ help) I have an informational interview the end of this week.
• This past weekend, I went to a friend’s graduation party where I received a business card of a family friend of hers who offered to introduce me to someone else. Although I don’t know what will come of this connection, it just goes to show that you can find contacts in the most unlikely places.
• My friend’s GRANDPARENTS have also been brainstorming people they know who might be able to help me. You may think your grandparents are out of touch with the world, but they know a lot of people! You have no idea who their neighbors are, or who their friend’s children are at a company near you.
• I’ve remained in contact with the Villanova University Alumni Association of Boston and am meeting up and calling a few contacts from the alumni database.

The key takeaways:

1. Don’t ask for a job. If you ask for an informational interview, say so upfront. Take the pressure off the situation. If people do end up being able to offer you a job, this is obviously AWESOME for you, but don’t go into the interview thinking this will be your big break.
2. Do your research. Just as if the interview was for a job, research the company and the department the person you’re meeting with works in. If they don’t work in a department you know a lot about, here’s your opportunity to ask questions and be interested. If you’re running out of ideas, find common ground outside of work, Boston sports works a lot for me or current politically neutral events. If you’re meeting with someone in your field, showcase that you’ve been reading up on industry news or compliment them on something their company is doing right.
3. Be yourself! You won’t get anywhere if you try to be something you’re not. This goes for networking, job searching and life in general!
4. Be appreciative. When asking for help, and receiving help, even the littlest amount of help should not go unnoticed. Send thank you e-mails to anyone who sends your resume to anyone else, but send personal notes to anyone you speak with in an informational interview.

Any other networking tips?

P.S.- Thanks to all my networking helpers out there who also happen to be readers! I couldn’t do it without you.