Networking? How Can This Help Me Obtain a Job or Internship? 

By Wendy Stubbs, MA, NCC

Career Development Specialist

University of South Dakota 's Career Development Center

Creator/Owner of CareersCounseling.com

Parents bugging you to get that job or internship? But, you have no clue how to go about this process, right? Then, you go to your college career office and the counselor tells you to network. Sure, you say, not a problem! Reality hits though when you get back to your apartment and you realize you have no clue what networking really is or how it works!

 

Career counselors will often mention to students who are job seeking to use networking skills. Yet, many students may not really know just what is involved with networking. One student said recently, “Gosh, I am just not good at asking for favors!” The reality is that career counselors may need to teach students what networking is and how it works.

 

What is networking?

 

Networking is actually just the ability to visit with people about job openings. If you can talk, or communicate, you can network! Some jobs are never advertised for and are filled due to the networking that goes on in the world!

 

How does networking work?

 

Talk to your neighbors, parents, relatives, past employers, minister, professors, etc. about any possible openings that they may know about. Often times, people do know about company openings and will be glad to refer you to the correct department. Let them know about your skills, abilities, education, interest, enthusiasm, etc. and when you are available. Ask people whom to contact within a company.

 

What would be some examples of this?

 

A college student works part-time as a caddy at a golf course. While there, she gets to know many business executives and even has many of their business cards. These golfers know her as an enthusiastic, hard worker. This student could contact those people later down the road and remind them who she is and ask them about any potential openings they may know about. She would explain her educational background and abilities while asking to set up an informational interview. Some of these executives will probably gladly assist her in making contacts about openings!

 

You go to a college job fair and meet many recruiters. While there you should ask as many people in your field as possible about any openings in your field. Because one company's recruiter will talk with recruiters from other companies, when you speak with a recruiter act as if you are interested in their company. When you network, ask people about any openings. Tell them your interests, skills, abilities, education and goals.

 

Why does networking work?

 

People like hiring people they already know and trust! And, many people will trust the recommendation of their friend, co-worker, or a colleague. Research into job hunting has shown that many jobs are landed through networking. So, you may as well as use a technique that works as opposed to other methods that do not work as well!

 

Wendy Stubbs, MA, NCC is Career Development Specialist atUniversity of South Dakota 's Career Development Center and is creator/owner of http://www.careerscounseling.com

 

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

Career Videos