Networking in College: 4 People to Know on Your College Campus

When it comes to applying for scholarships, graduate school and jobs, the connections that are made with the authority figures on campus are so important. There are several specific people on every college campus in each specific department that students should get to know, and those relationships formed will help them in their future endeavors.

Freshman-Level Major Specific Professor

Getting close to one of the professors that a student has freshman year can be very beneficial to them in many ways. The professor should be in the field in which the student wants to study and go into as a career. This professor will be able to lend in site to the student about what people in their field of study can do as careers and can lend help and support when they are developing through their college careers. Additionally, this professor will be a great resource for the student when they need letters of recommendation within the first couple of years of their college careers.

Advisor

Even if a student feels as though their assigned advisor has no idea what they are talking about most of their time it is good to get to know them. It is also good for a student's advisor to get to know the student. There is also an option for a student to change their advisor if they feel that the person will be of little help to them throughout their college career. By getting close to a student's advisor the student will have the advantages when it comes to getting into classes they need to graduate and will have access to a great resource for recommendations and references. Students who know their advisors are more likely to be given information about or recommended for great opportunities.

Upperclassman in Program of Study

If is important for a student to also get to know someone who is farther along in the program of study that a student is working on completing. This other student will be able help the younger student when they are trying to pick classes and professors, they can also make the student aware of additional opportunities on campus that are not highly advertised. The older student can also be a very great support system for the younger student.

Someone in the Department or Dean's Office

If a student gets to know an administrator in either their department office or in their college's dean's office they will also have the benefit of possibly finding out about opportunities, having better chances of getting into the classes they would like to take and a great reference. This person can also have so much insight and guidance to offer the student.