Networking for the College Student Part 3 - Networking Principles

In the first part of this series, we analyzed what networking is and why it is important. In the second part of this series, we began to analyze networking from a college student's perspective, noting the people with whom a college student should network. In this final portion of the series, it is my intention to analyze general networking principles of which college students should be aware and the specific ways in which a college student may network with the four groups listed in the previous part of this series.

Networking Principle #1 - Make a Good First Impression
One of the most important things about networking is being on good terms with your contacts. Obviously, you can only be on good terms with the people that you know and with whom you have a relationship. Often, making a good first impression can do a lot more to build a strong relationship than can large amounts of effort later on. Consider meeting with your advisor for the first time. This may be an informal meeting where you discuss things like your interests and intended major. You may not even schedule classes. However, doing things like wearing a dress shirt, dress pants, and tie, if male, or a nice blouse and skirt, if female, can help to impress an advisor that is used to seeing students in more relaxed attire. This might let him or her know that you are a dedicated student, and may help you be taken more seriously. Dressing nicely in your first few meetings with your advisor could help him or her to learn your name and become familiar with you faster, which might allow you to reap benefits of networking, such as earlier scheduling dates and recommendations for on-campus positions later.

Consider each first impression you make as the foundation of a future relationship. Clearly, you will not wish to make every introduction the same, and cannot be expected to act the same way when meeting different people in different settings. However, remember the basic concepts of courtesy, manners, and generosity, and try to learn names quickly. These things will help you to make good first and second impressions, and will likely allow you to network more easily.

Networking Principle #2 - Communicate Well
One of the easiest ways to make a good impression and build a strong social network is to communicate well with others. This may mean speaking more formally than you do with friends, or may mean being a better listener than a speaker. If you find that your communicative skills are lacking, the only way they will be able to improve is through practice.

I would like to address the concept of the "social butterfly." Yes, there are people that are social magnets and can very quickly and very easily establish good rapport with others. However, these people are the exception rather than the rule, and in certain cases others may view them as not being sincere or earnest. When networking, be true to yourself. If you are a talker, talk, but if you are a quieter person, just listen. People will appreciate someone who listens and provides thoughtful insight, as opposed to someone that talks over them. Work with your strengths.

Networking Principle #3 - Stay in Touch
You may be able to establish personal connections easily and quickly, but they will not be helpful to you if you do not work to maintain them. With all of the people in your network, you must work to stay in touch. Depending on your relationship, this may mean more constant communication, or it may mean getting in touch with people every few months. You don't always have to put forth a ton of effort when doing this. Small things like greeting cards on holidays and birthdays or thank you notes can do a lot to show your contacts that you care. A handwritten thank-you note to a secretary is likely a lot more than he or she typically receives in the way of gratitude, and can leave a positive lasting impression.

Networking Principle #4 - Give
Giving back to your contacts is one of the most important concepts in networking. If you are ever going to ask a favor of them, you have to be willing to help them in whatever way you can. You don't necessarily have to volunteer for this, but most people are willing to help others more after they've been helped by the other people. I don't mean to say that your contacts should "owe you one," but if they ask for your assistance in something, make the most of the opportunity to make a good impression and lend them a hand. They will be grateful and more willing to help you out in the future. Plus, they may be able to attest to your dedication and work ethic.

Networking Principle #5 - Ask for Help When Needed
For some people, the hardest thing about networking is actually asking for help when it is needed. Whether it is for a written recommendation, a phone call to a professional contact, or sponsorship for a research opportunity, making your needs known to other people can be difficult depending on your personality. Remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Let's some logic to prove this.

Premise #1 - Letters of recommendation are needed for admittance to graduate school.

Premise #2 - All M.A.s and Ph. D.s have gone to graduate school.

Premise #3 - Your college professor is an M.A. or Ph. D.

Conclusion - Your college professor has asked for a letter of recommendation.

No one's transcript speaks for itself. You will need help eventually. Likewise, no one gets through life without knowing others and being on the receiving end of a few favors. Get used to the idea of being helped, or your existence will be difficult.

Networking Principle #6 - Make the Best of the Opportunities You Are Given
Something to understand about networking is that when someone finally does a favor for you by connecting you to one of their contacts, you have to take the opportunity seriously. You shouldn't be indifferent about the experience, or it reflects poorly on you and on the person that gave you the recommendation. My biology professor, for example, lamented the fact that some students were given research positions with world-class scientists and stopped showing up because they realized they weren't that interested in the position. If you're not sure whether you're going to like something or not, ask to shadow before you commit. At least in this situation you are not committing and are capable of backing out if necessary.

If a professor had given the above students a recommendation, the research head would likely value the recommendations of that professor much less than he or she would have had the students taken the opportunity seriously. As a great courtesy to yourself and everyone with whom you ever work or network, act professionally. When you are hired, work hard. While you are hired, work hard. When you quit, give two weeks notice and continue to work hard. Let your employers and contacts know that you are dedicated to doing what you are doing well, even if you find that it's not your cup of tea. Seeing that you are doing your best work will let your boss know that you are a good worker, which might result in a future recommendation, and will let your contact remain in good stead with your boss.

Remember to thank your contacts when they help you. If you do not show your gratitude, people will be much less likely to do favors for you in the future. As stated previously, a thank-you note or even a fruit basket would likely be much-appreciated by those that give you a hand in life.

Hopefully this three-part series on networking in college will be of use to you and will help you succeed in your personal and professional goals. If you have any feedback, feel free to leave your thoughts in the form of a comment. Thank you for reading!