Networking Through a Student Organization

Even during college, networking is important. Knowing an employee of a company can help give you the edge you need to secure a great internship or job. Here are a few tips to help get you noticed by business representatives in and after a club meeting.

During the club meetings, there will usually be a large number of members in attendance. These individuals comprise the group that you must stand out of. When a business contact can remember your face, it'll aide in his recognition of who you are later. If you arrive at the club meeting a little early, be sure to introduce yourself to the key speaker. Don't limit yourself to the contacts that you are immediately interested in, give all of them a chance. Even if the contact's job doesn't interest you, perhaps he can help you get a different job with the same company. If you're interested in his career field, mention it while speaking to him. He might give you some extra information about his company, which can help you decide whether you'd like a job with them. And at some point in the conversation, ask for a business card. It'll give you all of the contact information you'll need to speak to him in the future. If he has a presentation during the club meeting, wait until he is finished and ask a few questions. Typically, people are shy when it comes time to speaking in front of a group. Asking questions will show your interest in the subject and confidence.

Once you begin to correspond via e-mail, make sure you check your inbox daily. Following up promptly is something that business contacts really appreciate, even if they aren't always speedy in their responses. Write every e-mail with proper grammar. You should also take your time and reread the e-mail after your done; it will make you look more professional. If the contact doesn't reply right away, give them time and don't get discouraged. If he doesn't respond in 4-5 days, write a polite e-mail inquiring about whether the e-mail was received.

By building relationships with business contacts through school club networking, you can open a lot of doors for yourself when it comes to getting a job. It's very easy to build an extensive list of helpful contacts from simply being a member of a school club and speaking up. Just remember to make a positive impression when you first meet him, it'll last a long time.