While preparing for postgrad life and their respective career fields, Kennesaw State students should understand the importance of community and networking.
In college, there is an emphasis on academic success. While academics are important, sometimes the focus is too great where other equally important aspects of college are overlooked, such as networking.
Networking in college is beyond making friends and rather focuses on thinking ahead to one’s future career. Networking in college is a great way to learn more about a desired field of study or work, receive internships to get hands-on experience and truly figure out if it is the best career path for that student.
Visit the campus career center
According to Top Resume, visiting the campus career center can be a great resource for networking and finding communities. Career centers hold events like job fairs where students can submit their resumes and interview in person. Even if a company decides to go with another candidate, recruiters often remember meeting students at such events and can retain their resumes for future job openings.
Create a LinkedIn Account
According to a contributor for Best Colleges, Chinh Ngo, making a LinkedIn Account or any other networking account is a great way to network for someone that may struggle with meeting people in person. Just like any other social media platform, LinkedIn is all about connecting with as many people as possible- with the added bonus of getting a job or an internship. Students should connect with not only their friends but also their professors and people in their cohorts so that students can quickly connect and be referred to companies.
Cold Emails
According to a former contributor for Forbes Magazine, Liz Wessel, one of the best ways to network in college is to email people that work for companies or in specific roles that students aspire to be in. Connecting with people that work in the student’s desired field can land them internships or at least more information about the career path. Professionals are more likely to assist college students that are looking to get hired right outside of graduation.
