Making Professional Connections
Most people do not land jobs through advertisements and online job postings—they find jobs through their professional and personal contacts, i.e. through networking. Networking will likely help you find your first job and will also be crucial as you advance in your career.
Networking Anxiety
To some students, networking sounds fun: meeting new people, discussing experiences, passions, and careers, building a circle of colleagues and contacts. To others, networking sounds intimidating: reaching out, contacting strangers, asking for help.
It is not uncommon to fear networking. You may be naturally introverted, or feel that networking is fake or insincere. You may not want to bother people, feel you’re taking too much of their time, or fear rejection.
The reality is that people like to help others, especially professionally. They love to talk about themselves and their jobs. They may be flattered when you ask for their time or expertise, and they may get as much out of the contact as you do.
If it still sounds awful, consider meeting with a career advisor to find a way to make it work for you.
Benefits of Networking
- You may learn about job opportunities early in the search process, when you can still help shape the job descriptions and influence the level and pay range of the position.
- You’ll face less competition, as only a few other people will access the organization through networking.
- You’ll access potential employers who may not respond to a direct letter and resume.
- You may be recommended by someone the manger knows, which will give you an added advantage.
Getting Started
If you’re uncertain about your networking skills, start by practicing with a friend, family member, or a career advisor. You might consider striking up conversations while traveling, at social gatherings, at lectures, or meetings—any time, any place. Think of these conversations as opportunities to network.
Think broadly: Through networking, you can find out about practically anything. Whether you’re looking for housing, thinking of relocating, comparing graduate and professional schools, seeking a reputable temp agency, or simply looking for the best restaurant or bookstore around, networking is an important skill to cultivate.
Everyone is a Possible Contact
- Tell family, friends, other students, and acquaintances about your career interests. Tap into their networks and share your own.
- Join professional associations and attend conferences. These are excellent networking resources. Talk to your professors or do online research to locate them. Google “professional associations” and your field, and you’ll find many options.
- Former supervisors and internship sponsors may be willing to suggest contacts in their field.
- Faculty members often have connections beyond UMass Amherst. Discuss your search with them.
- Have you attended a lecture or read an article by someone whose work you admire? Contact the person for further information.
- Contact an organization directly to ask about arranging an informational interview (see more on informational interviewing below).
Next Steps: Follow up on information provided by your initial contacts. Follow the leads as far as possible. Ask each contact for more contacts. Keep notes. Stay in touch with your contact through thank-you notes and updates.
