Just go out there and network, they said.

There you are. Standing at the job fair thinking, ‘I’m about to network like no one has ever networked in the network.’ You’re standing in front of desk after desk and were told to apply online with little to no face time with anyone. 

That’s the type of position ‘just network’ advice gets you in. It gives all the motivation without saying exactly what’s expected. Nothing tangible comes out of it and students are left using what they know about a job market they’ve never fully explored. 

What gaslighting gets you

It all culminates in a frustrating mess. If things go too far, you may even gaslight yourself into thinking you’re the problem. But you’re not. It’s the advice that isn’t helpful. It makes networking sound easy. In reality, there’s a lot of research, talking to people, follow-ups and a very long process that may not be fruitful until months or even years down the line. 

There’s also the myth that networking starts and ends at the job search. Networking is always happening. Even while you’re at school. It’s happening when you find your first job, all the way until your retirement. 

So what exactly is networking?

All networking means is building relationships.

Seems simple enough on the surface, but there are unwarranted pressures that come along with it. Not every relationship will lead to something. The pressure is in thinking every person you speak to in the industry has a job just waiting there for you. 

That’s almost never the case, but that person may have information that’s useful in your search. They may have an opportunity that seems small, but if you take it, it’ll be a great portfolio or resume piece. On the other hand, it may not. That’s the yin-yang of networking.  

Just like every other relationship, it needs to be a good fit. The relationship goes both ways. You’re enjoying their industry insights and they enjoy a list of your redeemable qualities. At the end of the day, it may lead to an opportunity.

Notice I didn’t say job opportunity. Despite what networking is made out to be, networking isn’t just walking into an interview straight away. It’s building a relationship that gives you experience, knowledge and may present a chance to participate in an event that will lead to more opportunities. 

The cycle keeps repeating until inevitably you’ll find someone who hires you, but the odds of that happening with the first person you meet are slim to none. 

See it as a chance to learn. To gain information about the person, industry and place of business. Ask yourself what you can do to provide value. 

How do you get the initial meet-up, though?

This is where most students struggle and what we all think when the word ‘networking’ gets into our brains. What can I do? The truth is you’re already doing it.

Have you ever had a conversation with a colleague? A professor? Your classmates? Had an opportunity to see what it’s like in your chosen field? Have you volunteered for anything?

You’ve networked just by getting to know people and taking any chances that have come your way. Job fairs alone aren’t going to cut it, although it’s one of many avenues to explore. Where students get stuck is thinking it’s the only networking outlet. 

Whatever your chosen career path, go to the source. Ask questions. Not about hiring you, but about taking a tour, asking how the insiders get their start or doing the old-fashioned cold call or email to participate in projects.

How to prepare

Going in with the right mentality is crucial. Understand that the goal isn’t to ‘schmooze’ your way into a job but to truly be curious about the industry, company or person you’re speaking with in that moment. There is no right message or universal saying that can accomplish this, just as there is no right way to make a friend. It’s organic and you’ll have to rely on your people skills. 

However, once you’ve gotten your foot in the door and someone is willing to speak with you, do your best to research everything you can about their work, the company and use your industry knowledge to cultivate a good relationship. 

This is probably the most important part and where most students mess up. Don’t put too much pressure on selling yourself. This isn’t the time to showcase your skills. This is the time to showcase your curiosity, passion and willingness to learn and make a new connection. 

According to the Association for Psychological Science, people form first impressions within the blink of an eye. So, if it doesn’t work out the way you thought it would, then don’t take it personally. You’ve at least gained valuable insight to bring into the next networking opportunity.

Remember to keep your LinkedIn updated. That’s basically your industry contact page and can also be utilized to explore even more opportunities out there and boast about all the projects you’ve been a part of. 

Keep updated through IGNITEstudentlife.com for any and all future networking events, including Speed Friending, our upcoming Job Fair on March 17 at the North campus and March 19 at the Lakeshore campus and any other fun events that happen throughout the year.

The IGNITE job fair is a perfect place to start building relationships with your student union and other students, even if you’re not going to be hired on the spot.

Events are for fun, but they’re also a great chance to meet people and form mutually beneficial relationships. At the end of the day, that’s networking.

Feature image courtesy of Andrea Piacquadio via Unsplash.

Need more tips on job hunting? We have the solution!

Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for all things student life.