Networking
Networking starts with genuinely engaging with people — connecting with those you already know and expanding those connections to others — to learn about their careers and to share your hopes and aspirations in a professional way. The ultimate goal of networking is to simply build relationships.
For Virginia Tech graduates, personal contacts and networking are consistently the largest source for learning about their first jobs after earning their undergraduate degree. In fact, we ask each academic year’s seniors, and 18% – 45% of new grads got their first job through networking contacts and referrals (this varies by year and by undergraduate college and major).
Networking is a way for you to not only know people, but for them to have the chance to get to know you. Real networking is relationship-building, not just making online connections with people who don’t know you.
Online Networking
When you think of networking, you might immediately think of LinkedIn, which is the primary tool online tool for professional networking.
If you would like guidance on how to use LinkedIn, check out this Ultimate Guide to LinkedIn for Students
One of the first things you can do is to update your profile picture using a professional photo. If you don’t already have one, no problem! You can make an appointment today with CPD’s Iris Photo Booth to get free professional photos.
