In the interdependent world of today, networking is a vital ability for students at every level of their academic journey, and is not just a buzzword for individuals in business. A learner’s personal, educational, and future professional life can be profoundly impacted by forming connections and fostering relationships.
Let’s examine the benefits of networking to learners and how you can make use of it.
1. Why is networking so important for students and what does it entail?
Creating and sustaining professional connections with colleagues, instructors, former students, and business leaders is the goal of networking. It gives pupil the chance to:
Absorb from the Others: Networking provides an opportunity to acquire knowledge from a variety of viewpoints and experiences, fostering both professional and personal development.
Opportunities for Access: Networking can unlock gates that might otherwise stay closed, such as research projects and internships. These research projects and internships are often a key credit in higher educational institutions and provide a sustainable ground for networking.
Future-Ready: Establishing a network at the beginning of a student’s academic career provides a strong basis for subsequent job hunts and professional growth.
2. Workable Strategies for Students to Begin Networking
The following is how to start your networking journey:
Join Clubs and Student Organizations: Get involved in groups that match your hobbies and professional objectives. They provide a relaxed environment where like-minded people can gather. Student clubs in different domains of the respective education discipline serve as idea culmination platforms for students.
Make Use of Social Media: Websites such as LinkedIn are excellent resources for making connections with experts in your area of interest.
Attend Workshops and Industry Events: Attending conferences, seminars, and guest lectures offers the chance to network with business executives and learn about possible career pathways. Higher education institutions act as an interface between students and industry experts to integrate industry and academic standards.
Interact with Alumni: A lot of universities have networks of former students that can serve as mentors or provide connections with businesses.
3. Networking Etiquette: Establishing Valuable Relationships
Networking that works goes beyond simply making contacts. Here are some rules to follow:
Be Sincere: When networking, show others that you genuinely care about them rather than merely what they can accomplish for you.
Subsequent Action: After a meeting, writing an acknowledgment email or LinkedIn message expresses gratitude and strengthens the relationship.
Offer Value: Networking is a two-way street. Seek out opportunities to help others succeed—whether it is by providing information, encouragement, or connections.
4. Using Your Network: Going Beyond Education
Having a strong student network can help you throughout your life as you make the shift from college to the working world.
Seek Advice: Don’t be afraid to ask your network for advice on a job, critiques on your resume, or industry insights.
Remain Involved: Keep your contacts informed about your accomplishments and growth on a regular basis, and express interest in theirs.
5. Accepting the Influence of Relationships
More than just a means of advancing one’s profession, networking as a student can lead to deeper learning, long-lasting connections, and personal growth. Through realizing the value of networking and making an effort to connect with others, students set themselves up for success in the classroom as well as later in life.
Putting money into networking is like putting money into yourself. Get started right away to allow the cumulative effect of networking to assist you in taking flight.
Dr. Punitika Batra
Assistant professor
(Jagannath Institute of Management Sciences)