How to Network for the Young Professional

How to Network for the Young Professional I recently attended a career seminar at my school and was reminded  of a few things. Know what networking is and what networking is not. Networking is not about business cards, bothering people, emailing people and waiting for them to reply.   Networking is about building a  wide array  of  connections that can put a face with your name and resume.   These connections are resources for providing guidance, support and employment opportunities. Networking is about  how you can help others, not what others can do for you. If you think for a second that you should go to dinner with  a certain person because they can  introduce you  to their contacts, you are doomed from the start.   Think instead about what you can offer other people and what knowledge you can  provide to  them.   When others see how valuable you are to know, they will immediately trust you enough to introduce you to  their contacts. You only have 5 seconds to make a first impression, make it count. Remember to dress professionally because you want  someones first impression of you  to be very positive because that is how they will remember you.   Do you want to stand out by being the only person with jeans on in the room or the person that looks the best dressed?   The key is to look the part before you get it. Have  a one sentence introduction prepared and ready to go.   Usually, when you first meet someone, you may not have time for an elevator speech.    But,  you do have time for  one sentence that says your name, what you do or what you would like to do.   This will help the other person  remember you and give them an idea of what you can help them with  or what you are interested in.   It is as easy as Hi, my name is Anna and I am an MBA student looking for a marketing job.   What is your one sentence speech? Dont leave home without your business card.   Dont be the person who forgot to bring their business card with them.   The people you meet will never remember you if you dont give them something to remember you by.   Even if you dont have a job, you can make your own business cards.   Check out the career center at your school for a  template or you can search online to find great business cards.   It doesnt have to say much besides your name, phone number and  email address. If you want to reach your full potential, constantly be looking to expand and further your network.   Dont just wait until you lose your job.   The best time is now! How do you make a good first impression?