How do you create a professional network as a student?
It would be incorrect to think that a professional network is built at the beginning of a career. In reality, a professional network is built from the years of study ! Being a student and networking is far from being incompatible; It is even a valuable tool to maximize your chances of finding a job quickly and meeting professionals in your field of activity. As a student, how do you build your professional network and who to turn to?
Talking to the right people
Internships, speakers, teachers... so many professionals at your fingertips !
Developing your professional network is a long-term and long-term job. You won't be able to find a job overnight, be well aware of that. The best thing to do is to start early and target different professionals around you. Indeed, your professional network mobilizes all the communities to which you belong. First, think about these different communities: your high school, your university, your internships, the members of your extracurricular activities, the members of your associative life...
1) Your former teachers
Throughout our school career, we have all met caring teachers, who have accompanied and advised us in our professional life. It is very important to keep in touch with them and keep them informed of your progress. You can ask them for various reasons : to obtain information on the jobs you are targeting, possible professional contacts, advice on how to improve your applications, a recommendation for a possible position, etc. If you keep the link, you can then establish a mentoring relationship that will bear fruit in your research.
2) Former classmates
If you are still a student, do not hesitate to create a first circle of contacts within your university ! It is very important to maintain good relationships with your classmates, as well as with people who are moving into fields that interest you.
In addition, as a student, you have probably met people from previous classes of your course. It's time to connect with them! Ask them how they found their first job and if there are any opportunities at certain companies.
See also: How to succeed in your interview with the STAR method?
3) Internship tutors
One of the best cards to play is your internships, since the professionals you meet generally work in a field that you like ! In addition, these people know you professionally and know what your skills are. They will then be better able to advise you, write you letters of recommendation or put you in touch with other professionals. With a bit of luck, these will be the very people who will offer you a job at the end of your internship!
Social networks to create your professional network
If you want to develop your professional network, the first thing to do is to register on LinkedIn and create a solid profile! Feel free to update your profile regularly and be actif.ve by posting, commenting and resharing content. Linkedin's algorithm will put you much more forward if it sees that your profile is complete, that you connect and interact with other users often .
Of course, it is also an opportunity to add to your relationships all the professionals mentioned that you have met during your school career. It is very common for them to share internship and job offers for which you can apply directly. To do this, take care of your image on social networks! Pay attention to the profile picture you use and keep it professional while remaining authentic. If you are interested in a company, do not hesitate to contact its employees and directors. This will show your motivation and professionalism and at the same time expand your professional network.
You now know that your professional network is built before you find your first job. Networking early on leads to better opportunities and familiarizes you with a field of activity. Above all, remember to remain grateful with the contacts who helped you in this process and inform them of your career development. Indeed, it is not enough to just create a professional network, it is necessary to maintain it so that it accompanies you throughout your career !
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