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 starting from your student years! Being a student and networking are far from incompatible; it even turns out to be 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 should you turn to?

Reach out to the right people 

Internships, guest speakers, professors... so many professionals right at your fingertips !

Developing your professional network is a long-term effort and takes place over time. You won't be able to find a job overnight, so be well aware of that. The best approach is to start early and target various professionals in your circle. 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, members of your extracurricular activities, members of your student life...

1) Your former professors

Throughout our educational journey, we have all met caring professors who supported and advised us in our professional lives. It is very important to keep in touch with them and keep them updated on your progress. You can reach out to them for various reasons : to get information about the professions you are targeting, potential professional contacts, advice to improve your applications, a recommendation for a potential position... If you maintain the connection, you will then be able to establish a mentoring relationship that will pay off in your job search.