Editor's note: This story originally appeared in the fall 2023 issue of ASU Thrive magazine.
Written by Beverly Johnson, associate director of career readiness for ASU Career Services.
If you are looking for career advice these days, you’ll see something about networking. What exactly is it, and why is it so important?
Networking is a powerful career development strategy. Leveraging online networking platforms makes finding information and opportunities as easy as scrolling through your feed while you sip your morning coffee. Many career fairs, employer panels and info sessions can take place via virtual platforms, making it easy to participate even if you’re short on time or unable to travel.
Use this advice to make networking easy.
Update your LinkedIn account and join the ASU Alumni group
Once you’ve established your profile and added contacts, stay active on the platform. Check on your connections. Try asking questions or leaving thoughtful comments on posts. Repost content with your ideas added. Follow organizations, professional associations and hashtags so your feed will become a valuable source of job openings, career events, articles and resources.
While you’re online, join the ASU Alumni group and alumni groups from your college to network with other graduates. This is a quick way to get connected to a strong network.
Attend events
Online or in-person events are great ways to diversify your networking strategy. Check out events offered by ASU, professional associations and other organizations.
One of the easiest ways to build your network is to attend webinars or talks with guest speakers on topics you want to learn more about. Meeting like-minded people makes it easier for you to kick off a conversation. Follow up by adding your connections on LinkedIn.
Break out of your daily routine
The best way to make deeper connections is by working with new people. Consider joining committees or stepping up to take on collaborative projects. Join industry-related professional associations. Volunteering is another good way to build your network.
Regardless of your professional goals, networking can make all the difference in your career development. Your network can help you find and score new opportunities. In turn, you can help others in your network find their next big opportunity. It’s all about people doing what they can to lift each other up.
Resources from ASU
Go to career.asu.edu and on LinkedIn for videos, opportunities to meet with a career specialist and networking connections.
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