Networking: From the Inside Out

Getting the opportunity to prove one’s ability to perform a job is what students work to do. However, they expect a job offer simply because they have earned a college degree. This accomplishment in itself is not enough to set them apart from the countless others who have also earned theirs. What is needed is a contact for meeting people in their chosen profession. Such contact is critical in the job search and current job market which is difficult but not impenetrable. Although hiring is down from last year, many companies still plan to hire college graduates this year according to surveys by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Networking

The key is networking which leads to possible job interviews. Getting students to understand the importance of building an “inside contact” list is essential. Helping them to identify individuals to include on their list is an “inside out” process. They should start with people that are close to them such as family and friends. This strategy is beneficial because it helps in establishing a list of individuals who have a sense of both their personal and professional skills. So when they begin to contact them, a relationship has been pre-established.

Students are to then move outward to include alumni, advisors and professors as they extend their contact list. This list will serve as a viable resource to assist them in their job search. The idea of building an “outside contact” list which at first is one dimensional and needs to be expounded by contacting the individuals and building relationships. Students should be able to recognize this “outside” step in the networking process as a job with the potential for long-term benefits leading to the ultimate goal- employment.

Examining

Examine your relationships from the “inside out” and you will discover that you probably have a strong network in place. Making yourself seen in terms of the career that you seek is important. It is also important that you take the time to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and dispositions in order to build relationships with individuals who make themselves available to help you with your job search by providing information and sharing their insight and expertise on their career field and industry.

The “Inside Out” Idea

The idea of “networking from the inside out” involves three elements: a belief that every person has a circle of people who know their worth and are able to provide direction for career searching; everyone must strive to create an environment that encourages and stimulates them to find personal direction and every person must establish a belief that there is a job for them with their name on it.