Active professional networking is crucial when it comes to career growth. However, for many college students, even just the thought of networking events may seem completely scary and very intimidating. But the truth is, these kinds of events are not just rewarding but highly beneficial, and believe it or not they can also be quite fun too. If you’re a student about to launch your career or even if you have no idea what you want to do once you graduate, networking events will open many doors and can even make it easier to narrow down the exact job you would like to apply for. If you’re still unsure about this phenomenon, take a closer look at some of the reasons why it is so important for college students to attend different networking events.
Why Attending Networking Events Are So Important for College Students
Get Career Advice & Support
This is one of the best ways for college students to gain first-hand access to career advice and support. By speaking to experienced indicates within specific industries is a major benefit, not just for students but for kinds of people. At networking events, you will also have the opportunity to ask important questions related to certain careers that you may have. Experts also recommend that you obtain as many business cards and LinkedIn handles as possible, you never know who you might need to contact in the future.
Socialize
Spending a lot of time on campus or around thousands of college students can often get monotonous. So why not consider attending different kinds of networking events? And if you’re completely brave, try to do it alone! Networking events provide a great setting for both socializing as well as boosting your career possibilities, so it is a definite win-win situation. We understand that we are still going through a global pandemic, so many networking events are probably being held virtually, but it doesn’t matter. Whether it’s in person or online, networking is a great way to meet new people from all walks of life.
Job Opportunities
Expanding your contacts has been proven to open doors to new opportunities for business, career advancement, personal growth, or just new knowledge. Being an active networker can also help you build strong connections with potential employers or even recruiters. Not too many people are aware of this but, many jobs are not advertised, so this is why it is so important to get recognized by different connections. You just never know which key business influencers in your field may be at the next networking event.
Build Confidence
For college students who tend to be on the shy or reserved side, networking is a super way for you to build confidence. By continually putting yourself out there and meeting new people, you’re effectively stepping out of your comfort zone and building invaluable social skills as well as self-esteem that will always help you in the future. The bottom line is, the more you network, the more you’ll grow and learn how to make lasting connections.
