I’m sure you’ve heard over and over that networking is THE thing you need to do to line up your next job or internship.
Fall term is full of opportunities to meet employers and alumni who want to meet with you. But, if you’re like me, the thought of going to an event filled with people you don’t know, talking about things you’re not sure about, with the goal of “selling yourself” sounds like torture.
Even after 25 years, I still have to psych myself up to go to networking events. That said, I can’t think of a single event where I walked away without having had an interesting conversation or learning something new.
Here are some things that I do to make sure my future-self doesn’t talk herself out of attending an event that my present-self knows will be valuable:
1. Pick a theme and be curious.
Yes, these events are set up to connect you with employers for the eventual purpose of hiring, but your goal should be to connect with people on a human level. Going into the event with a topic you’re interested in can help keep the conversation going and relieves the pressure of having to “sell yourself” as a potential candidate. For instance, at the upcoming BizPaths event, I’m definitely going to ask the guests how Generative AI has been impacting their work lives.
2. Activate your community
If other people know you plan on attending, then you will be more likely to attend. This could mean telling a professor, parent, or partner you’re going to go. Better yet, go with a friend!
3. Make it harder for your future self not to attend.
Anticipate the reasons you may talk yourself out of going like “I’m not wearing the right clothes, I have to study, I haven’t eaten, I didn’t research the companies”. Then, the week before the event, do some preliminary research. In the days leading up to the event, make sure you’re caught up on your homework. The night before the event, lay out the clothes you’re going to wear and throw some healthy snacks in your backpack. Take small steps early so the final step doesn’t feel so big.
4. Prepare and practice
Your Mohr team is here to help! Stop by Lillis 155 Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. to chat with our advisors about what to expect, how to prepare, and to practice asking questions. You can also find our resources on how to prepare for networking events on our website.
