SERIES 2: BUILDING YOUR NETWORK

Developing connections with students and business professionals early on is a great way to add value to your education and kickstart your career. In addition to “getting your foot in the door,” networking will allow you to also gain insight into different roles and industries.

However, this is easier said than done — how does one actually network?

We asked senior co-op students their thoughts on networking, and how they have succeeded in making themselves stand out. Keep reading on for some useful tips on how to build your network!

When it comes to networking, many questions may come to mind on how to start and how to get comfortable with it: 

Virtual Networking: How to make it meaningful

• How can I stay engaged in a virtual setting and still maintain professionalism?

• How does the strategy for virtual networking differ from in-person networking?

• Are there any advantages to virtual networking?

• How can I express engagement through body language during a virtual setting?

How to network on Linkedin or other “professional social networking apps”:

• How should I open up the conversation?

• Who to target - who are good people to connect with, and who should I avoid?

• Should you target students or management first?

• How to be open and sound interested?

• When to follow up - if no response at first?

• How to build long lasting relationships? 

In-Person Networking: The Do’s and Don'ts

• How to approach it with confidence?

• Again, should the target be (student or management)?

• Ways to stay connected and work towards forming a bond?

• How to end a networking session with someone (like how to keep it open for future discussions)

• What to prepare before networking

To answer some of the questions mentioned above, we asked our fellow co-op students to provide some useful tips:

In-Person or Virtual Networking: 

Attend as many networking events as you feel you can within your capacity. Diversify your events — you never know what may spark your interest!

Where to find networking events? The CareerConnect dashboard upcoming events/workshops, then you register for events.

Smile, and make sure to read people’s facial expressions and body language. Don’t be scared to talk, but also make sure to leave space for others to engage with the recruiters. Always dress to impress!

Ask as many questions as you can, this allows professionals to remember you when he or she connects in the future. Try to find personal connections between you and the professional, like a common interest. Use this to stand out from other students who may sit in the background and observe. 

Prepare a list of good, open-ended questions. Some questions you may want to ask: 

1. What are your primary job responsibilities? 

2. What is your own background and experience before coming to this company (career path)?

3. What do you like most about this company? 

4. What’s your favourite part of your job? 

5. What skills have you found essential for success in this occupation? 

6. Could you tell me about one of the main challenges you face right now in this position? / what is the biggest obstacle you have faced in your career so far? 

7. What advice will you give to an undergraduate student who wants to pursue a designation (CPA, CFA, CFP etc.) after graduation? 

Send a thank you email after the event or connect with them on LinkedIn. Be sure to send a message upon connecting reminding them of where you met. If a conversation sparks, you can try and follow up for a coffee chat. 

Networking on Campus: 

You can meet fantastic people when you are involved in clubs. Ask for advice. 

Your school peers can often be an incredible asset and direct you to new job opportunities now and post graduation.

LinkedIn Networking:

Use virtual chats in LinkedIn to your advantage, but only with those that you find interesting and maybe have a common interest/experience.

Remember that your goal is to learn more about them, and their role, and what you can do to improve.

Words of advice from our Operations Director, Carter Gauf:

Networking is a choice. In the modern business world, there are infinite opportunities to connect and build your network right from your fingertips. Building relationships and extending the reach of your network is a critical stepping stone as you look to gain experience and start your career. As someone trying to get on the inside of one of the tightest knit industries in the world —professional sports — I will stress the importance of networking and provide some insights and advice as you look to craft your professional network.

Get Involved

As you look to build your network and foster relationships, you need to put yourself out there. Attend events of interest that will expose you to like-minded individuals that are/ have been in your shoes. These events can be networking events, conferences, virtual events, charity events, career fairs, the possibilities are endless! It may seem overwhelming and that is why you need to plan ahead and keep your eye out for these opportunities. Luckily, the University keeps you informed on events that are always taking place around the city — take advantage of it!

Sell Yourself

Everything you are involved in, post about, and the way you present yourself play into your personal brand. When thinking about building your network, it is important to present the best version of yourself; you never know who’s watching — being diligent with your personal brand will lead to opportunities to connect and even career opportunities that you don’t want to pass up. Leveraging tools like LinkedIn for example, is a great way to promote your personal brand and present the best version of yourself to professionals and potential employers.

Be Persistent 

Sometimes networking events or connections that you build may seem like they will never go anywhere. It is important you stay persistent and be open to rejection, as you never know where networking might take you. Speak to people at events, make that cold call, send that email because you never know where it might take you and building these connections far outweighs the small amount of rejection you may face.

Following these rules and being consistent with my approach to networking has allowed me to build connections with professionals I never thought I could. Trying to get involved within professional sports, I have formed many connections within the NHL, attended professional draft events, and have received career opportunities. Without building a network and forming genuine relationships, that would have never been possible.

Now that you know all about how to connect with your peers, recruiters, and potential employers, go ahead and give these tips a shot — they will surely help you stand out and be memorable. Happy networking!