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Storified by Shannon Lehotsky · Fri, Jul 27 2012 13:36:25
Upon graduating, you will already have a professional network. It will include not only internship advisors and teachers, but also fellow students. These connections will help with your job hunt, so we’ve put together a few tips that will help you build a strong network while you’re still in school.
1. Create a LinkedIn profile – now. Your resume doesn’t have to be lengthy before it can be uploaded to LinkedIn. Create a profile now and your connections will trickle in, making your network grow over time. LinkedIn will show your name as a possible connection to others, making it easy for people to add you to their network, and vice versa. Also, you can get more exposure by joining groups or attending events related to your industry.
Already on LinkedIn? Make sure you’re using it to it’s fullest potential:
5 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do on LinkedInLinkedIn isn’t just a digital destination for your resume; it’s a vibrant online hub offering all kinds of useful information, tools and …
2. Keep your social media profiles appropriate. Thirty-seven percent of employers will check out your Facebook profile before inviting you to interview. That doesn’t mention your Twitter, Pinterest, and blog – so keep it PC, people! This doesn’t mean you can’t have a personality online – just make sure there’s no profanity, offensive or inappropriate content. For an added boost, post content relevant to your industry to brand yourself as a thought leader. You can also create separate social media accounts – one for social use that is private, and one for professional use, which is public.
Don’t be these guys:
17 People Who Were Fired For Using FacebookDon’t post status updates about your employer.
3. Treat students the same way you would colleagues.
Because once you graduate, your classmates will become your largest network. Your work ethic on a class project or student organization may contribute to someone’s opinion of your work ethic in the professional world. So approach tasks with a positive attitude and make sure you’re a reliable member of the group – developing those traits will help you help you in the long run, too.
Just remembers – you might need a reference from the green man one day.
Group Work HumorPinterest
4. Schedule informational interviews. Speaking to industry leaders not only leads to individual connections, but will also help you with interviewing skills. These meetings don’t have to be long and they don’t need to be with the CEO of a company. Just a coffee date is a good way to get your foot in the door, and allow you to perfect your personal elevator pitch.
Not sure what an Informational Interview is? About.com has the breakdown for you:
Informational InterviewSkillfully used, an informational interview is one of the most valuable sources of occupational information. While it may cover some of t…
5. Reach out regularly – not just when you need something. It’s easy to fall out of touch with individuals with whom you are no longer working. Make an effort to send emails just to say “hi” and pay visits to old teachers and internships regularly – that way, once you need a recommendation, you’ll have references from people who still remember you and the work you completed for them.
