Learn how you can find better career opportunities through networking
As a student, it’s important to build relationships with professionals in your field — they can give encouragement and help you learn relevant job skills.
Even though networking is helpful to getting a job, it can feel overwhelming. You may wonder how to meet new people, start conversations, or talk about your professional skills or experiences.
Read about three BYU-Pathway Worldwide students who found career opportunities through networking to see how you can successfully build your own confidence and network.
1. Build confidence through practice
Through BYU-Pathway, Yuki Omine from Japan learned skills that helped him confidently build professional relationships. “I learned how to connect with new people and prepare a résumé,” he said. These skills helped Yuki find a better job at a global company.
Like Yuki, preparation can help you make connections with confidence. To prepare for meeting new people in person or online, consider practicing a short introduction about yourself.
Example: “Hello, I’m studying communications at BYU-Pathway and am interested in public relations. What advice would you have for someone pursuing work in this field?”
2. Contact professionals you already know
After her mission, Claudia Vazquez Rivero from Canada started BYU-Pathway. She learned to network by contacting working professionals she already knew.
“I got in contact with one of my friends from my old job. With the professional skills BYU-Pathway taught me, I was able to improve my networking techniques, which allowed me to gain a job in the company again,” she said.
Start by contacting people you already know, like your friends, family, and old coworkers. Even if they don’t have connections to current career opportunities, they may know someone else who does.
3. Make connections everywhere
The more professionals you connect with — both in person and virtually — the more likely you are to hear about a job opportunity.
Elise Smith from Utah, USA, made connections by applying for internships. “I took advantage of every opportunity I could find for internships, paid and unpaid,” she said. “This increased my network of professional opportunities and opened my eyes to what I could do with my education.”
You may consider:
- Talking to students in your gathering group.
- Messaging someone on LinkedIn in your desired field and asking to do an informational interview .
- Asking for referrals: “Do you know anyone in my field I could talk to?”
Nurture genuine relationships
Care for your professional relationships the same way you would nurture other friendships:
- Ask genuine questions: “What led you to this career field?” or “What parts of your work do you enjoy the most?” or “What advice do you have for someone pursuing similar work?”
- Follow through: If you tell a network contact you’ll do something, build trust by following through!
- Stay in touch: Connect with people on LinkedIn after meeting them in person.
Every effort you make to network is important, even if it doesn’t lead to a job. Building connections with people is a valuable life and professional skill that will help you. Don’t give up. Someday, you may be the connection someone needs to find success!
Network with confidence. Grow your network and expand your skills through an online degree program offered by BYU-Pathway.