Applying to over 100+ internships on LinkedIn? Still getting no response? Try networking.
Networking events are valuable for every student looking for internships, inspiring opportunities, or just to expand their professional network. You can find networking events or events with an embedded networking part almost in any city. Pick the event with the speakers and companies that spark your interest and make the most out of the experience.
If you already signed up for your first networking event, here’s how to maximize your opportunities.
1. Prepare Ahead Of Time
Before attending, research the event and its attendees. Familiarize yourself with speakers and companies. Use LinkedIn or the event’s attendee list to identify key people you want to connect with. Research the companies you are mostly interested in and their open positions. Prioritizing people that you are inspired to get to know will help you to not feel lost and make use of the time wisely.
2. Craft Your Elevator Pitch
Develop a brief (a couple of minutes would be enough) and engaging introduction that highlights who you are, what you do, and your career goals. Follow a simple structure: talk about your background, studies, professional goals and aspirations. Try to tailor your elevator pitch to your unique story. Highlight why you stand out and what motivates you.
Practice your pitch on your friends or family to make it feel natural. A strong and coherent elevator pitch will help you make a great forest impression.
3. Be Approachable
Dress professionally yet comfortably. If it’s your first time at these types of events, check the dress code in the invitation, otherwise, opt for business casual.
Try to make eye contact and smile. Positive body language makes you approachable and engaging. Always be open for a conversation, sometimes the best connections are made when you least expect it.
4. Engage in meaningful Conversations
Try to always listen more than you speak. Ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest in others’ experiences. This helps you learn and shows that you value their perspective.
Look for shared interests or experiences to establish connections. Common ground helps build the foundation of the conversation and make it memorable.
Be yourself and share your true interests and goals. Authenticity makes you more memorable and relatable.
5. Use LinkedIn To Your Advantage
Send personalized LinkedIn connection requests after meeting someone. Mention specifics from your conversation to reinforce the connection. That would highlight your interest and show that you are genuinely interested in the person you’re connecting with.
After the event, send thank-you notes to the people you’ve connected with.
This leaves a lasting impression and fosters future interactions. If you’re planning to post regarding the event to your network, you can mention the connections you’ve made and how much you value them.
Don’t forget to stay in touch with new contacts by sharing relevant articles, congratulating them on achievements, or periodically checking in. Even leaving a simple comment under the post they’ve shared is already enough to keep your name in their network. Regular interactions like this strengthen professional relationships. So, when you see an interesting position popping up in a new company, you will already have a connection to one of the employees, so you can ask for a reference or contacts of the recruiter.
6. Reflect And Improve
Reflect on your experience post-event. Identify what went well and areas for improvement to enhance your networking skills.
Set specific goals for your next event, such as meeting a certain number of new people or improving your elevator pitch. Clear objectives keep you focused and motivated. Don’t focus too much on negative things, it’s important to celebrate the small wins too.
Final Thoughts
Despite the fact that networking events may seem intimidating, it’s a great opportunity to make useful professional connections. By preparing ahead of time, engaging in meaningful conversations, utilizing LinkedIn, and following up effectively, you can maximize your value of these events. Who knows, maybe the next job opportunity is just around the corner.
Keep in mind that networking is about building lasting professional relationships, so approach each event with a positive attitude, be genuine, and enjoy connecting with others.
Disclaimer: The College Gate is not affiliated with Institution. All the content is generated by current students based on general basis and own experiences.
