What Should Every Student Know About Networking?

Networking is the best way to enter the job market after university, and significantly to gain access to the hidden job market. In today’s job market having a CV with academic qualifications will likely not be enough to secure a job after university, as employers look to see what you have done beyond your degree. The earlier that you begin networking the better as it will ensure that you will be able to gain a plethora of relevant experience.

Each job experience you have will provide you with an opportunity to meet someone who can teach you invaluable skills relevant to your job sector. This then will give you the opportunity to utilise these skills in front of other individuals in your desired job sector and give you a chance to impress them. By doing this it would allow you to become especially memorable and potentially be offered another work opportunity.

When it comes to the job market someone will likely always know someone who helps. Especially if you have made a positive experience on an individual through showcasing your skills, this will astronomically improve your chances of being recommended to another industry professional. Additionally, when it comes to networking the most integral thing to do is make sure you get an individual’s details and provide them with yours. By putting yourself out there it will avidly demonstrate to employers your serious determination to be involved in the industry.

While at university one of the most important things you can do to create a reputable name for yourself is to create a LinkedIn profile. Think of LinkedIn as Instagram for careers. Anything that you do which is job-related can be posted about, whether it be a workshop, a placement or even freelance work. Creating your own brand online allows you to reach even more potential employers and allows them to directly connect with them or their companies. Notably, LinkedIn also offers a variety of online courses that can help to increase your employability.

Don’t forget that you have access to the Newcastle University career service. This offers an easy point of access to both internal and external internships across a variety of fields such as STEM, business or media. It is also especially useful as the university will be able to offer tailored advice on the most relevant skills to your desired field of work. In terms of needing a reference university also presents a prime opportunity to receive validation from a trusted individual, such as lecturers.

Even just having simple conversations with your peers, especially those who are in their final year, presents itself a comforting situation to receive realistic advice from people who are in the same situation as yourself. Who knows- maybe they will be able to get you in contact with someone who has helped them!