Networking Time!
Regardless of whether you are in your first year or your fourth, it is never too late to start networking!
By Simran Kaur
Networking is key for university students, whether they are just starting out, or are looking to seek wider connections before graduating. When thinking of networking, you immediately think about finding a job or getting a referral, but there is so much more that can help you out as a student when it comes to networking. Developing soft skills is a must in human resources, and through networking, you can seek assistance in being able to develop skills such as communication, empathy, and professionalism, which are all highly valued in HR. At the same time, networking also provides valuable insights into industry trends and understanding market insights to ensure that you are up-to-date on all industry-related matters, which can help in your job search, making informed career choices, and in the future, it can help with strategic HR planning and development.
Successful networking allows students to receive a lot of assistance during their job search process. The first way this happens is by having increased access to job opportunities as various job vacancies are not advertised publicly and are rather filled through word of mouth, which allows students to have access to hidden job markets. Networking also allows students to receive mentorship opportunities where they can receive advice on career development, job search strategies, and feedback on resumes and interview techniques. Engaging with professionals also allows students to build their own personal brand that includes their skills, education levels, and experiences, which helps increase their visibility among potential employees. With such engagement leading to long-term professional relationships, it can allow students to receive recommendations and job leads, which not only help students when they are starting but can also help them later in their careers. According to Forbes.com, when networking, it is essential to ensure that you are thinking broadly, choosing wisely, and being purposeful towards each professional that you connect with to ensure that you can build a lasting relationship.
Through this, it can be inferred that networking is a crucial tool that is essential for university students, not only for them to be able to enhance their job search, but also to foster personal growth and personal development. Many courses in our program encourage networking and provide strategies on how to use it for their benefit, including IRE242: Human Resources Management, IRE348: Recruitment and Selection, and IRE346: HR Planning and Strategy. Although these courses do not directly discuss the importance of networking, the concepts discussed through these courses allow students to get a better understanding of how they can use networking to their greatest benefit.
Now, I understand that networking can seem scary and nerve-wracking, but if you are confident in yourself and are able to find the right professionals to connect with, you will recognize the benefits that come along with effective networking. To become a skilled networker, have a look at our very own Networking Guide, which includes tips and advice on how to try networking, some resources that can be used, and how to get the most out of networking. If you are still having trouble, try connecting with our Centre’s Career Development Officer to seek some more guidance on how to make connections and excel.
To support our IRHR community, we recently held a networking night event where undergraduate students had a chance to network with alumni and learn more about the current job market, receive tips on how to approach job applications and the interview process and learn more about what different jobs look like. With alumni coming from various organizations including KPMG, IBM, Accenture, and PwC, it gave our students a chance to build connections, share their talents and achievements, and create a path for their future job opportunities. To become effective networkers, many students used tips and advice that were given in our Networking Guide, to ensure that they can learn from their peers and alumni, but also to present their best selves and make the most of our event!
Exec Tip of the Month
When reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn or any other platform, reach out thoughtfully and with a purpose. One mistake many students make is that they copy and paste the same message and send it to many people without personalizing it to each individual. I always choose to make it clear that I am looking for guidance and information, rather than looking for a job opening. Personalizing your message is also key as that would allow you to share why you chose to reach out to someone specifically as a respectful and well-researched approach increases your chance of receiving a positive response.