Importance of Networking
Networking is the key for maintaining contacts with people who might be helpful to you and your career. The reverse could also be true in some cases. It is also an extremely rich source for increasing one's knowledge-base. Various student organizations in schools across the country offer mentoring programs where freshers are introduced to seniors, alumni, faculty to provide guidance and advice. We can see that lots of social networking sites have sprung up over the past decade.
Networking is not just about meeting people and exchanging business cards; it is about building good relationships. There are many professional and volunteer organizations that have student chapters. They provide a good opportunity to meet people from the industry. Never pass up a meaningful conversation...you never know where it will take you!
Once your foot is in the door, the opportunities seem endless. Through many interviews, I have personally realized that it isn't always what you know but rather who you know. It's been just 2 weeks I finished school, but I have started to realize how valuable it is to network within your industry because often times it does boil down to who you know! Remember, the beauty of networking is to gain access to the knowledge and information that will allow one to advance.Tap into those connections - family, friends, alumni - they might probably lead you to someone who wants to hire you...