We strongly advocate for the building of relationships. Personal networking is the ideal way to develop relationships. It adds significant value and tools you will use in your everyday life.
What is networking? Networking is nothing more than getting to know people. Whether you realize it or not, you’re already networking every day and everywhere you go. You are networking on a constant basis. Every time you go to school, work, chapter, wherever, you are networking. Every time you establish a new relationship, you are networking.
There are numerous benefits to networking, here are five.
Campus and organization impact
Incorporating networking into your lifestyle will help your chapter recruit new leaders. It will also help you join and become a leader in other campus organizations. The more people you know on campus, the greater your network and, as a result, the greater your sphere of influence.
Academic pursuits
If you are trying to get into a particular academic program, having a strong relationship with a professional or academic contact can help you secure a good recommendation and increase your chances of acceptance.
Job search
Did you know that the vast majority of job openings are never advertised? It’s true; they’re filled by word of mouth. That’s why networking is a great way to find a job. With roughly 17 percent of Americans between the ages of 20 and 24 without a job and about two million college graduates unemployed, networking could prove to be a tremendous benefit to not only landing a job, but the job you want.
Personal relationships
Networking can help you make extraordinary friends on campus and in the community. These foster a strong college experience.
Community impact
Similar to leadership on campus or in your organization, networking will help you develop strong relationships which enable you to become a future community leader. The benefits associated with community leadership impact you personally and professionally.
It’s said that the biggest reasons that college students don’t network are that they don’t know the benefits of networking or consider themselves too shy to network.
We strongly advocate for the building of relationships. Personal networking is the ideal way to develop relationships. It adds significant value and tools you will use in your everyday life. Adopting a networking lifestyle—a lifestyle of connecting and helping others in good times and bad—will help greatly enhance your personal and professional life.