We've all heard that networking is the key to getting a great job in a tight economy, but how does one network without turning into the business card wielding schmoozer that everyone dislikes? The first step is to remember that networking is simply making a new friend (usually in a specific field or organization).
Getting started:
- Keep an open mind about who might be helpful -- it truly is a small world and all of us are connected with fewer degrees of separation than you might expect
- Clarify your goals -- know what you really want to get from networking opportunities: knowledge of employment sectors, career fields, employers, departments, job titles, etc
- Know your strengths -- talking about strengths allows contacts to get to know you quickly and opens you up to careers and job titles you've never even heard of
- Identify potential contacts (see below) and a strategy for networking with them
- Develop a short personal script with 1) your name, 2) your organization, interests and/or skills, and 3) what you want from the other person. Adapt your script based on context, goal, context, etc.
For example, "My name is XX and I am working on my JD degree at the UW Law School. I am passionate about business and tax law. I particularly enjoy working with small businesses and entrepreneurs. I'm wondering if you can give me some ideas about what organizations, departments or job titles might make good use of my skills."
Identify Potential Networking Targets
Make a list of people, job titles, and/or organizations who you want to meet, and make a list of the people you already know. Once you have taken inventory of your contacts, you'll be able to create a plan for meeting new people.
Level 1 Contacts are people you already know personally (such as friends, family, teammates, neighbors, church members, book club members, etc) and professionally (like current or former classmates, teachers, bosses, coworkers, doctors, dentists, hairstylists, etc).
Level 2 Contacts are people you know through your Level 1 contacts -- friends of your friends. Ask your Level 1 Contacts if they can refer you to others who might have helpful information, or reach out to alumni or faculty for referrals.
Level 3 Contacts are people who you do not know, but with whom you are connected in some way -- graduated from the same college, members of the same organization, etc. Great ways to quickly expand your Level 3 Contacts include joining specialty groups on LinkedIn, inlcuding the UW Law School Alumni group (even if you're still a student), and joining WSBA practice area small sections and attending CLEs in those practice areas. If you attend an event, set a goal of meeting 1-3 attorneys at each event.
