Becoming job-ready at university through networking

University students don't spend nearly enough time on becoming 'job-ready' or ready for the 'real world.'

That's a statement that I often hear, and somewhere I have to agree. Whether it's a Bachelor's degree or a Master's one, most students tend to get caught up in the academic life too much, and forget to focus on their imminent journey into the corporate world.

I was a student not too long ago. I graduated from the Australian National University with a Master of Management precisely 3 months back. During this period, I had the opportunity to reflect on my experience as a student.

Today, I am sharing a key piece of advice that I picked - networking during your studies. Incorporating this into university life to become job-ready is definitely helpful, if not crucial.

Why Network?

I know, we all have heard it tons of times. Learn to network. Master your networking skills. Make connections. Build relationships. To be honest, it's easier said than done. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try.

While it's great to develop relationships within university, it's also equally, if not more, important to develop relationships in the professional world.

It is important to remember that the objective of professional networking is not just to land a job (or an internship). Networking can help you make meaningful professional connections which can have the happy benefit of an internship or an informational interview or a connection to someone with a job opportunity for you.

But besides that, building your professional network can be fruitful to gain a mentor. Someone who can guide you towards your career path. For instance, I had the opportunity to find a mentor of sorts through networking, who guided me on what resources to follow and how to stay updated on the marketing and media industry in Australia.

Ways to Network

LinkedIn has made networking very easy, including for students. You not only get to connect with amazing people, follow relevant content that can help you stay updated with your preferred industry (knowledge that can benefit you when applying for jobs or during job interviews), but also learn what professionals are looking for in recruitment. And then of course, there is the advantage of learning about opportunities or getting that informational interview through a connection.

All you have to do - create a stellar LinkedIn profile and reach out to professionals in your area of interest. Once you have established a LinkedIn connection, make sure to send them a message, discuss their career journey, seek advice, and if appropriate, enquire about job/internship opportunities that they think could be useful to you.

It is a gradual process though - you don't want to come across as too demanding. Realising that the connection and the relationship you build with them is more important than straight-up getting what you need out of them is the first step. If you're not that great with DMs, asking to chat over a cup of coffee always helps.

Attending networking events at the same time is extremely important. If nothing, it will help you polish your presentation skills. You can try out your 'elevator pitch' while networking and perfect it before meeting potential employers (or even writing it out for cover letters).

I joined #LinkedInLocal CBR to brush up my networking skills during university. Participating in the events really helped me hone my communication skills as well as confidence and professional development. Not to forget, I gained some great connections!

You can search for networking events in your city, join associations relevant to your industry, or look for meet-ups happening that could have potentially relevant contacts for you. Make the most of such events by talking to people, following up for catch-ups, and absorbing as much knowledge as you can. Again, the focus is on building a professional relationship that can help you in the future.

Becoming job-ready

Armed with networking skills, you're ready to step out into the corporate world. Once you graduate from university, you would already have professional connections - online and offline - to provide you with advice and help you with opportunities. You may have a mentor to guide you through your journey.

You may have people working in places you're applying to, who may be willing to recommend you. You may even have made a connection who has a connection who could be looking for someone like you. And above all, you would be in touch with professionals who share their knowledge and content with their network, something that can definitely boost your professional development.

Moreover, consistent networking would have provided you with experience in talking to professionals and reaching out to new people - something transferable to your job-search and interviewing process.

What are your thoughts on networking? What kind of experiences have you had? What benefits have you observed? Do share and comment!