Home from Spring break and all you want to do is sleep in, relax, go to the beach, hang out with friends and family. These are all well deserved relaxing things to do. However, it is a great time to think about interactions with friends, acquaintances and family as a way to do some in-person networking. While you are doing the the things fun and relaxing...things you love to do, take it one step further and let others know what you are doing at school, i.e., talk about your major, classes you are taking, your career aspirations, and your sports or club involvement. Also, take the time to ask these people questions, opinions and ideas for a little mentoring guidance.
What gave me the idea for this blog? While our son was home for Spring break I noticed how he took the time to meet and talk with some people. After he had finished his cycling training ride one morning, he mentioned he stopped after the ride to chat with other cyclists. He met a very nice cyclist who happens to be very knowledgeable about pro cycling and had relationships in the international cycling community. He followed up with a quick call to schedule a time for coffee. They met and had a great discussion and a new relationship was formed.
Later in the week, he met over coffee with another local cyclist (who is a good friend) to talk about summer cycling opportunities in Europe. As a result, they are discussing a real opportunity to ride in the Netherlands with a team over the summer.
The end results: Opportunity to meet someone new and start a great relationship, opportunity to cultivate an existing relationship and the ppportunity to share your passion for what you want to do. People care about students who are serious and passionate about what they do. Take the time to network and develop and cultivate relationships. The payoff could mean your next adventure, internship or even your first job.
Here are some tips for networking on breaks from school:
1. Make a Networking List: Before the break arrives, make a list of people you want to call or meet with. Try to target two to three people (or more) to connect with during your time off.
2. Arrange a Time to Meet: Email or call your list prior to your arrival and suggest having coffee or lunch.
3. Have an agenda: On your list, make note of things you would like to discuss, i.e., internship connections, opportunity for job shadowing, networking to make connections in your field of interest, possible reference or mentor, etc...
4. Followup: Send a thank you via email or written note just to say how much you appreciated them taking the time to connect with you.
5. Future Followup: Set up a reminder to email your contacts every 3 to 4 months to keep them updated on your progress.
Everything you do is a grand opportunity to network!
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