Networking begins with talking to people. By maintaining these contacts, your professional and social circles grows — it’s as simple as that.
Your network includes: your friends, family, alumni, former employers, contacts at a former place of work, coaches, etc.
When you maintain relationships with people in your network and stay in periodic contact, your contacts get to know you better — and you stay top-of-mind. Send your network a message when you get a job or internship or when you win an award in school. Get in the habit of reaching out to your network every six months with an update or a check in.
Rules of networking: Never, point blank, just ask for a job. Stay positive, always send thank you messages, be mindful of spelling and grammar, and return favors — help others in your network!
