COLUMN: Networking is the key to success
For most students, the sole purpose of college is to receive a degree and major in an area of expertise. But there is another equally important factor that is often overlooked.
Today, it has become crucial for people to excel in school and receive a college education, but it has always been just as beneficial to draw connections with others within your community.
A common phrase that I am quite familiar with is, “It’s not always what you know, but who you know.” It used to be a phrase that I would repeatedly hear around me, but now it is a statement that has been instilled in me.
There are many types of networking styles, but they all revolve around the same concept: Associating with others and forming connections.
Often times, social networking sites are frowned upon for consuming many people’s lives, but, in all reality, we should be taking advantage of these websites.
I’m sure everyone has either been told or had the chance to say, “what a small world,” and it truly is amazing how small the world actually is. Considering that, I think that is vital for people to always dress to impress and be as professional as possible with all encounters.
Everyone wants to succeed in life, whether it be academically, socially, physically, spiritually, etc., and I have come to know that networking is an aspect that needs to occur.
So, next time you are at a meeting, dinner, event or really any occasion, make it a point to introduce yourself to everyone and make it a point to converse in any way possible, because you never know what that one conversation can lead to.
A simple “Hi, my name is …” can be the perfect way to jump start your career, and you won’t ever know the outcome until you put yourself out there and meet the people who could someday change your life.
College is a time to transition from being a teenager to an adult, a time to discover your passion and a time to interact amongst others. It is the time to learn and grow, and, in order for that to happen, it is just as beneficial for networking to take place.
With that being said, always be mindful of your surroundings, exercise your resources in all ways possible and acknowledge that it’s not always what you know, but who you know and who knows you.
