After graduating college, it is naïve to believe that you will automatically walk into a job, let alone the job of your choice. With so many people competing for the few jobs that are available, more than ever it is important to participate in activities, like networking, interning, and volunteering, that have the ability to help get your foot in the door.

NETWORKING

Networking is the act of connecting yourself to another person or an organization for the purpose of building personal or business contacts. It can be done online, through networking events, in the grocery store, and even at school.

Although networking is a word that scares some people because it involves striking up conversations with unfamiliar persons, it’s necessary for progression in business and life. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking, so it’s very important to network if you haven’t already started. Anyone could be a potential resource for you.

Your point in networking should not only be to get a job or a client, networking is a two-way street, relationships should be mutually beneficial. If someone in your network helps you out with a contact, be available and willing when you are called upon.

Here are a few tips for beginners

1.Find the person in the room who looks most friendly.
2.Go up to them, shake their hand, while introducing yourself, they will introduce themselves.
3.Compliment something they have on. That’s a nice tie, dress, shoes, etc. and go on to ask them what they do, how are they connected to the organization throwing party, event, etc.

Don’t wait until you need a job to start networking. Do it early and as often as possible.

INTERNSHIPS

An internship is a great opportunity to get hands on work experience in a certain industry and profession. It’s also a great way to decide if you’ll be happy working in a particular career field or if you need to rethink things. Internships are usually the length of a semester or five months, some are longer. Some of them are paid; others may give a monthly stipend, while others are unpaid.

Internships help you apply the knowledge gained in an academic setting with experience that can only be gained in a working environment. They also help in developing professional work practices, as well as giving you an understanding of the type of corporate culture or business setting in which you would like to work.
Most colleges and universities have listings of available internships in the department of your major or in the career and counseling office.

Make Sure You Connect

An internship is a great opportunity to not only gain work experience, but also to network with managers, executives, and others who have a hand in decision making at companies. While this is an opportunity for you to learn, it’s also an opportunity to make yourself stand out from the pack. Connect with others by showing initiative. Ask to learn something new or if you can accompany someone to a business meeting. YOU must manage your internship to make sure you are exposed to everything possible.

If you are successful in making connections and showing that you’re a hard worker who takes initiative, internships can lead to job openings upon graduation, if not something part-time before. Check out our interview with Omar Tyree in the Career Spotlight area for more information on why it’s so important to do internships.

Interning Abroad

The experience of an international internship is invaluable. It gives you exposure to international business and culture and it also offers the opportunity to observe differences in business outside of the United States.

Many colleges and universities offer summer abroad programs to students. Even if your career goal is not to work abroad or deal with international issues, this is a great opportunity and looks great on a resume. It shows that you can deal with diverse people and adjust to varying situations.

VOLUNTEERING

The number one reason that most people become volunteers is because they want to give back to the community and belief in the cause of an organization. Volunteering can also be used to gain valuable work experience as well as to increase your network of connections.

Just as interning gives you an opportunity to showcase your skills and meet various employees at all levels, volunteering offers the same opportunity. As you continue to volunteer with an organization you will become more familiar with the mission and how it operates. Being on the inside also offers the opportunity to learn of job openings possibly before they are introduced to the general public.

Volunteer opportunities are available at many non-profit organizations as well as some for-profits.