How to network effectively as a fresh graduate?

As a graduate, you have probably hear people telling you that you need to put yourself out there and network with industry professionals as a way to grow your career. For some people, networking can be second-nature. For others, it can feel a little bit daunting, especially if you’re not used to talking with experienced professionals. But, worry not! In this post, we will share with you some networking tips that will help you to network effectively as a fresh graduate.

Focus on quality, not quantity.

Some people focus on the quantity of networks and connections that they make (be it in person, via Linkedin, or a mix of both). In reality, it is the quality of the contacts that you make that matters the most.

When you are attending a networking event, you want to focus on having meaningful conversations. Spend a little more time and effort into really building a strong relationship with the person that you are speaking with, rather than going around the room on a ‘collecting business cards‘ journey.

Start small, and grow from there.

When you think about how to network, think about the people you already have in your current network. You don’t have to automatically start connecting and networking with the top management or senior leaders in the industry. Start small and network with the people in your network, such as alumni from your university, or friends of friends and family. You can also reach out to those who are just starting out in their careers. This would allow you to get an idea about what it would be like as a young professional in the industry. You may also get tips and insights into how the interview process works, which can ultimately help you in your interview process.

Top industry leaders are good as a point of reference – to keep updated with the latest news and trends in the industry. But as they generally work on a more strategic-level, they may be a little out of touch with the recruitment process for graduates. You should still follow them on LinkedIn, of course, but do not limit your networking efforts only with the top industry leaders.

Know what you can offer, more than your professional experiences.

As a graduate, you are so much more than just what you studied or where you interned at. Think about all your life experiences and how they contributed to who you are as an individual. This includes things like your extracurricular activities, your personal hobbies or interests, and your voluntary experiences. All of these experiences helped to develop your soft skills and shaped your perspectives about the world.

When talking to a new connection, try to find a common interest or topic to talk about, even if it is non-work related. After all, you can develop a more meaningful conversation when you have something in common, rather than trying to regurgitate everything on your resume.

Develop your personal brand online.

With ample opportunities to network online, such as on LinkedIn, it’s more important than ever to spend time to develop your personal brand. You no longer have to wait to attend an in-person networking event to make connections in the industry. When you have a strong personal brand online, it’s much easier to connect with people and share your thoughts and expertise.

And don’t be afraid to try out something new. You don’t always have to use LinkedIn. You can also opt for other social networking sites or forums, such as Reddit, Facebook, or Twitter. Different communities connect in different platforms, so take time to see where you would be able to best connect with like-minded individuals based on your specific niche(s).

Don’t be afraid to reach out to new connections.

• Read an article that you like and want to connect to the author? Send them a connection request on LinkedIn and include a personalized note.
• Saw a clip that inspired you and want to reach out to the speaker? Find their website and send them an email.
• Attended an event and saw someone working in the company/industry you’re interested in? Go up to them and spark a conversation.

Don’t be afraid to make the first move and be honest about what you want to learn. In most cases, people are willing to share their experiences and advice to aspiring professionals like you.

Start networking from now on.

Networking is a long game – it is not something that you do one-off and get it over with. It is something that you have to do consistently, and the more time and effort you put into it, the better it can benefit you in the future.

We hope that these networking tips can help you as you get started on your career journey. You may also benefit from attending the Primed for Success mentoring sessions. These weekly sessions with a group of seasoned mentors provide a safe space for you to practice your communication and networking skills, while also getting advice about your career development.

For more tips on career development, follow Kejar Kerjaya on Twitter and subscribe to our email newsletter.