Have You Networked Today?

Photo Taken from http://blog.peertransfer.com/2013/01/16/5-tips-on-how-to-network-in-college/

College students are not doing enough networking.

They are either too scared or they don’t know how important it is to their future.

Networking is building connections in a specific area. College students usually attend events in order to meet people in said area to exchange contact information, and build the connections needed in their intended field.

Brianna Milon, an undergraduate student majoring in Journalism Broadcasting at SUNY Brockport, says, “I didn’t know how important networking was until I got to college.”

Milon knew she wanted to be more involved in her field but thought the idea of networking was daunting.

She said, “I wanted to start early, even though it was intimidating, because I knew if I didn’t start early the process wouldn’t be as easy and I might feel discouraged later.”

Like many college students, Milon did not know where to start.

“As a college freshman, all the people that I knew were freshmen. They were also clueless. In the beginning it was definitely hard but then I heard a classmate of mine, who wasn’t a freshman, talking about the PR (Public Relations) club here at Brockport and I thought this was my in,” said Milon.

Milon joined the Public Relations club at The College at Brockport and met some amazing people who encouraged her to get a job on campus at 89.1 The Point. Currently, Milon is the Radio Director at the station.

“I attend conferences and any other events that are happening in hopes of meeting new people to build these connections,” said Milon. She continued to say that sometimes professors can also be helpful because they themselves know people in the field who can really help you along the way.

Milon plans on getting an internship on campus next semester to continue building her network.

Milon added, “My advice to incoming freshmen is to start early. Ask questions and don’t be timid because you really want people to know what you are about. Networking is essential to any career path that you plan on taking.”

(Check out these 5 tips on how to network in college)