Step 6: Build Networking Relationships

There’s a saying in the United States: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”

This is not meant to imply that your background and interests are not important in your job or graduate school search. It simply means that the people you know (professors, other students, family, friends, alumni) are potentially able to help you.

 “Networking” involves talking to people about what you’re interested in, and asking if they can offer advice regarding job search or graduate school admissions, consider you for a position with their company, or identify others who might offer consideration. Consideration, referrals, or advice can come from faculty members who know about a new graduate program, a friend who saw a job posting on the Internet, or a family member who knows someone who works for a company of interest to you.

Tips for talking to others about your Job/Graduate School Search

1. Know what you want, and tell others about it. Professors, career advisors, and other students understand that you may already be considering your post-graduation goals, and talking to them about it may give you additional ideas.
2. If staying in the United States, friends and alumni can be great resources. Make sure to be clear in explaining what you are looking for, and if they ask, give them a copy of your resume. They may be able to forward it on to people they have in their own network.
3. If returning to your home country, and when appropriate, you may want to let your family and friends know how you are doing, what you want to do when you return, and get ideas of people to contact from them.
4. Be Polite and Courteous. Friends, family and others are not obligated to help you. It is important to ask them to watch for interesting opportunities in a polite way, and to always say “Thank you for your help.” If someone takes the time to speak with you on the phone about your search, or forwards your application on to someone else, a thank you letter is appropriate.
5. Make sure to return the favor. If you meet someone who may be able to help one of your contacts, refer and connect them!

The goal of networking is to share career and academic goals and seek the advice, support and, ideally, consideration of others. The end result is that you will continue to uncover new potential employers, contact names, and graduate school options. Networking can yield jobs, internships or just conversations about your career path, all of which are valuable.

Next Step: Apply to Graduate Schools and Employment Postings, and then Follow up

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