Work On It Wednesday: Networking

By Emily Young MA ‘16

While networking implies building a vast network of people, is does not mean you do it all in one night by handing out business cards to everyone at an event. Making one or two genuine and beneficial connections during an event is a success.  Read more on how to avoid the 5 common pitfalls of networking.

1. Only networking when you need a job. 

Building a network doesn’t happen over night.  If you wait until you need a job, you will be disappointed in the results. Being a student opens so many doors, so use the USC Trojan Family.  Reach out and network with other Trojans.  

2. Only networking during group events. 

Sometimes at group events it’s hard to reach the person you want to talk to.  But don’t feel constricted to only network at events.  Networking can occur anywhere.  Talk to strangers, talk to your friends’ parents, talk to your professors. Don’t limit your networking activity to professional meetings.  All you need to do is start the conversation.

3. Avoiding social networking sites. 

Real relationships can and do result from initial interaction on social media.  Begin by adding a comment to a discussion, sharing the person’s article or simply tweeting them a question.

4. Never following up. 

If you are not following up with your connections, then it’s not a network. Share information with them, offer to be of assistance, or invite them to join you at an event.  If you are not following up with a person in your network at least 3 times a year, it’s likely that you will be forgotten.  Even a simple Happy Birthday note will leave a strong impression of you in their mind.

5. Not knowing enough about the person you’re meeting. 

If you have arranged an informational interview with someone, you need to learn everything you can about them and their work before your meeting.  Use Linkedin, Google, or even talk to the person who helped you arrange the informational interview.  Being prepared for an informational interview shows that you value their time and they might be more willing to recommend you for an opportunity down the road.

For other “fun” networking pitfalls, see below:

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you have in the Ask a Trojan Section!

~Emily