How to get the most out of networking events.

At most universities around the country networking events are held to try and encourage current students to put down that pint and think about their future for a second, mine is no different. I have now been a part of three alumni days through my university, meeting ‘ex-students’ who have walked the same path, (well crawled it with a hangover probably!) hearing their stories and seeing the career paths they have taken.
Like so many before me I didn’t understand the importance of these events at first, this means I didn’t quite know how to make the most of them! So here are my top tips for making sure you kill it at every networking event you attend.

Research.

Research seems like a bit of a pointless place to start but it is more important than you might think. You think that each person will introduce themselves and tell you everything you need to know but with so many people who need to talk this isn’t quite true. Doing background research on everyone attending will also help you decide who you want to make a bee-line for when you get the chance to have a chat, you’ll have a million more questions to ask and you’ll feel more confident in your ability to strike up a conversation. Linkedin profiles are a god send for this!

Introduce yourself.

I am guilty of forgetting this one and by the end of the conversation they’ve probably forgotten your name already but introducing yourself properly creates a lasting impression on a person. You come across as polite and committed to the conversation.

Ask questions.

This one seems extremely scary to some people, whether its putting your hand up in a room full of people or asking one on one, make sure you get your questions out there. The only way you can learn and gather information to help you make the most of networking is by asking! Remember, there is no such thing as a bad question, I’ve even asked what someone’s favourite uni meal was to start a conversation! Everyone speaking at an event will be expecting to have a load of questions thrown at them, so they are willing to answer them as well as they can for you.

Structure yourself.

This is an odd one, because conversations are meant to flow and be pretty much effortless, but it is important that you have an idea of what you want from the conversation. Do you want to know more about their career, how they used their degree, what advise they have for you, if you can have work experience from them or something completely different? They will be having to try and split themselves in several directions to make sure they help as many people as they can so having a clear structure and purpose helps you get everything you want from the conversation.

Make sure you listen.

Simple I know but you would be surprised how often people forget this. Sometimes you can be so focused on what you want to ask that you forget to actually take in the information you’ve been given which wastes your time and theirs! Listen to the conversation, you might get an answer to three of your questions art once even though you only asked one. You could come up with another question completely! You don’t want to sound like you’re trying to interview them (especially important for us journos!)

Follow up.

Try and make sure you take contact details for the person you’re talking to and get in touch with them soon after whatever event you’re at, this will mean they remember you! Everyone you talk to will be able to help you further your career in some way, they can become great mentors and help you get amazing opportunities but they won’t if they don’t remember who you are! Staying in touch also shows you’re committed to your future so they should invest time in you.

Ask for work experience.

This one is so self explanatory so I’ll keep it brief, ‘If you don’t ask you don’t get!’ There are very few people in the world who won’t happily help someone gain an opportunity if they think you deserve it.

Be honest.

This is a big one for me. I’ve had opportunities I’ve taken with open arms from contacts I have from networking events and otherwise, one of these I wasn’t able to attend at the very very last minute but I was honest and upfront about my reasons for not being able to attend and I have been able to rearrange. Honesty goes a long way, even if you don’t directly work with a contact they do almost become a colleague and will see through a lie or an excuse but will help if you give them the truth!