Networking

Your network is probably the most valuable tool you have available to you when you’re looking for a job. COM Career Services can put you in touch with a large network of alumni, but nothing beats a network you cultivate on your own with personal connections.

Create a Network by Making Connections

You create your job searching contacts by networking. That seems obvious, but do you know what networking really means? There are a variety of ways to go about networking, you can attend an event specifically for this purpose (i.e. COM Alumni Networking Evening), but the best way to really create a useful network is to constantly be networking. Don’t worry, it’s not nearly as exhausting as it sounds.

The individuals that make up your network are called connections. A connection can be someone you worked with, a friend of your parents, an alum you met at a BU event, professors or even family and friends. Web sites like LinkedIn provide an easy way to keep track of your connections. If you start paying attention, you’ll see potential connections almost every day.

When you meet someone new whether it’s in a business meeting, on the subway or at a baseball game, if you get to talking and learn a little about each other, ask ‘Are you on LinkedIn? Do you mind if I send you a request to join my network?’ Chances are good they will agree. Don’t be concerned about only including communications professionals in your network, you never know where opportunities may arise in the future.

The Difference Between Your Professional Network and Your Social Network

Facebook is a social networking site. You need to create a professional network to use throughout your career. You may end up with some of your Facebook friends in your professional network, but do not make the mistake of including those in your professional network as Facebook friends. Some communications professionals use Facebook as a networking tool, but most people see Facebook as a place for friends only and LinkedIn as a place for professional networking.

Maintain Your Network

If you’re using a site like LinkedIn, you can easily maintain your network. Update your ‘What Are You Working on Now?’ status and keep your profile current with your experience. Send emails now and then to touch base with the key people in your network. Once or twice a year is sufficient for maintaining a connection. You don’t want to be a pest, you just want to remind them who you are and what you’re doing.