Guest Writer Networking: it’s a mysterious word that’s thrown around a lot, and it’s supposed to be the all important secret to getting your dream job. But what does the term actually mean? And how do you go about doing it, if you don’t know where to start?
We asked our alumni who are working for top organisations to unpack the secrets behind networking, and how to start from scratch after graduating. Here’s what they said:
Look for industry-specific events
It might sound obvious but sometimes, just knowing which organisations to reach out to or find events with can be half the challenge. As alum Soham, a consultant for Pragma explains, look for the organisations and people that stand out in your sector:
“Look out for networking events that are tailored to the industry you want to work in. For example, my organisation works a lot with the aviation industry. So something I found out is that the British Aviation Group has a bimonthly event that you can attend and meet others in the field.”
Prep your questions in advance
So, what do you do once you find out about the event you want to go to? Jess, an alum and data analyst, recommends going in with a clear goal of what you want to achieve:
“In person networking events can feel difficult, and they do require brain power to come up with the right questions. 50% of networking comes from knowing beforehand what you want to go in with. Have a specific goal, with specific questions prepared beforehand. You could write them down on a piece of paper, or on your phone.”
Believe the hype around LinkedIn
Let’s face it, LinkedIn might not be everyone’s favourite social media platform. But it can be one of the easiest way to reach out to those working in your ideal sector, as consultant and alum Zara explains:
“Find out who works in those departments, add them on LinkedIn and get talking, start a conversation. A lot of people like that when you are proactive and you reach out and ask questions, they’ll give you some insider advice. My biggest networking opportunity came from LinkedIn.”
Rejection is also your motivation to keep going
You’re about to take the leap and message *that* professional on LinkedIn, but self-doubt is starting to creep in. On fighting LinkedIn imposter syndrome, Soham adds:
“Don’t be afraid to just pop in a message on anyone’s LinkedIn inbox and say, “Hey, would you have a couple of minutes to just chat through your industry, and what you do?” The worst you’re going to get is a rejection. If you do end up speaking to people, usually everyone is really friendly.”
Facebook isn’t dead
One alum, Katherine, who now works in Film and TV revealed that Facebook was one of the best ways to find jobs in the industry. Here’s what she said:
“There’s a Facebook group for film and TV runners that nearly everyone gets their first job in. Then from there you can get added to the secret Whatsapp groups… It’s hard to get added to the Whatsapp groups, but once you’ve got one job, ask nicely and they’ll add you to it.”
Check out what your coursemates and society friends are doing
In the years after graduating, the connections you make from a student society could be the same people that champion you or help connect you up with a role! Meg, an audience research executive for Children in Need explains:
“I was heavily involved with YSTV, and it allowed me to meet a lot of different people. All of those people are still so supportive now in terms of helping each other find careers. That definitely really helped me.”
Katherine also adds:
“Alumni connections are invaluable. It’s amazing how many people I’ve met at Pinewood Studios or the BBC who’ll be walking around, and you’ll point at each other and say ‘Ayyy York’. People will wear their YSTV merch out and about – it’s wild how many people get in. Definitely take advantage of York being one of the best universities for Film and TV, without being a film school.”
(PS, that’s why we created course and society-specific groups on our York for Life platform. Why not join one and get the conversation going?)
Join our York for Life community
Being part of a community of over 170,000 alumni over the world has its perks, with many of our alumni working for top companies across a range of industries. Now, we’re trying to make it easier than ever for you to get in touch with those York graduates who are already in your dream job. Our York for Life platform hosts a range of alumni groups meaning you’re just a click away from connecting from someone in your industry.
Join York for Life and take the leap by reaching out to another graduate. Who knows where it might lead?
