Network, network, and then network some more...

Network...upon arriving at college, this word is one that we hear over and over again. For me at least, the idea of networking is a little awkward and uncomfortable. How do you network? What should you say? Who should you network with? Why should I ask someone I barely know for help or advice?

When professionals are asked how they landed internships and jobs the answer is often through networking. One contact leads to another.

Thankfully, this whole process is becoming easier for me this year. I have begun to network without even meaning to. So, if you are new to this whole process, just start small. Think about the position or opportunity you are looking for. Then contact one person that you know in a related field...they may not be able to help directly, but could lead you to someone else. For example, last Spring I realized that I needed some contacts in the Entertainment Business. My dad contacted the daughter of one of his colleagues, she had majored in Film, to see if she had any advice for me. She happened to work with a local Film Festival, so she put me in contact with the woman in charge of the Festival, who put me in contact with the Volunteer Coordinator, who wants me to intern in the office this spring! See, pretty easy!

In another post, I talked about my most recent project designing costumes for a play in Tower. The professor in charge of internships in my department put me in contact with an alum who advised me to contact the costume designer in the Theatre dept. From that, I was asked to work on the play, and have since been able to meet a bunch of new contacts.

If you don't have any personal contacts, that's ok too. You just need to be creative. Facebook and the internet can be a good tool here! Last week I was searching for theatre groups in the Rochester area to see if there were any volunteer opportunities. Facebook linked me to one company's website where I found out that two of the co-founders have ties to Brockport. So, just doing some research can put you ahead.

Professors are willing to help...so ask, even if you don't know them directly. If they see that a student is reaching out and taking charge, they'll probably do what they can to help.

One last thing to remember, if you are given the name of another person to contact, mention the person who directed you to them. If a person knows you were personally referred to them, they may be more likely to help you!