How to Build Your "Network" in College/University

Entering university or college can be a very exciting and life-changing experience. For some students, going to university simply means studying hard for the single purpose of graduating with a scroll of a diploma or degree in their hands. On the other hand, some students find that university life serves as the last chance for them to freely socialise with their friends before they need to venture into the industry to work, and thus be troubled by finances and responsibility.

The truth is, there is plenty of room in university life for both: studying and socialising. And if you socialise ‘in the right way’ with the right people, you will find that it actually serves as an advantage over the typical bookworms who stay cooped in their rooms.

Socialising, or building one’s network, is a great way to take the first steps to introduce yourselves to ‘the world out there’. This is the chance to meet people who share your interest, and who might be working with your interests on a professional level and not just as an amateur hobby. Through building a wide network, you’ll know who to find if you have troubles with the law, if you want to enter the industry to work professionally, if you want to launch your own business, and many more. University is the place where everyone is specialising in something major, so make use of that and build your network while you’re studying! Here are several ways for you to start building your network as soon as you enter university:

1. Join student clubs and societies

It goes without saying that to exit your shell, you will literally need to step out of your comfort zone. Most, if not all universities and colleges, are full with different clubs and societies. Some are purely academic, some are for leisure, some are hobby-based and some are interest-based. Not only will you be able to make friends, but through joining student clubs and societies, you’ll be able to meet different people and learn many new skills from them as well.

2. Use parents to network

It’s likely that you’re already quite well-acquainted with your parents’ friends, but here’s a great chance to network with your friends’ parents as well. Learn what they do for a living and try to get to know them better. If they’re working in a field that interests you, these adults are exactly the type of people you’d want to seek out for professional advice and life experience. Getting to know them on a personal level will enable you to figure out the type of jobs you may or may not want to venture into after graduation.

3. Join workshops and conferences

Most conferences and workshops offer student rates which you can make use of, but more importantly, they’re usually attended by great academicians and potential employers from a wide range of companies and universities. By attending workshops and conferences (especially outside of your own university), you will be able to network with many people and learn the ways of the professional world.

4. Make use of social network websites

Through Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and other similar social network websites, you should be able to keep on building your network by finding people who share your interests. The internet is a powerful tool to build your network and make your name known. Write articles, review websites, chat and participate in online discussions and you’ll be able to build your name and status in no time.

5. Get an internship or part-time job

Internships can last from a few weeks to a few months, and a number of universities even have it as a compulsory requirement for certain programmes (look up 'Top 10 Jobs for 2013'). Internships are great for building networks, as your employers and colleagues most likely have their own personal network that you can tap into while still earning valuable skills and experience through the work you do. If you get a job that requires you to go out and meet potential clients, this serves as an additional bonus for you because you’ll be even more exposed to the public at large, and can therefore have the opportunity to meet even more people out there.

The key factor in building a network is to step out of your comfort zone. Students can study hard, but without a good network, they may find it challenging to secure a good job after graduation. If you make friends with the right people, networking may serve as a great advantage for you in the future.

Do you have your own ways of building and expanding your network? Comment below and share them with us!