Networking is something we have had drilled into us from our very first year. It is something we all think is important but sometimes don’t have the time or drive to work on! Our placements have opened a door into the world of networking simply from the day we met the people who would be our ‘bosses’ for the next 20 days!
Networking is a valuable skill that we are all equip with. As PR students we are all good communicators and therefore have the raw skills to become brilliant at networking. We just have to use these skills to create networks and hopefully kick start or further our careers. I know I wasn’t sure how to start networking or who to talk to but it is not as difficult or structured as you might think.
A good way to network is to start talking to you peers about what they’re doing and where they want to be. By staying in contact after uni these people will become contacts that you might come across again in your professional career. It might not seem that way now but every acquaintance you make could be a step into the career you want.
Luckily for us Curtin offer many networking opportunities with corporate speakers. I strongly suggest that you all take advantage of this while you have it. Once we graduate these opportunities won’t be there and we’ll have to do it on our own. When events come up at least keep it in mind that who you know now might end up furthering your career!
Natalie
2 comments:
Hey Natalie,
I totally agree with you about networking. It is vital if you are looking to work in the PR profession. Not only is keeping in touch with your fellow peers important but also building strong relationships with every person that you come in contact with at your internship. Building a repour and getting to know "who is who" in the industry will greatly benefit all of us who are looking to find work after graduation!
Hi Nat,
A very valid blog you have here!
Networking is an extremely useful and often overlooked tool us young PR professionals are equipped with.
I like your recommendation on asking our peers where they want to be as a basis of networking. This can also be extended to those in our intern organisations. Asking our bosses and co-workers how they got to their positions and remembering the contacts we develop during our time is also another great way to harness this networking skill.
I too feel lucky to be a Curtin student, and in particular a member of the PVCC as I have been provided with endless opportunities to network and create relationships with not only professionals int he same field as me, but also others in respective fields - you never know when your networks may come in handy so you should always seek to make a connection with people even if you are on totally different playing fields.
I agree that we need to take advantage of our networking opportunities whilst we can, not only because soon they won't be handed to us so easily, but because it will help us to build up the experience and confidence for future encounters.
Good luck with the rest of your studies!!!
- Samantha Abbot
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