Networking

What is networking?

Networking is about building relationships with people. It’s not about contacting everyone you know when you are looking for a job and asking if they know of any job openings.

Networking is the art of building alliances and that starts long before a job search.

How to network effectively

• Make a list of people and groups you wish to network with. You may already have some useful people in your current network. Think about your family, friends, classmates, sporting team members, and work mates at your part-time job. Each of those people will have their own networks that could prove helpful to you. We recommend you ask around and ask everybody.

• Join a professional association to help build your network. Attend industry relevant events and professional development opportunities. Many professional associations offer a reduced membership rate to students. You will find your professional association with a quick search online - you can also view our Career Snapshots, which include this information for a range of disciplines.

• Join a student club at JCU. Review the JCU Student Association website or contact them directly for information about student clubs on your campus. Student clubs are a great way to network with students in your degree or study area who can then become part of your professional network when you graduate. Many clubs offer networking events throughout the year, hosting interesting guest speakers who have many valuable tips and knowledge to share.

• A great way to network and develop work place skills is volunteering and participating in student competitions and challenges - for more info go to our Volunteering, Competitions and Challenges page.

• Use social media such as LinkedIn, an online platform for you to present your professional profile and connect with people, companies and groups relevant to your career. For help in setting up your LinkedIn profile, check out the following resources.

Resources to help you get started

• Employability Edge - Develop your Professional Identity Module
• The Linkedin Profile Checklist is a great place to begin.
• Building a Great Student Profile is also a helpful resource.
• JCU LinkedIn - Alumni