Networking is one of the most important things you can do while studying at the Lamson Institute and after graduation. Your network will guide you through your professional life and give you credibility in your field. Networking in college and at work is arguably just as important as learning the skills and theory of your field! As they say, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.
So where do all these networking contacts come from and how do you get people to join your network? Just remember that networking is relationship building and your network is the people you know, so you expand your network by meeting more people.
So we know good networking skills will take you far in life, but where do you begin?
- Start by utilizing your existing network, such as a Lamson instructor or your externship supervisor to meet other people in your field of study.
- Join associations and professional societies. For instance, if you’re studying to become an electrician at the Lamson Institute consider joining the Independent Electrical Contractors association to meet other electricians and grow your network.
- Attend trade shows, events and conferences. A simple Google search for “HVAC conferences” returned hundreds of hits, so if you’re studying HVAC these would be the events you would want to attend!
- Join LinkedIn, a professional networking site.
Why Should I join LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is the Facebook of your professional life and will help you establish connections, develop relationships and explore companies and industries. Your LinkedIn account is your online resume enabling you to network virtually. More than 9 out of 10 companies use LinkedIn to recruit new hires and about 80% of job openings are never advertised. Your network is important, and LinkedIn is central to a strong network.
Planning to develop your LinkedIn account while studying at the Lamson Institute? Check out these tips and tricks to make the most use of your account! https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-tips-students-new-grads-linkedin-omar-garriott
In this article former LinkedIn employee talks directly to students and recent grads about how to network effectively using LinkedIn. With useful tips about uploading a photo, getting endorsements, summarizing your skills, demonstrating your uniqueness, and growing your network we encourage our students to take a squizz!
Whether you’re studying to become a HVAC tech, training to be an electrician, or seeking a career in Allied Health by completing a diploma in medical assisting, medical billing/coding, lab assisting, phlebotomy or optometric assisting a strong network is important.
If you’re still not sure how to build your professional network as you prepare for the transition from Lamson student to employee consider stopping by our Career Services Department!