Networking: It is never too early to start

Effective networking is one of the most important aspects of a successful person’s repertoire. How one creates and maintains relationships is beneficial to one’s ultimate success. From as early as high school, we are often told by parents and educators to “network” and meet people who may enrich our lives and help pave our way. Networking is creating, mutually beneficial connections between yourself and those around you. It relies heavily on your abilities to communicate with others, think creatively, relate to those around you, and most importantly, to be memorable.

Don’t Wait, Start Now

Networking is often thought of as an activity to be done later on in life. When looking to start a career, or to change jobs. However, this shouldn’t be the case. Youth as young as high school age should be encouraged to network. For networking is neither learned overnight nor specific for a certain stage of life.It is never too early to start building relationships with people in your fields of interests. By building your network from an early age, you build connections that you can re-visit when you are in need of expertise and guidance from knowledgeable people. You mustn’t wait for when a need arises to start looking for people who can open doors for you, that might be negatively perceived as opportunism.

Showing interest

In general, people like it when others show interest in them. For instance, as a high school student, it brings a sense of acknowledgement to you when your parents and those around you take interest in your life; from small inquiries such as ‘how was school today?’ to in depth discussions about your hopes and dreams for the future. The same concept applies with successful networking; when networking, the best way to get people to develop an interest in you is by essentially showing an interest in them.

Seek to learn first, opportunities will follow

I’ve found that when I approach networking with a mindset to learn, people are more receptive and welcoming. They are ready to impart wisdom on me and point me in the right direction. Approach networking as an opportunity to serve not to earn or sell.

Start by creating relationships with alumni from your school who are either attending the colleges you wish to attend, or are in an industry you aspire to join. Utilize popular sites such as LinkedIn that are created specifically to facilitate network building to make those connections.  Share your career aspirations with your educators, guidance counsellor, parents and family friends. Don’t disregard any relationship for there is always an opportunity to get to know someone and learn something.

Networking through the WesGold Fellows

The WesGold Fellows Summer internship recognizes the benefits of networking at an early age and acts on it. While focusing on effective communication and public speaking, the program introduces high school interns to 2-3 professionals weekly. They get a chance to learn about career and personal development as well as sit in board rooms and go on office visits. The interns learn about ways to approach professionals and hold a meaningful conversation as well as the etiquette behind exchanging contacts and business cards; all of which are invaluable lessons that are beneficial when learned early. By the end of the internship, the students are in awe of the wide array of professionals they have met from different industries, includingbankers, entrepreneurs,and politicians.

What other networking advice do you have for our youth? Let us know in comments below.

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