Ins and Outs of Networking

Most know that networking and making connections can help you navigate your job search and career options, but what exactly is networking, how can you network authentically and how can you make the most of building connections? 

Knowing that a lot of students don’t know where to start with networking, Damien Lachacz, Career Education Coordinator at the Career Center, answered these questions for us. Damien defined networking as “... how you establish connections with different working professionals, friends, peers and colleagues to get a better sense of the industry that you are interested in.” 

Damien first experienced the value of networking when he worked at the Career Centre as a part-time Career Peer Educator (CPE) while finishing his degree. He said “I immediately discovered that working in this office, there were so many smart, intelligent, full-time staff, and students, who were from various disciplines and backgrounds.” 

While building these connections with his colleagues, he realized that networking was not only simple, but also enlightening! When Damien started looking for a full-time job, he learned about the Career Education Coordinator role job opportunity at the Career Centre. This opportunity presented the chance to use those newly formed connections to learn more about the position while demonstrating his interest in the position.

Damien was able to conduct an Information Interview with a Career Education Coordinator while he was still a CPE, even before he even was selected to interview. The interest he expressed in the Coordinator role established a great first impression with his prospective coworkers, who also provided a lot of great tips that helped him prepare for his interview. 

Damien said he’s seen networking benefit students but he’s also living proof of its success. His path to his current position illustrates that a peer, colleague or friend can really make the difference in not only learning more about a job opportunity or career path, but also in allowing you to demonstrate your interest and motivation for potential job opportunities.

Different Ways to Network

Networking isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It’s flexible and something you can shape to fit your preferred style of connecting. Damien acknowledged that individuals have different levels of experience and comfort when it comes to communicating with new people. There are many ways to network while staying in your comfort zone that will still help you make the most of every opportunity.

For those who are not sure where to start, Damien mentioned a few resources on campus that can help you establish connections and start or enhance your networking journey.

Volunteering or joining clubs is a great way to build connections and develop some basic networking skills. Attending Unitea events or joining the Arts English Conversation Club (AECC) are both great opportunities to build confidence in having conversations and establishing connections. These are both low-commitment and flexible options.

If you are interested in more one-on-one networking opportunities, like Information Interviews - check out the Career Centre’s, Career Conversations which allows you to get connected to working professionals to learn about the professional's career story.

For those who are interested in interacting with employers directly, Damien suggests attending Career Fairs or Employer Information Sessions. Career fairs are a more stereotypical form or networking moving from booth to booth, finding out more information about each company and the opportunities they have available. Career Fairs are a great way to build multiple connections in a short period of time. While Employer Information sessions allow you to hear directly from one employer, what they look for in applicants while providing the opportunity to build an individual connection.  

Online Connections

For those who don’t want to jump into a conversation immediately, whether one-on-one or in a group setting, online networking can be a great first step to get those connections started, even before meeting someone in person. Online networking can be as easy as creating a LinkedIn account and networking in virtual spaces. Virtual networking is a great option for individuals who struggle with high-sensory events like career fairs or busy networking events. 

Damien suggested taking advantage of LinkedIn’s search function, which you can use to search other users who are working in areas that interest you and learn about their career history. 

“You get a look at a current working professional's education background … trace it back to when they were still in university and you can sort of get an idea of how they got started.”  

Checking out different profiles on LinkedIn allows you to conduct a bit of research in the types of opportunities and fields individuals have worked in who may share the same education background and interests as you. This might help you identify the types of opportunities you can seek out in the future and find individuals to connect with to learn about their career path. Online networking is a great way to reach out to people globally and extend your network beyond that of your in-person community.

"Networking is a two way street," Damien says

Understanding your networking style and preferences is a good first step. However, before building your connections, it is important to remember that networking isn’t going to lead to your dream job right away. It is important that you maintain your connections in an authentic and meaningful way. Damien points out that “[Networking is] not about how this person can help me, it's about how you can help each other. Professionals can learn a lot from what you’re currently studying in classes, or what the upcoming, new and emerging trends are.” 

Damien also reinforced one of the most important features of networking is following up with your new connection. After meeting someone new, make sure to reach out and thank them for their time and let them know you're available for further discussions in the future. 

Ready, Set, Go! 

Sometimes knowing where and when to start networking can be tricky – it’s definitely easier to shy away from networking events if you feel uncomfortable in social situations. Yet, there are many opportunities that cater to different comfort levels so it will serve you well to keep your eye out for networking events, both formal and informal, that will help you meet new people. As we have seen with Damien's story, networking can be an important step when it comes to career exploration and potentially securing a new job.

Damien mentioned that “a little bit involves having that self confidence to remember that you do have a lot of value as a student. There is a responsibility to explore and step a little bit out of your comfort zone.” 

Even one seemingly small connection can make all the difference in your career plan or securing your next job. “If you can start that connection earlier and establish that first impression, you're more likely to get hired.”

There are countless resources at your disposal to grow your network, once you figure out what style of networking works best for you. 

This article was written by Lale Fassone, the 2024-25 Arts Work Experience Communications and Program Support Intern. At the time of writing this article, Lale is in her fourth year of her Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Media Studies and minoring in Linguistics.