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3*2*1 Contact

If someone mentions “networking” to you, two things are likely to come to mind: computers linked together or people in power suits shaking hands and handing out business cards. While networking to gather information about a career or find a job could involve your computer and some hand shaking, it is different than your initial thoughts.

“Networking is nothing more than talking to people and asking them questions about career-related issues,” says Peter Vogt, president of Career Planning Resources and a columnist who writes for youth about careers at Monster.com, one of the most popular employment Web sites. “As a high school student, you can benefit from talking to people in two specific ways,” Vogt says. “You can become aware of and learn about various jobs and careers that exist in the world of work and you can get leads on actual job openings.”

The inside scoop Vogt notes that most of us don’t know about the kinds of jobs and careers available or what they involve. By talking to people in various jobs, a student can increase their catalog of careers from which to choose, and begin to establish career preferences. He also says that you might get a lead on a summer or part-time job or establish a relationship that could lead to a job further down the road. “Everyone you talk to has his or her own connections in various fields and within various companies and organizations. So if you talk to even one or two other people, you’re immediately tapping into dozens, if not more, possibilities for job leads,” Vogt says. He also says using that person’s name when you’re being considered for the job (a perfectly legitimate technique if done tactfully) can increase your chances of getting the position. After all, Vogt notes, most people would rather hire someone recommended by a friend rather than a stranger who answers an ad. Vogt says that networking means making contact with a lot of people to gather information from them and assure that they will think of you first if they hear anything about a position in which you might be interested.

Where to begin? How do you make contact with the people who can help you?
Marc Kramer, author of the book Power Networking, says that it can start with someone as familiar as your best friend or your mom and dad. “Ask friends and family to bring you to different events so you can meet a variety of people,” Kramer says. “Having someone introduce you makes the transition easier.” Kramer and other experts say that even adults who have been working for a long time use networking. Most will tell you that their best opportunities for jobs often came out of contacts with friends, family or instructors — or others to whom those people were introduced. A string of connections broadens your reach. It’s especially helpful to get in touch with people who work in fields in which they meet a wide variety of people as part of their jobs.

Kramer also suggests improving your skills with people you don’t know. A good way to do that is through a local professional group. It might be a local business organization, such as a chamber of commerce, through which a variety of careers are represented. You can also find local chapters of trade groups that represent various careers.

For instance, local dentists or real estate agents or electricians probably have a group that meets from time to time. Any one of them would be flattered to have a high school student show interest in their career.

Cold Calling
You can also just randomly contact someone in a field in which you are interested. You can get names and numbers from a directory, or contact someone who made a presentation you liked or wrote a book or article you read. E-mail is a good way to get in touch with someone initially. Be bold. “Remember, people love to talk about themselves and what they do,” Kramer says. You should also remember to follow all the rules about safety with strangers, whether it’s in-person or on the Internet. Be careful about meeting someone you don’t know in places where others aren’t around.

Both Kramer and Vogt point out that it is a good idea to learn how to network now, when you are under less pressure to be employed. Now, you can explore this technique and get early lessons in how most jobs are filled; it’s by word of mouth, not via the newspaper want ads.

Get ready; get set
When you do get to talk with or e-mail your contact, be prepared with questions and listen carefully. At the end of an initial contact, you may want to ask if it would be okay for you to contact the person again, but make it clear that you understand the person is busy and that you appreciate their time. Your goal is to establish relationships with people so they will think about you later, and so you have a contact to answer any questions.

Kramer says networking will come easier with practice; now is a good time to try. But experts warn to keep networking in its place. “There is often a sort of mystery to it in the minds of many people, especially young people,” Vogt says. “But it’s really nothing more than talking to people and being willing to listen to their advice and let them know your interests. It’s that easy.”

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