Networking can seem so hard — but not if you have the right advice. It may seem daunting at first but really networking is just a formal version of socialising and connecting with others – and you do that every day!

Some networking tips:

Know what you want

Part of networking is working towards your goals! So the first step is to figure out what you want – what is your passion? What steps do you want to take to get there?

Is that finding the right university course or is it finding a job in a field that interests you?

This video outlines the three simple bones of networking that apply to any situation which include your wishbone (your passion) and your backbone (consistency). Your goals and persistence are what will set you apart. 

Start taking 

Don’t hold your cards close to your chest and start talking about where you want to work. Immediate family, close friends, relatives and career counsellors are a great place to start. 

While they may not have direct access to the industry you are interested in, chances are they’ll have a contact who knows someone they can put you in touch with. Or even some information about that career of field that you didn’t know about. 

Get involved!

Not every path is an easy one to take, which is why you can’t expect things to happen by sitting in your bedroom binging Netflix. Scan the internet for local events and careers fairs that you might be able to attend with your parents or careers councillor. These are the kinds of places where you can meet people with heaps of knowledge and experience. 

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the industry and to work with people who can create links to opportunities.

Getting involved in local programs that inspire you is a great way to build your network:

• UN Youth hold regular summits on a range of global and local issues.
• SYN media has programs that allow young people to build their own radio programs. 
• The Centre for Multicultural Youth offers programs that allow multicultural youth to build connections and experience. Joining these clubs and organisations can help build a network for your future, meeting like-minded young people who are passionate about what you are! 
• You can find many more about your interests on a quick Google search or from the Youth Central website. 

Be open 

If you meet people at events or while you are volunteering, be open to conversations with them. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions like:

• ‘How did you break into the industry?’ 
• ‘What advice can you offer me?’
• ‘What other pathways are there to get to the position you are in?’
• ‘What are some things I can be doing now to best set me up for my future in …?’

Networking is about making connections, so sometimes you have to open the door to a conversation.

Be enthusiastic 

Say YES if someone you’ve spoken to or contacted offers to catch up for a chat. This shows them you are truly interested and never know what opportunities can arise.

Watch this video below as Lisa Green Chau outlines how being proactive and always saying yes can lead to future opportunities.

Practice makes perfect

For some people, networking is a piece of cake. For others, it takes a few goes to build your confidence and that’s perfectly normal. Like with anything, you will get better at talking to people as you go. 

You might get knock-backs and find that some people brush you off, but don’t let that stop you, eventually, you will meet someone who can help you progress. Life isn’t a race, there is a lot of time to set up connections. 

So now you have all the information on how to network – good luck! All of us at Rosie can’t wait to see what you achieve.