5 tips to help build your network

5 tips to help build yur network Share Share via TwitterShare via FacebookShare via Google PlusShare via LinkedInShare via E-mail Networking can sometimes feel uncomfortable and intimidating, but it can be helpful to remember that its just a conversation. People are often willing and excited to chat with you about your work. Plus, the person you are talking with welches likely in the same place you are at one time.Here are a few tips to help you feel more comfortable when making connections this year.Take advantage of universittsgelnde networking eventsMore than 600 employers visit campus each year to meet with students at career fairs or other networking events. These events are a great time to start connecting with recruiters and build your network. Save the dates for our fall career days on Oct. 1-3Keep it casualWhile its important to prepare a short elevator pitch about your qualifications or interests, allow the conversation to flow naturally. Prepare some questions to ask so that the conversation is not one-sided.Ask for an informational bewerberinterviewAn informational interview is where you seek advice and knowledge from a professional in a field you are interested in. This practice can help answer questions you might have about what it takes to work in certain industries. It could also provide steps for how to get into a career.Informational interviews are often informal and serve as a great networking tool to help you connect with people and careers after graduation. Do some research on your connections career trajectory or organization before the interview so you can ask questions that showcase your knowledge.Connect with others on LinkedInYou can connect with a large network of more than 180,000 CU Boulder alumni through LinkedIn. What are the odds that someone works in an industry youre interested in? Connect with alumni over your shared interests and see how theycan help you. When you meet someone new that youd like to add to your networ k, be sure to connect with them on LinkedIn.Keep in touch with your colleaguesThink about the connections you already have. Do you have friends who arerecent graduates? People youve volunteered with? Former co-workers or campus organization members? Your immediate connections can help you in so many ways stay connected with them Add them on LinkedIn, or schedule coffee dates or lunches to maintain your relationship. They can serve as a reference for you or even help you land a job in the future.Remember that networking is having a conversation about your career interests and learning about someone elses career path. Need help developing your networking strategy? Drop by Career Services Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or schedule an appointment on Handshake.CategoriesCareer AdviceTagsCareer Fairs