Building a network: a social, professional advantage for students

By Eisa Al Nashmi

Networking has a technological meaning, but in the employment world, it means establishing relationships with people who can lead you to prospective jobs.

Alicia Andrade-Owen, a career counselor at Fresno State, emphasized the importance of networking before students graduate.

“It is one of the most powerful tools for employment,” Andrade-Owen said.

Andrade-Owen said networking can take many forms. It can be done socially, where people can talk and interact at a party, coffee shop or school; and it can also take a more formal role where people can set up meetings with potential employers.

Networking is simply making connections with as many people as possible who will help you or refer you to someone when you are looking for a job.

“The network contact is not a person you only meet but is a person you stay in contact with to help you in the long run,” Andrade-Owen said.

Andrade-Owen said many people don't know about the hidden job market where certain jobs don't get advertised. Networking can lead people to those hidden jobs, she said.

“By knowing the right people at the right time, you might find about jobs before they go on the newspaper,” she said.

Lori Paris, a management professor, said once students find their focus or major, they should start networking with people working in their field.

“Networking is beneficial for securing their first job,” Paris said.

Paris said many people don't know what will happen to them in 10 years, so making connections can be very advantageous especially at a diverse place like Fresno.

“You might find yourself in France, and your French friend from school can help you out,” she said.

Paris said establishing relationships with instructors is key when people start looking for jobs.

Instructors have connections with many companies, and they might refer their students to those businesses, Paris said.

Paris said networking could also be important for those who are already employed.

“People establish networks to get promoted or to get better jobs with higher pay,” she said.

Rocio Carbajal, an administrative assistant of the scholars service grant program, said her current job involves a lot of face-to-face and phone interaction with students, staff and businesses. She tries to recruit students to do 60 hours of community service for which they will be awarded a $750 grant.

“I’m building bridges everywhere I go, so that when I get out to the real world, I can find people to help me,” Carbajal said.

She is majoring in psychology and plans to work in the applied behavior field, which works with people in the community and helps them change unacceptable behaviors to acceptable ones.

From her job, Carbajal said the connections she made will guarantee her the job she has always wanted.