How to Build an Effective Network as a First-Generation College Graduate
Building a successful career as a first-generation college graduate and young woman in your 20s requires more than just hard work—it requires effective networking. Networking can open doors to opportunities you might not even know existed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master the art of networking and build lasting professional relationships.
1. Put Yourself in the Right Spaces
Why It Matters: Being in the right places where influential people in your field gather increases your visibility and shows your commitment.
How to Do It:
Attend Industry Events: Look for conferences, seminars, and workshops related to your field. Join professional organizations that host networking events.
Join Associations: Reach out to groups like Black bar associations or industry-specific organizations. They often have networking events and resources.
Leverage College Resources: Utilize your college’s alumni network and career services to find networking opportunities.
Personal Tip: I recently advised a colleague’s granddaughter to reach out to Black judges and bar associations. These connections can provide invaluable insights and opportunities.
2. Have Clear Intentions
Why It Matters: Knowing what you want to achieve from each interaction ensures your efforts are targeted and effective.
How to Do It:
Set Specific Goals: Identify what you want to gain from networking, whether it’s finding a mentor, learning about job opportunities, or gaining industry insights.
Prepare Talking Points: Have a list of topics or questions you want to discuss with potential contacts.
Personal Tip: During a conversation with a colleague’s granddaughter, I emphasized making a list of firms and setting specific networking goals. This focused approach helps in making meaningful connections.
3. Be a Good Conversationalist
Why It Matters: Engaging people with interesting and relevant topics makes you memorable and leaves a positive impression.
How to Do It:
Initiate Conversations: Don’t be afraid to start conversations. Ask about their work, interests, and experiences.
Share Your Story: Be open about your journey and experiences. Authenticity resonates with people.
Personal Tip: I explained to my colleague’s granddaughter how to write effective cold emails and what subject lines to use. Effective communication skills are crucial in making a good first impression.
4. Listen Intently
Why It Matters: Listening demonstrates respect and helps you build deeper connections.
How to Do It:
Pay Attention: Focus on what the other person is saying. Avoid interrupting and give them your full attention.
Respond Thoughtfully: Show that you’ve listened by responding thoughtfully and asking follow-up questions.
Personal Tip: In my own networking journey, listening intently has allowed me to empathize and anticipate the desires and feelings of the person I’m conversing with, strengthening the relationship.
5. Give More Than You Take
Why It Matters: Offering help and sharing valuable information creates a reciprocal relationship where both parties benefit.
How to Do It:
Share Resources: Offer useful information, tools, or connections that might benefit the other person.
Be Supportive: Show genuine interest in their success and be willing to help when you can.
Personal Tip: I shared my email templates and follow-up strategies with a colleague’s granddaughter because I believe in giving more than I take. This generosity fosters goodwill and encourages others to support you in return.
6. Empathize and Anticipate
Why It Matters: Understanding and anticipating the needs and feelings of others builds trust and rapport.
How to Do It:
Show Genuine Concern: Be empathetic and considerate in your interactions.
Offer Support: Anticipate their needs and offer support or resources that can help them.
Personal Tip: I kept in touch with a judge who interviewed me, and he’s now on the Court of Appeals. By understanding his career path and maintaining our connection, I built a valuable professional relationship.
7. Be Genuine
Why It Matters: Authenticity makes your interactions more meaningful and long-lasting.
How to Do It:
Seek Genuine Connections: Don’t network just for what others can give you; seek to know people for their intrinsic value.
Be Yourself: Let your true personality shine through in your interactions.
Personal Tip: I connected with people based on where they went to school and maintained those connections because I valued them as individuals, not just for their potential benefits.
8. Push Past Awkwardness
Why It Matters: Overcoming initial discomfort is essential for building strong, lasting connections.
How to Do It:
Be Persistent: Keep engaging with people even if it feels awkward at first.
Practice Makes Perfect: The more you network, the more comfortable you’ll become.
Personal Tip: I kept in touch with my contacts at WilmerHale and other firms, despite feeling awkward at times. Overcoming this discomfort has been essential in building lasting connections.
9. Follow Up and Stay in Touch
Why It Matters: Following up and maintaining connections is crucial for long-term networking success.
How to Do It:
Send Follow-Up Emails: After meeting someone, send a follow-up email to thank them and express your interest in staying connected.
Schedule Check-Ins: Use calendar reminders to periodically reach out and maintain the relationship.
Personal Story: One of my strongest supporters and long-term mentors, Mary Strother, is a testament to the importance of staying in touch. We first met while I was interning at a corporate law firm, and despite changing career paths, I maintained our connection. Mary has been a guiding force through various phases of my career, offering support and resources when needed.
Conclusion
Effective networking is a vital skill for first-generation college graduates. By putting yourself in the right spaces, having clear intentions, being a good conversationalist, listening intently, giving more than you take, empathizing with others, being genuine, and pushing past awkwardness, you can build a robust and supportive network. Remember, networking is not just about what others can do for you, but also about the value and support you can offer them. Embrace these strategies, and you’ll find that your network can open doors to incredible opportunities and help you navigate your professional journey with confidence.
