As a career services professional, a question I am often asked is “How or where can I network and how important is it?” Let’s be honest: The idea of networking can feel intimidating – packed conference rooms and awkward small talk in formal attire can make anyone cringe. But the truth is that networking doesn’t always happen at formal events or require business suits. In fact, you might already be doing it without even realizing it!
An evening several months ago I was at the dog park watching my dog having the time of her life when a conversation caught my attention. A woman on the next bench over was engaging in casual conversation with the rest of us. She asked another woman, Grace, how she was doing to which Grace replied, “Not great, I got laid off a few weeks ago and have been looking for a new job but cannot find anything”. The woman inquired about what type of work she was seeking and Grace let her know she worked in Accounts Payable and Receivable. The conversation continued with the woman asking Grace about her skills and qualifications and then she said, “My friend owns his own business and is looking for someone to do that type of work. I don’t know the salary or schedule, but I’d be happy to introduce you, would you like me to connect you with him”? While others at the park may have thought this was just a nice gesture, this everyday moment was a perfect example of networking – no business cards, no resumes, just two people connecting over a shared conversation in a casual setting. Guess what, Grace got the job!
OnThis interaction had me thinking about my own experiences with networking and how it has played into my own career and professional development. When I was a senior in college, I went to the Career Center for help finding an internship. Fast forward a year later, I was back, seeking guidance for my first post-graduation job. That’s when I met Jay, the Assistant Director. Little did I know meeting Jay would change the course of my career.
During our second meeting, Jay mentioned his wife’s law firm was hiring for a part-time admin role. It wasn’t directly related to my goals, but it was an opportunity to gain experience (and money) while I searched for my dream job. I interviewed and got the job and while I was working there, Jay continued to send me leads, and I eventually landed a Marketing and PR Coordinator role. A year later, I returned to meet with Jay for more career counseling as I found during this time this type of work was not what I wanted to do. It was when Jay asked me what I really wanted to do, I surprised myself by saying, “I think your job is really interesting! I’d like to work with students that are not sure themselves what they’d like to do.” Two months later, I was hired as a Cooperative Education Coordinator at my alma mater. That was the start of my journey into higher education, where I’ve had the chance to grow, pursue my master’s degree, and even relocate to Florida for new opportunities.
Throughout my career, I’ve attended plenty of conferences, workshops, and traditional networking events. But, in my experience, some of the most meaningful connections happened organically, like that conversation in the dog park. It’s not about where you network; it’s about how. Building genuine relationships and staying in touch can open doors in ways you never imagined. For example, when one college I worked at closed, I was back in job search mode. When I mentioned a college I applied to, my boss suggested I reach out to Nadia, a former colleague who had actually been working at that new school. Nadia and I barely knew each other, but I called her anyway, and that one conversation led to invaluable insights. I was hired and spent the next 5 years as a student advisor. Similarly, when I was ready to transition back into career services, it was my colleague at that job, Jenny, who informed me of a job opportunity at another school that aligned perfectly with my goals. Thanks to her referral, I applied, interviewed, and was ultimately hired.
During my time there, I gained invaluable experience, but I realized I was ready for more career and personal growth, which led me to start job searching again. That’s when I came across an opening for a Career Coach at the Center for Career & Professional Development at USF. I applied immediately, but I also took the time to research their website and staff and explored further on LinkedIn. To my surprise, I found that a former supervisor of mine was connected to someone at USF, and I reached out to him for insights about the department. He provided excellent information and even served as a reference. Fast forward to today—I’m celebrating my one-year anniversary at the Center for Career & Professional Development!
So, what’s the key takeaway from this? Networking isn’t just about attending formal events in a business suit. It can happen anywhere – at the gym, the grocery store, or even the dog park! The important thing is to engage with people and share your goals. You might be surprised to find that the person sitting next to you has connections in your field, can offer interview tips, or even introduce you to your next opportunity.
Happy networking!
