The Importance of Networking as a Marketing Student at WWU
By: Tyler Borjeson
If you're anything like me, the idea of networking can be a pretty dreadful experience. It can be time-consuming, awkward, and sometimes draining depending on the type of person you are.
I am here to tell you that even though networking can be a tough skill to master, the power of having a strong professional network can be incredibly beneficial to your career. Networking will not only help you land a job faster, but it will give you a competitive advantage throughout every stage of your career.
What is Networking?
Networking is much more than just the exchange of information with others. At its core, networking is about establishing mutually beneficial relationships with the people you meet. Most times meeting up to talk about topics you both are interested in can be a great way to nurture long term relationships.
The Importance of Networking for Your Job Search
Networking will help you develop and improve your skill set throughout your career. It’s a great way to expand circles of connections, find job opportunities, and increase awareness of trends in an industry. Your professional network of professors, classmates, and colleagues can help with your career search by finding like-minded connections that could potentially lead to career changing experiences.
Take the time to build meaningful relationships with students and professors you are taking marketing classes with. Professors are in the position to recommend students for career opportunities. Following classmates on Linkedin and any other social media is very beneficial. You both can stay in touch easier while also building your professional network. When the time comes to search for work, connecting with your old college friends could lead to a job opportunity.
Best Opportunities to Network in the Western Marketing Program
The Western Marketing Department puts on many events throughout the year that give an opportunity for students to network. The faculty at Western give students plenty of opportunities to advance their careers. The Meet the Professionals event is a great opportunity for students to meet with industry professionals from all over the greater Seattle area. If you're looking to practice your networking skills in a virtual setting, this would be a great place to start.
The Student Marketing Association at Western also hosts weekly meetings where alumni, professionals, and professors come and talk with students about various marketing topics. These are another great opportunity for students to talk with graduates and make connections to better their careers after graduation. SMA is hosted every Wednesday at 6:30 held via Zoom. Check it out if it sounds interesting to you!
How to be More Effective at Networking
Look around!
Networking opportunities are around you every day. It doesn’t take an event to practice being a successful networker. Take the time to get to know your classmates and professors because more often than not, they are there to network as well. Might be a career-defining relationship waiting to happen!
Learn your networking style!
Everyone is different and some networking styles might not be as effective for you as others. Introverts for example might prefer to network 1-on-1 over coffee than a big networking event. Take the time to experiment and discover what networking style works for you!
Overall
Networking is a great tool for every student to practice more often. Whether it’s attending an official networking event put on by the school, or just talking to the students around you, searching for networking opportunities is a great way to better your career in every aspect. The WWU Marketing Program puts on many events every year so check them out if you're interested in practicing networking with industry professionals!