Untangling the Networking Web

Networking Advice from the Career Services Office

By Chloe Cotoulas

“He totally thinks I’m using him.”

“Wow, I’m awkward.”

“Does my name always sound so weird when I say it?”

Career Services Office Networking Event

We have all experienced it – the unavoidable discomfort of networking. Some seem to be able to walk into a room and cast Spidey-like webs around everyone within their reach. However, whenever you try to cast your own network web, you’re a flailing, awkward, phony who surely everyone can see through.

Networking is a tough skill to crack, but Rachel Rothbart, the Assistant Director of Career Services, insists that networking is an indispensable life skill that everybody can and should learn. She recently invited law students to attend a workshop where she offered networking advice and challenged students to assess their own personal networks.

“By being a Trojan you gain access to such an unique and extensive network,” Rom Bar-Nissim, a 3L in attendance, said.  “Of course, other schools have alumni networks, but USC takes it to a completely different level.”

For students who missed the workshop, here are some suggestions to network your way to success, according to Rachel Rothbart:

•    Don’t be afraid to utilize the networks you have (Alumni, friends, family, etc.)
•    Categorize your network connections:
      •    People you can do something for
      •    People with valuable information or contacts
      •    People who might serve as good mentors
•    Identify who is missing from your network then fill it in!
•    Constantly look for ways to expand your network
•    Update your LinkedIn profile – don’t underestimate its effectiveness
•    Maintain the network connections you have (send articles, birthday cards, invite to coffee/lunch, etc.)
•    Remember, networking is a skill ... practice! Anybody can learn to be an effective networker with enough practice
 
All too often, people regard networking as simply a plea for a job or at least a referral.

“But good networking is not a one-way street,” Rothbart said.

She emphasized the importance of fostering relationships in which there is a sense of contribution and an “exchange” of information or services. By working to maintain relations and constantly assessing your network connections, both you and your contacts benefit.