The “5 W’s” of Networking

Today we hear from AJF-PRSSA President, Vanessa Livingstone. She has held multiple internships throughout her time as a senior Public Relations Major. Below Vanessa gives her tips and tricks about the importance of networking. 

1. Who should I network with?
Everyone! There’s no limit on who you can network with. We often think of networking as exchanging emails with a professional working our dream job -- but that isn’t the only option! You can network with your professors and classmates, or even your boss at your part-time job. You never know who may know who -- which is why it’s so important to interact with the people around you.
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2. What can networking do for me?
Networking can open doors that you didn't know existed. A classmate can refer you to an internship after she remembered how great you worked on a group project together; a professor can recommend you to an agency during your job search after graduation. Having connections with people that can attest to your character and work ethic will take you further in your career than a resume ever will!

3.  When should I start?
It’s never too early to network, but if you haven’t started yet -- start now! The longer you put effort into forming relationships, the stronger they will become. Finishing school with strong professional connections will ease your transition into the workforce.

4. Where can I find networking opportunities?
Luckily, PRSSA provides extensive networking opportunities at Rowan University and beyond. On March 17, AJF-PRSSA will host its annual Speed Networking event where students can meet and chat with professionals working in the public relations field. PRSSA National also offers its members a list of professionals dedicated to supporting students, called Champions for PRSSA.

5. Why should I put effort into networking?
​Networking is a significant tool for building a successful career in public relations. In a field as competitive as ours, it’s important to take every possible step to stand out. Just think -- if you aren’t busy networking, someone else is!

Image courtesy of Pexels.com 

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