Networking

Why it matters

WHAT IS NETWORKING, the man screamed. The conference hall was silent: nobody really, actually knew.

Networking is how you meet people who might hire you, vouch for you, or introduce you to someone who will. It sounds like name tags. Really it's just talking to people and getting better at it. You'll end up in cool careers by meeting hundreds of cool people and making a good impression.

Start with your teachers, the first adults who can vouch for you. They write recommendation letters, hear about summer jobs, and can put in a word with the principal when you want to change something. Then widen the circle: counselors, coaches, the librarian, PTA parents, alumni who come back to visit.

Build stronger networking skills

1. 1

   Talk to one new adult a week

   Pick someone at school you don't usually talk to and ask a real question: "How did you end up teaching chemistry?"

2. 2

   Stay after class for two minutes

   Ask about something the teacher mentioned. Short, regular conversations add up.

3. 3

   Ask for introductions

   "Do you know anyone working in architecture?" is a small ask most adults are happy to answer.

4. 4

   Find the alumni

   Search LinkedIn for your high school's name plus a job you're curious about, or ask a teacher who's been there 15 years. They remember everyone. Then send them a cold email.

5. 5

   Follow up with an update

   "You told me to try Model UN. I joined, and we're going to the state conference in March!" Updates turn a contact into someone who vouches for you.

6. 6

   Keep a list

   Names, what you talked about, and when, so three months later you can ask, "How'd the robotics season end?"

The math is on your side:

Talk about your networking skills in your resume