Peer Career Consultant Blogs

The most important thing in the career search process is networking; but you knew that already. It’s the answer everyone gives when you ask: How did you get your internship? Or; What advice would you give me as I start the recruiting process? But what does networking actually mean and how can you create a playbook for success that can support you in landing interviews?  Here is my break down on what you need to know:  

Step 1: Networking starts with who you already know

The first step in networking is to leverage the network you already have. For example, if you are a finance major and your plan is to go into investment banking, start with the Santa Clara University network. The key to kicking off the networking process is to find individuals with similar interests (school, interest, club, organization, skill, etc.). Therefore, leverage your involvements, classmates you know, and/or the LinkedIn alumni tool.  

Step 2: Build up confidence and experience to start deep diving

 In initial conversations, it is important to prepare questions you have about the industry, role, path, and overall advice/tips for a successful recruiting process. Do not be afraid to ask to be introduced to other individuals at their respective firms as typically, people will be open to helping you gain more knowledge if you show intellectual curiosity and the willingness to learn. To start deep diving, use LinkedIn to find companies or individuals of interest and reach out to them via email or LinkedIn direct message. Stay persistent, do your research, and begin to learn more about your dream industry, job and role. Through all of this you are building your network.  

Step 3: Track, follow up, and analyze 

So you built confidence, experienced networking and building relationships. Now it is time to start tracking your conversations. Keep a record of everyone you speak to, make notes from each conversation and set a date (usually a couple of months) to reach back out and connect with them to strengthen that relationship. Follow ups are very important as the more you speak with individuals the more likely they will advocate on your behalf for future opportunities.  

Step 4: Turn networking into opportunities

All of your hard work finding the right people to speak to, preparing and keeping track of your conversations, and staying in touch will undoubtedly position you to get any interview you want. Now the professionals you have spoken with can put a face to a resume and can advocate for you when it is time to make decisions. Most individuals will not be willing to put in the work so you have already separated yourself just by doing this process. Networking leads to opportunities and takes a lot of work but will pay off tremendously in the long run.  

Step 5: Capitalize

After you put in all of this work to build a strong network and learn more about the careers that interest you; take advantage and capitalize your conversations,  interviews, and follow up meetings, etc. There will be other factors that come into play during the recruiting process, however,if you follow these steps to the best of your ability, put in the work, and have a tiny bit of good fortune on your side, you will be able to get an interview anywhere. I mean anywhere. If you don’t believe it, come talk to me and find out. Good luck networking! 

If you have any internship or career search questions, please email careerconsultant@scu.edu.