Jeremy Lo: Importance of Building One’s Network
Everyone has a unique journey and story to tell; however, it’s important that one focuses on building their network especially early on in their college career. There is no doubt that there is a lot of fear and doubt surrounding the internship search. One tool that I found valuable and is proven to provide value is networking. Early on, my grandpa- who played a pivotal role in mentoring me- stressed the importance of constantly putting myself out there to build a network. More than that, he emphasized the importance of staying authentic when doing so. While many people understand the importance of building a network, there is uncertainty and apprehensiveness of first steps in building one’s network.
Before continuing, I want to make the distinction about the type of network I will be talking about. I believe in the importance of having mentor figures in one’s life, but I’m going to be talking about the term network more loosely. In particular, I will talk about expanding one’s circle with people who share both professional and personal interests. This can be people who have worked at your dream company for 20 years or even someone who is about to intern there.
Building a network seems daunting, but it’s important to remember that everyone has a unique journey and story to bring to the table. Simply putting yourself out there is a great first step. Something my mentor told me that stuck was that when you are meeting new people and networking, you should be your authentic self, not expecting anything in return. Being genuine and authentic can really put your foot in the door. By connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and industries, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge, insights, and perspectives. The possibilities are endless but it starts with you taking initiative.
Over my time at Santa Clara, I’ve learned the importance of taking people at face value, and being curious about the unique story they have to tell. Being your authentic self can go a long way. But more importantly, I’ve learned that you never know who or what will change your career and personal trajectory. Thus, leaning into the highs AND lows of the internship, full time experience is important.