Connectivity Issues: Overcoming Networking Anxieties in a Digital World
By Emma Paolini
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the ways in which job-seekers network. Gone are the days of career fairs, coffee meetups, and in-person internships with opportunities for all-too-important casual chatter with coworkers. Now, hopefuls must navigate virtual networking events and remote internships, attempting to secure important connections without ever meeting those individuals in person.
For college students, the thought of networking has often caused feelings of anxiety and dread even before the onset of the pandemic as these job-hunters clambered for conversation topics and wrestled with awkward silences. However, in the changing career landscape of 2020, students may find a silver lining while searching for their next career opportunity. These are a few simple strategies that any job-seeker, regardless of background, can employ in order to build robust networks.
Take some time to craft thoughtful questions. What matters to you in a job? Is it the culture? The opportunity to use your degree? The potential for growth? Once you know the answer to this question, you can begin to build a list of questions to refer to in networking situations. Of course, always feel free to ask questions based on your conversations with people, but by thinking of a few widely-applicable questions ahead of time, you will feel more confident and prepared. You may also feel more engaged while participating in webinars or virtual networking events if you have a few questions handy.
Don’t be afraid to cold email. One of the advantages of a digital networking world is the ability to connect with people all over the country, and even the world! To that end, do some research on fields that interest you, and find individuals whose jobs pique your curiosity. Then, ask these individuals if they would be interested in an informational interview, an opportunity for you to ask questions about another person’s job and seek career advice. You might be surprised by how many people say yes. People who love their careers often enjoy talking about them, and more people than you may expect will be happy to answer your questions. To manage nerves, dress professionally (though feel free to throw on your comfiest sweatpants!), find a quiet space to conduct the video call, and have a notepad on hand to take notes or plan questions ahead of time.
Check in with people you already know. If chatting with strangers sounds nerve-wracking, you may feel more comfortable growing your existing relationships. Reach out to friends who have recently graduated or former coworkers to ask how the pandemic has affected their career. Even if this person is also seeking a job, you may still gain some pointers about navigating the job market and discovering what you love. Most importantly, remember that networking should be mutually beneficial. You have just as much to offer as you have to gain from setting up a check-in on Zoom or FaceTime.
Clean up your online presence. One useful way to stay in touch with connections is through social networking sites like LinkedIn. However, you will likely feel much more confident sharing your profile if it is professional, updated, and reflects who you are. Having an updated LinkedIn profile may also provide conversation topics for networking conversations. You may also stay in-the-know about potential employment opportunities through social media like Twitter and Instagram, as more companies are beginning to expand their recruiting efforts to these platforms. However, be sure your profile reflects the most professional version of yourself if you choose to engage with recruiters in this manner.
Take advantage of the resources available through your school. Fordham’s career services platform, Handshake, offers a resource library with tips from experts geared specifically toward college students. The key to navigating unfamiliar networks is preparation and planning, so be sure to arm yourself with information. You can also reserve study rooms in the library in the case that you do not have a quiet, private space in your current living situation where you can hold interviews. Most importantly, reach out to your existing networks through school—your friends and professors! You never know who may have a surprising connection or a helpful suggestion.
While networking may seem intimidating, especially during an unprecedented pandemic, it is very important to remember that all job-seekers are navigating a similar situation right now. The pandemic and transition to remote work has impacted nearly every industry. If you feel lost or panicked, remember that the majority of your peers likely feel the same. Knowing you are not alone can help you form stronger bonds with those in a similar situation. At the end of the day, networking is about forming mutually beneficial relationships, and those whom you help may also help you. With that in mind, do not fear the new digital landscape of the job market. You may need to do a little extra preparation, but through research and practice, you may even find networking more rewarding than you ever expected.