If you think college is about meeting new friends, going to classes, studying for exams, and finding time to play, you are right. Those are all important aspects of college life. However, they are not the only aspects.  

College is where you will make life-long friends, create wonderful memories, expand your knowledge, and have fun.  However, these are not the only reasons to go to college.  One of the most important reasons for going to college is networking.  Networking involves meeting the right people, who can help you currently or in the future with your career aspirations.  According to research, 85% of jobs are found through networking.   

Why is networking so important? 

CONTINUAL LEARNING 

Through networking, you can gain important information about your chosen field.  Speaking with leaders and peers in your industry keeps you abreast of the latest industry trends.  Getting advice and tips from those already successful in the real world can help you land a job as you will be more knowledgeable about the field, and this will make you look more attractive to managers looking for new hires.  

PRACTICE SPEAKING WITH INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

Nothing turns off professionals more than people who cannot communicate.  Networking gives you practice interacting with professionals properly.   

While you may have an excellent social game with your friends on campus, it is important to understand that speaking to professionals requires appropriate communication including poise and confidence.  If you can communicate professionally with articulation and maturity, you will be ahead of the game in the job hunt post-graduation.  Being able to communicate like an adult will give you the benefit of your new organizations’ respect.  

OPENS UP DOORS 

Everyone dreams about what their life will be like after they graduate from college.  Unfortunately, however, what most people dream about is quite different from what happens.  Many young people assume that just because they have graduated college, they are ready to be a manager.  Employers are looking to fill entry-level positions so they can train you to fit into their organization.  Promoting your skills now, to the right people, will attract those employers looking to hire people with good communication skills, knowledge, and ambition to train and promote from within helping their companies grow with fresh, new talent.  

In short, be prepared to start from the bottom and work your way up. 

BE DIFFERENT FROM THE REST 

Networking helps you get noticed in a sea of applicants.  Attending on-campus networking functions will show the employers there that you are determined, as you are giving up your free time to meet and interact with them.  But remember, simply being there does not mean the same thing as networking.  While you are meeting with these industry leaders, speak with confidence and knowledge.  Many people must do research before going to a networking event.  Read up on who will be there, what their company does, awards they have received, and their goals for the future.  This will show that you are interested in their organization and took the time to learn about them.  In addition, dress professionally and be humble.  Nobody likes a show-off. And most importantly, say thank you after each conversation.   

Now that you know about the importance of networking in college, you can begin to develop your post-graduation career path. Networking is the bridge between your academic success and your career success and will aid in landing you your dream job.