Networking

Networking is about establishing connections with other people. Sometimes these connections will help you gain access to opportunities.

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Map out who you currently know: peers on your course, academic staff, speakers from events, employers
Join a relevant professional association – many have student rates and networking events
Get involved in activities: This could be organising or participating in an event, coming along to our employer events and fairs, taking part in the HEAR, working or volunteering
Look for a mentor. Goldsmiths Careers partners with the National Mentoring Consortium which supports BAME students
Use Goldsmiths Connect our own alumni networking platform
Make a positive impression: Show enthusiasm, be interesting, overcome problems - these are all ways to make yourself stand out
Use LinkedIn to build and maintain your connections - download our LinkedIn and social media helpsheet from our VLE page
Try to do something each month that is a positive step towards building your network

Practice some opening lines to introduce yourself
Become more aware of your strengths – you can book a one to one appointment with a careers consultant to focus on this
Get used to asking questions – people like to talk about themselves and it takes the limelight off you
Develop good active listening skills
Get some small talk ammunition – keep on top of current affairs for example
Interact early on, it’s much easier than letting the fear build up

Ask for information and advice such as how to get into a sector or how to enhance your experience
Look for introductions: Perhaps someone in your network knows someone in the job field you are interested in
Secure work-shadowing: usually involves spending a day or so with an organisation and is less commitment than full-blown work-experience
Make people aware that you are looking for experience or a job but don’t ask directly for an opportunity

Download our Networking helpsheet from our VLE page
Build your confidence by taking part in The Gold Award
Sign up to our workshops (on self-confidence or LinkedIn for example)
Come along to our employer events on campus. It’s a safe space and they are here to meet you