Networking for Dummies, Or, How to Not Instantly Alienate People

Drinks make the networking go down much easier.

Being a student in a tight economy means that you have to do what you can to set yourself apart from the crowd, even in Alberta. In spite of what parents, teachers and even schools seem to think, having a degree is no guarantee of getting a job.

Networking is an important skill that students are wisely encouraged to develop and often professional associations host events this time of year to help recruit students into their folds. Involvement in these organizations and their events can help students meet potential mentors, learn more about the realities of the field and, of course, get connected to those jobs that get filled before they are even advertised.

Unfortunately, networking is not a skill that comes easily to many people, including myself, but however awkward I may be, I witnessed some particularly atrocious social skills at a recent industry event aimed at students. While I will not pretend to be a social butterfly, allow me to offer some basic tips that should make professional networking infinitely less uncomfortable for both students and professionals alike.