Networking

Networking is the most valuable and productive job search technique. Effective networking means proactively connecting yourself to other people. In every placement survey we conduct, we hear students say how important contacts were in helping them acquire career positions.

Knowing people in an organization transforms you from an outsider to an insider. Insiders are viewed differently. Often applicants who have been referred by employees (or friends of employees) are interviewed, especially if the employee is respected. Your goal is to become an insider - to be referred by someone who works on the inside or has connections on the inside.

Networking says a lot about you. It lets people know you are someone who is committed to and interested in the field, someone who takes the initiative, someone who knows what it takes to get the job done, and someone who is interested in meeting and working with people. Networking through professional associations allows you to display your communication skills and build experience with the same people you may one day be working with. How could someone not be impressed with this type of person?

Here are some recommended actions you should take to develop a strong career network.

• Make networking a priority.
• Meet and get to know at least 10 professionals in the environmental field each of your two years at the Bren School. Remember that the best time to meet people is when you are a student. People often enjoy talking with and helping students. Take advantage of this time.
• Talk with your friends, family, professors, prior employers, and other important people in you life about your job aspirations. Ask each of these people who they might refer you to for more information about your career choice.
• Become a member of an external professional association in your area of interest.
• Become actively involved in the association. Attend association events and consider running for a position in the organization.
• Attend conferences, seminars, workshops, and other events related to your field. These events will increase your knowledge of the field, help develop skills, and provide an excellent opportunity for you to meet people and develop lasting relationships.
• Talk with Bren School alumni, UCSB alumni, and alumni from your undergraduate institution. Alumni programs often have listings of graduates who are willing to talk to students about their careers and job search experience.
• Participate in internships, part-time and full-time work opportunities, and volunteer activities. Working not only allows you to meet people, but it also gives you the opportunity to show them what you can do on the job.
• Get out in the field and meet people. Don't be afraid to ask someone if you can join them. You will find that some people are willing to have you join them on field assignments.
• Read magazines, journals, and other publications to locate people who are doing what you would like to be doing. Communicate with the authors. Some students have obtained internships by e-mailing authors and expressing an interest in their work.
• Read through environmental job listings. This is a good way to identify contact people, understand job duties, and determine job requirements.
• Conduct informational interviews while exploring possible careers and finding out more about your chosen career. This is a very effective technique, especially if used early in the job search process. Ask each person you talk to if they know someone you could contact who might also be helpful in this area.
• Enroll in professional seminars, workshops, or adult education classes related to your field. This is an excellent way to interact with working adults and develop a strong network of contacts in your field.
• Develop a mini network support group with your fellow students. Find students who are interested in the same general field and get together to talk about the field, your contacts, the job search process, and career-related events. Expand your network to include both first and second year students. Plan on staying in touch with this group beyond your Bren School experience.

Effective networking takes time to refine. Start with the people you already know and expand from there. Before you know it, you will have a long list of quality contacts you can turn to for information, referrals, and suggestions. Once you develop your network, you should consider your contacts to be life-long professional friends. Make sure you continue to maintain and develop these relationships.