By: C.J. Akin

Career Student Ambassador

Networking- a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest. This is the definition given by Dictionary.com for networking. Networking is a way for people to communicate, connect and help each other out with situations that arise. These situations could include needing someone to write a recommendation letter for you, being a reference on an application, or being a contact to know the layout of an area you are moving to better. Networking is a great tool for students to use and here are some reasons why you should networking:

You learn how to small talk. When you start networking, you have to learn how to small talk. Small talking may seem useless and meaningless, but you can actually learn a lot about people through small talk. It also helps you develop a “personal space bubble” as I like to call it. You learn how to not flail your arms about and how to keep your movements reserved and controlled.

It could possibly land you a job. When looking for a job, you may have no idea where to start. That’s okay, but if you are in college, go visit your school’s Career Center. I’m sure they would be glad to help you! (That’s what they are there for). Networking, though, is a key tool. Say you go to a conference in Washington D.C. and you meet some pretty awesome professionals and they give you their business card. What are you supposed to do now... Send them an email thanking them for their time and how wonderful it was to meet them. Then look them up on LinkedIn and add them as a connection. Wallah! You have a new connection that may be able to help you in the future with a job or the beginning of your career!

You find people who are willing to mentor you. Maybe you need some help with a career problem and you don’t know what to do. So, you turn to someone who is in that field, with that particular knowledge, that you have connected with! They can help advise you on the right path.

You can learn more about a career option. Say you don’t know quite what you want to do yet with your life. (In reality, who does?). Say your friend knows someone in the field you are interested at looking into a little more. You ask said friend to connect you with that person in the specific field you are looking into and you learn more about that field, just by simply asking questions and connecting.

Networking is a great tool for everyone to use and many people are. Social media is one way this is happening. By staying connected on sites like LinkedIn, you stay connected with the whole world. Make sure you network, because who knows where it will take you!

By: Maddy Herrholtz

While attending college, there is a push towards internships, but did you know that there are other amazing opportunities that give you career experience? I know how stressful it can be to apply endlessly for internships and there is simply no break. Don’t stop at just an internship though! There is a realm of possibilities outside of internships that can be just as beneficial.  College campuses are full of opportunities that will help strengthen and prepare you for your major. Some of these opportunities can connect you to campus, and some can introduce you to the community you will be working with. Through talking to students and having my own experiences, beneath is a list of options that can help build you to your career that isn’t an internship.

1. Campus Organizations- While some on campus organizations are not as structured, there are others primarily major based. For example, freshman year I joined an organization that is for future high school educators. I have been given opportunities to hear teachers speak, interact with teachers, and have more experience in the classroom. There are organizations that are focused around government, technology, and math that can promote your career. In addition, you can take over a role such as treasurer or president that allows you to collaborate on events. There is no cost, it is relaxed, and gives you beneficial experiences!

2. Volunteer Work- I know you don’t want to hear that there is no money in your time, but there is benefit to volunteering. Volunteering helps you connect to the surrounding community and have a feel for the type of people you will be working closely with. Sometimes in college we surround ourselves with only college students, but there are all kinds of people out there to interact with. If you volunteer in a place where you may be interested in working or is aligned with your interests, you can gain the experience just as you would an internship. In addition, if you get to know the staff, it can be a window of opportunity into a potential internship.

3. On Campus jobs- Who says that you can’t get paid while having a learning experience? While it may not be an internship, on campus jobs offer you a great start. You are able to meet professional staff that can help you with your career track. Additionally, there are plenty of on campus jobs that are major specific. For example, if you are a graphic design major,  there are opportunities to work on campus publications. While it is technically not an internship, you can develop your skills and get paid. Look on campus updates or WorkNet for these great opportunities!

4. Working with professors- Getting to know your professors is a great way to eventually participate in undergraduate research or help facilitate a class. While it may not be an internship by name, you have the opportunity to work closely with professionals in the field. Undergraduate research allows students to explore their passions and have hands on learning. Even facilitating a class and holding study sessions for the professor gives a concrete understanding of material and how to apply it. Just remember to get to know your professors, they are always there to help!

By: Maria Nar

As a college student, I’m sure you have heard at least a dozen times how important networking is. But I’m going to say it once again: networking is a crucial component of finding an ideal career. Here’s why.

Networking allows you to connect with those who may have the ability to assist you in finding jobs, internships and careers.

AND

Through networking you can make informed decisions regarding your selected career path.

I was given the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. with the Career Center to network with Bowling Green State University alumni. We spent three days exploring the city and meeting with various contacts in the D.C. area. This was the first experience I have had networking with people in the field. I don’t claim to be an expert, but I do have a few networking tips and tricks that I picked up during my time in D.C.

Feel out the situation. You’ll be able to get an idea of the level of formality that you’re working with. Use that to gauge the amount of professionalism that you use.

Go outside of your comfort zone. I will be the first to admit how awkward networking can be. Put a group people in a room who are all vying for someone’s attention and it can get a little overwhelming. Push your limits and make some conversation. It will be worth it in the end.

Be yourself. It’s tempting to put on a façade when you are interacting with people in a higher position than yourself. Clearly there is a level of professionalism that must be maintained, but there is a difference between being professional and being dishonest.

Get business cards. Get business cards with your name and contact information and collect them from others. They’re highly portable and a hot commodity in the networking world.

Quality of quantity. You could collect 30 business cards in an evening, but it’s the one that you felt a legitimate connection with that will take you far. Focus on those legitimate connections. If you have something in common, talk about it. If you don’t, move on and find someone that you genuinely feel a connection with.

This is your interview too. It’s easy to forget how important fit is on your end of the conversation as well. If you don’t feel comfortable and interested in the person you are networking with you might not fit well with that company, and that’s okay.

Be memorable. You have the experience, knowledge and skills to own these conversations. Ask hard questions. Answer honestly. Make an impression.

Name: Maddy Herrholtz    

Major:Integrated Language arts and Minor English    

Year: Junior  

Ask me about: I am a photographer that specializes in families and natural life-based photography. In addition, I collect rare books.   

Favorite quote: "I am longing to be with you,and by the sea. Where we can talk together freely, and build our castles in the air"-Bram Stoker(Dracula)  

By: Isaac Sakyi

As a third year student I cannot wait to graduate and I am sure this feeling is shared by many, maybe with the exception of first year students because they are still in the experimental phase. If you are a senior or a junior like myself you are probably wondering how life is going to be after you graduate. I cannot tell you how life will be after graduation but I can give you a few guidelines to help you stay on track and prepared for what’s to come.

During your last year at BGSU there are certain things you should pay close attention to as far as career implementation such as academic planning, campus and community involvement and career & life development.

 Step 1: Academic Planning

When it comes to academic planning make sure to meet with your faculty advisor to go over you Degree Audit Report to make sure you are on track and have met all academic requirements for graduation. I cannot fully emphasize the importance of campus involvement and how it shapes you as an individual.

Step 2: Campus Involvement

There are many opportunities to get involved on campus and more specifically get involved in something pertaining to your major. You will learn a lot of things about yourself in the process, which is great because it is better to learn your flaws now when you can improve on them than to learn your flaws later when you are in the corporate world where such mistakes may be unpardonable.

Step 3: Visit the Career Center

The next thing to do is become familiar with the Career Center (Math & Science building 318C) and all the services they have to offer. You can make an appointment at the Career Center to meet with a consultant to discuss career goals and create a job search plan. Some of the services include resume and cover letter critique, mock interviews to help improve interviewing skills and self-confidence, helping students update their professional portfolio and also reaching out to students through the Career Student Ambassador program.

Step 4: Network

You should also attend the Fall and Spring EXPO Job and Internship Fairs, Teacher Job Fair, and other recruiting events sponsored by the Career Center in order to meet and network with recruiters. You can also create a LinkedIn profile to expand your job search network. Prior to attending any of the EXPO’s check WorkNet for a schedule of employers conducting interviews to make sure they match your career interests.

Step 5: Job Search Persistence

Once you have completed the above steps and have arrived at your senior year, it will be time to start applying for jobs. Use your network to become aware of positions. Make sure you keep track of your applications so that you can check the status of each and also follow up with employers to request job interviews. Continue to interview until you receive job offers and when you do, evaluate them and accept one. The Career Center would like to know of any job offers and acceptances to gauge how well they assist students so feel free to give that feedback.

CJ Akin

Major: Major History and Minors Art History and Creative Writing

Year: Junior

Ask me about: My favorite things to do consist of reading, writing, cooking/ baking, visiting museums and libraries.

Favorite Quote: "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." ~ Oscar Wilde

Nick de Lorme

Major: Sport Management and Minor General Business

Year: Sophomore

Ask me about: All sports, Netflix, politics, and current hot topics.

Favorite Quote: "If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special."~ Jim Valvano

Candace Calloway

Major: Applied Health Science - Specialization in Public Health

Year: Sophomore                  

Ask me about: any type of music, French bulldogs, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and my childhood dream of being an astronaut.

Favorite Quote: "Never be afraid to sit awhile and think." ~Lorraine Hansberry