Developing a strong and interconnected network is oftentimes critical to career success, but who is in your network and how do you define it?
LinkedIn is the primary place to define who is in your existing network and also identify people who may be willing and able to help you in your career endeavors. In addition to being an excellent self-branding tool, LinkedIn is also THE place to do in-depth research on the people who work in your industry or target companies of choice. It is also critical in helping you understand and get plugged in with WashU’s expansive alumni base. The video below shows you how to unlock LinkedIn’s alumni tool to your benefit.
As a WashU student, you have access to a mentor-focused online community where you can build connections with alumni and friends of the university from around the world. WashU CNX (pronounced “connects”) offers a place to network, collaborate, and grow personally and professionally one-on-one and in groups. This platform has the advantage of having alumni opt into the program so you can ensure that they are actively looking to connect with current students.
In addition to WashU’s alumni base, there are other sources of networking contacts to tap:
Once you have identified your network (this is an ever-evolving process), it’s time to make personal connections and stay in touch (refer to ‘Outreach to Contacts’ for a guide on how to effectively do this). We know that being a student AND navigating your career search can be complex in the best of times, so we recommend using or adapting this Excel file to keep track of your interactions.