Networking & The Job Search

Although not a specific class in gaining your average bachelor's degree, networking in & out of classroom is an essential part of career evolution. Through informational interviews, one-on-one contact with a professional in your desired field, a student may gain long needed connections. These interviews, as I have experienced, are not necessarily based on quantity as much as they are based on the quality. The beneficial personal and professional information shared from one to another could have a significant effect on one's life long decisions. Rather than reading the printed "ideal" image of a career, getting the hands on experience gives students an extra boost in what's to come in that particular field. As students go out on the much feared job search, utilizing their local professional from their informational interview may lead them to a job gold mine. Not only will the professional be able to lead them in the right direction for work, they may also be able to solidify an entry position at their very own company. Although an informational interview should never be used as a job search, expressing your interest may enthuse the interviewee to contact you in the near future about a job. Personally the informational interview acted as an eye opener. It allows you to separate what you thought a specific career path entailed with actually everyday information. Had I not sought out my professional, it may have been a longer road to happiness and a tedious job search.