You might have heard it already many times: ‘It is not what you know, it is who you know”, or “Your network is your net worth”. As a student, it can be frustrating: how are you supposed to know anyone when you are not yet a professional yourself? The truth is, networking is not only about knowing the most ‘interesting’ people, it is about getting to know new people and building relationships. Whether it is a student who shares the same career perspective, a lecturer who inspires you, or a professional you meet at an event. Every conversation can offer you a new insight or open a new door. It might feel overwhelming to start. In this article, Young Financials will break down step by step how to build a strong and valuable network during your study period.
How to Start
Starting your first year at the university, whether in a bachelor’s or master’s program, is an exciting time filled with a lot of new impressions. One of the most fun opportunities to meet new people during this period is through joining a study association. These associations organize monthly social events and activities for you to join. You can even decide to apply for a committee. It’s a great way to broaden your network without it really feeling like networking. Also try to look around for interesting student initiatives such as student consultancies or finance associations. By joining these projects, you’ll collaborate with people from different study backgrounds, learn to work in teams, and even meet professionals from top-tier organizations. There are many organizations that collaborate with student committees, offer workshops and training sessions. During the last year of your bachelor’s and your master’s, there are many opportunities through which you can meet professionals in your field of interest. For instance, via in-house days and informal coffee meetups. These low-barrier opportunities give you a genuine feel for a company’s culture and allow you to talk to employees in a more comfortable environment. It is also really important to go to business events and apply for company cases. These are most often organized by study associations as well. Below we will provide you advice on how to prepare an event like this.
Network Events
Throughout the year, study associations host many interesting network and business events all over the Netherlands. It is the ideal opportunity for you to start building your professional network. Be aware that networking does not begin the moment you walk into one of these events: good preparation is key. Start by researching which companies and recruiters will be attending the event, and make a list of the ones that genuinely interest you. At the same time, take a look at their website and get to know their values, clients and recent projects. It helps you ask more in-depth questions during the event, and you will find out whether the business really fits your interests. Once you’ve done your research, think about what you want to get out of the event: are you looking for an internship, career advice, a traineeship, or are you just exploring options? Also prepare a few questions you’d like to ask one of the representatives of the organization. At last, make sure your LinkedIn profile is all set before you go to the event. The chances are high that people you met at the event will look you up afterwards. We will elaborate on how to set up your LinkedIn profile later in the article.
Now that you’ve done your research and updated your LinkedIn profile, it is time for the actual event. Recruiters have more time for one-on-one conversations when there isn’t a big crowd yet, so try to arrive a little early. It is important that you take initiative yourself. Start by introducing yourself to one the representatives of your interest, and tell them about your studies and interests. From there, make use of the questions you prepared; it shows that you are seriously interested. You’ll probably meet a lot of professionals in a short time, which can get a little confusing later on. Try to write down a few notes after each conversation, like their name, company, and something you discussed. Maybe you already connected with a few people on LinkedIn during the event. But if not, don’t wait too long afterwards. Look up the people you had a conversation with and send them a connection request. Always include a small message to thank them for the conversation. Be aware that these tips don’t only apply to events, but can be used in any kind of situation when you meet an interesting professional.
Lastly, LinkedIn is one of the most useful online tools for building your professional network. Starting early has great benefits. Consider adding some new connections each month, starting in the first year of your bachelor’s. You can use the medium to stay in touch with fellow students, lecturers, teaching assistants, alumni, etc. These are often the first connections that can help you discover new opportunities in, for example, the labor market. At the same time, it’s a great platform for meeting new people. If you’re curious about a specific organization or role, try searching for professionals who are currently working in that field. Don’t hesitate to reach out by sending a short message to ask if they’d be open to grabbing a coffee. Most professionals can appreciate the curiosity and are happy to share their experiences. However, before you start putting yourself out there, be sure your LinkedIn profile page is completely up to date. Add a professional profile picture, with a clear background and appropriate clothing. You are allowed to smile! Make sure the background picture of your profile is clear and has something to do with your field of interest or with your personal background. Also, add a professional title and summary, including your education and side job or committee. A complete profile helps recruiters see your full potential and makes you look more professional right away. Most of the time, study associations provide LinkedIn training to improve your profile. Make sure to go there, so that by your third year your profile is optimized.
It is important to remember that building a network does not happen overnight. Don’t wait until you graduate before you start networking and take initiative now. The connections you build today will become the foundation of your career tomorrow. Would you like advice on the best next step for your career in the financial job market? Then sign up with Young Financials, and we’ll be happy to help you! Also, check out our Vacancies and Finance Traineeships!
