Many college students dream of starting their own business once they graduate or becoming a part of a strong company that can help them build a career. But, not that many students realize this journey should start as early as possible. While in college, you should be working on creating that path for yourself and setting a foundation for your future professional goals. That includes building a strong business network.
Having a business network already built once you graduate is a huge advantage when you start looking for a job. It’ll give you the confidence, information, and resources you need to strive. Below, we’ll discuss the top 5 strategies to build those connections like a professional.
1. Student Clubs & Organizations
Building a business network is all about connecting with the right people. Student clubs and organizations offer the perfect opportunity to meet people who share your interests and are in the same field.
There are different types of clubs you could join, but the best ones for potential business connections include:
- entrepreneurship clubs
- innovation clubs
- clubs based on academic interests
- business clubs
- cultural exchange clubs
- student government clubs
Once you find a club that is a good fit for you, you should take active engagement in their activities and make the most out of the contacts you make there.
You’ll see that the other members will be there to help you overcome academic challenges, organize your time, and develop your business skills. I learned from my club members I could pay someone to write my paper or tutor me online to relieve the academic stress I was experiencing.
So, be a part of the organization team, attend their events, connect with other similar clubs at other colleges, and seize all opportunities you get.
2. Attend Events
The next strategy to continue building a strong business network is to find and attend events that are related to your business field of interest. Events are happening near you without you being aware of it, so start looking for the ones you’d like to visit.
Look into:
- workshops
- seminars
- webinars
- conferences
- talks
While you’re there, try to meet new people, share your contacts, and expand your group of networks.
3. Volunteer
Seeking out and seizing volunteer opportunities in your field of interest is a great way to build business connections. It’s also a smart way to start your professional journey, exploring all the different positions you could be in once you start working.
Volunteering will help you in a number of ways:
- develop communication skills
- interact with professionals from your field
- be mentored by an expert
- demonstrate your skills and knowledge
- leave a great impression
It would also help you find like-minded fellow students who you can share your ideas or business projects with in the future.
4. Be Active Online
As a digital native, you’re certainly aware of the power of social media. Networking online can be equally as important as offline and live networking.
This is especially the case for business platforms like LinkedIn, with 60% of members being between the ages of 24 and 35, which is exactly the demographic you should be connecting to. There are also professional social media groups, forums, and online organizations.
Students can use their online activity to connect with business professionals and companies, learn about internships, read quality resources, and stay updated on the latest news.
5. Look For Mentorship
Finally, students who have a defined idea of what type of business they want to pursue should look for a mentor while in college. There are professors whose careers expand beyond teaching. Either they’re entrepreneurs, freelancers, business consultants, or have any other type of career you could be interested in.
Reach out to them with a clear motive and goal, and ask them to help you make the right moves while still in college. They can help you find more resources, education opportunities, business internships, and other useful aids to build your business network.
Final Thoughts
Building a strong business network in college requires you to invest your time and energy into it. You need to research opportunities, take part in extracurricular activities, and give more of yourself than your fellow students.
But this effort pays off. Having a network will be extremely useful once you get out of college and start working on your career. So, use the 5 strategies we’ve shared above to build a solid business network while still a college student.
Author’s Bio
Mary Herd is a startup business consultant and a blogger. She aims to help small, young businesses thrive, as well as encourage people to start their business journey with confidence and a business plan.
