Networking

Studies have shown that over 65% of careers are found through networking. Networking is the process of making contacts for the purpose of finding jobs and furthering your career. The most interesting and unique jobs are never posted on job search websites. Personally, I am not the best person at striking up a conversation with people I don't know. I tend to be pretty reserved, especially when I feel uncomfortable.

However, with the end of my degree fast approaching, I though I'd better bite the bullet and put myself out there. So I signed up for the mentorship program run through the UVic business program. The program pairs up students with professionals from the Victoria business community. I had my first meeting with my mentor this morning. I was a little nervous, but she was very friendly and put me completely at ease. We talked for an hour about my experiences, my likes and dislikes, her career, etc.

My network is growing already - she agreed to introduce me to a couple of her contacts. When I checked my email this afternoon, her contacts had already emailed me to set up meetings! Exciting... and scary!