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September 30 2010

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Networking - Who should you talk to?

posted by Grant

Hello all.  It is nearly the weekend (finally) and we're back with installment number three in our quest to figure out networking.  Just to remind you all, I'm no expert.  In fact, despite all the networking I've been doing over the last several years, I have yet to land a full time job.  However, my last four summer internships are all a result of networking.

The most common question I hear about networking is who to network with.  When I first started "networking," before I even knew there was a term for it, really, I was just thinking about going to the top.  I thought I needed to talk to the company president, the managing partner, the chief of staff, etc.  I quickly learned that isn't the way to go about it.  I think the easy answer to the question of who to network with is: everyone.  As I've mentioned in previous weeks, networking can be awkward, especially if you're talking to as many people as you can.  You'll meet people you have nothing in common with.  The key, again, is finding someone you click with.  

That said, it is still a good idea to meet with as many people as you can.  You never know who is going to be willing to help you out as much as they can.  And just because someone isn't the top dog, doesn't mean they don't know someone who is.  Besides, most of the time, and especially at large organizations, the people at the top of a firm or a company have no idea what's going on when it comes to who is being hired.  The key really is finding someone you have something in common with.  If you're clicking with the person they're more likely to think something like, "hey, I like this kid and I wouldn't mind working with them, and I wouldn't be embarrassed recommending them for a job."  

As I have been writing these blogs about networking the past few weeks, it continues to become more and more clear to me that your motives are what matter.  Be intentional about establishing a connection and building a relationship.  Don't be pushy - be looking for a mentor, not necessarily a job.  Good luck!

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Grant

About the Author: Grant
grant@thelawstreetjournal.com

Grant is a recent law school graduate and focuses his legal practice on general corporate law matters. He hated law school more than most people and refused to study (if only this were true). When he isn’t at work, he spends his time watching the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Hoosiers, playing guitar, piano, or drums, coaching a little league basketball team, or remodeling a house.

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