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October 07, 2022
Newsletter ArticleStart from the ground up
Teachers, professors, public speakers, friends and family. Let these people know the impact they have on your life. Reaching out to professors to let them know you enjoyed their class or connecting with an industry professional you admire through LinkedIn are great ways to begin building your network.
Remember their name
One of the easiest ways to make a connection with someone is by remembering their name. After someone introduces themselves, address them by their name throughout the conversation to make it more personable. Even on video chats and emails, addressing them when you begin to speak or including their name at the beginning of an email will stand out.
Use your network
Once you begin establishing connections, doors open and opportunities start falling into your lap. If you are speaking to someone who suggests you reach out to another individual, take their advice. Ask for contact information and take time to contact the individual, and be sure to let them know who sent you to establish immediate mutuality. You can also ask your connection to make an introduction on your behalf. Your personal connections are powerful and can lead to a plethora of new opportunities.
Apply for jobs
No matter what stage you are in your college career, job applications are ever-present. As a junior, start applying to jobs even if the likelihood of landing the job seems improbable. However, be transparent about your intended start date for employment. Getting your name out there is the only way for employers to know you exist. If you don’t get the job, an employer will likely keep your name in the back of their mind and think of you when other positions open.
Adapt to the virtual world
The days of handshakes and elevator pitches are few and far between while online meet-and-greets are on the rise. Although the virtual world comes with its own set of hiccups, it provides a wonderful opportunity for introverts, and extroverts, to thrive through online outreach and connection. Embracing the virtual world is critical to cultivating a vibrant network. You might not be able to shake someone’s hand and give a hearty “thank you” in person, but you can follow up with a personalized message through LinkedIn or email to showcase your appreciation and make a lasting impression.
Update your LinkedIn profile
No matter your career field, your social media presence is a vital aspect of networking. Social media platforms are a great way to uplift your skill set and engage with those already in your network, while also expanding on those connections. LinkedIn is the primary social platform industry professionals utilize to support recruitment. It’s important your profile accurately reflects your skills and experience. When your profile is up-to-date and you engage with your network on a regular basis, your odds of finding new opportunities are pretty good.
Find your affinity
One of the most unique parts of agriculture is the diverse community of individuals working toward one common goal — providing food, fuel and fiber for the world. While the industry seems larger, niches exist within the agriculture community that you can take advantage of. Women in agriculture are great resources for female students. Students of diverse ethnicities can connect with people of color in the agriculture industry to learn about their career journeys and successes. It’s no surprise that the pandemic has starved many from sharing their unique story with like-minded individuals, so there is an eagerness for others to share how they got where they are now, and that will always be advice worth listening to.
Deepen your current connections
We all have a network of individuals valuable to us. However, we often find ourselves connecting with people on LinkedIn but never take the relationship any further. Those individuals obviously have knowledge, skills, and a repertoire beneficial and valuable to us. So, why not utilize the connections we already have to reach goals and drive success? Initiate conversations about your career goals and take note of leads given to you. Your connections are there to help you succeed. Don’t be afraid to lean on your network for advice, job recommendations and introductions to those who can help you achieve your goals.
Don't over do it
It’s important not to abuse the connections you’ve made by continually making asks of those individuals. Rather, spend time getting to know your current connections, what they care about and find ways to bring value to them. Networking is a two-way street — when you invest in others, they’ll invest in you. That’s the sweet spot of networking that pays off throughout college and even into your early career.
Do your research
When planning for your future, it’s important to find a company or organization that aligns with your career goals and values. When you identify companies and organizations of interest to you, research the company’s website and LinkedIn page. If you come across employees in the area you hope to work in, reach out via email or connect with them on LinkedIn. Demonstrate a strong understanding of the mission behind the company or organization to showcase your passion about their work and its importance. You can even ask for a quick 15-minute informational interview by phone or video call for a more personal interaction.
Get involved
Even now, colleges and universities are doing their best to keep students involved. Many events continue being held on virtual platforms, but that shouldn’t scare you from dipping your toes in the water. Check your college or university’s website for a list of clubs and organizations to get involved with. Outside of college, attending events and conferences that build your technical and professional skills is a great way to set yourself apart from your peers. Events like Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference develops practical skills for navigating a successful career. Not to mention, these spaces provide wonderful opportunities to network with peers and leaders in the food and agriculture industry
To learn more about Agriculture Future of America, visit www.agfuture.org.
