Is it too early to start networking?

We know that networking is an important part of finding a job or internship, but if you start now, will you run out of things to talk about with my contacts? Is it better to wait until you are closer to graduation or your internship application deadlines?

The short answer here is, ‘”no!” You have to remember that networking is all about relationship building. Potential networking contacts are strangers until you put the time in to get to know them and let them get to know you. No one likes to feel used, and if you wait to reach out, not only will contacts know that you waited until the last minute (they were college students once, too!), they will know that you’re just contacting them to see they have any job leads or sway in their company’s internship process.

Yes, the desired outcome from networking IS landing that coveted job or internship… but you have to look at the bigger picture: you’re going to be networking from here on out, and developing a base of reliable networking contacts (not to mention becoming a part of others’ networks) is going to be a huge asset to your career as you move up in your field. Just asking about leads is just going to get you redirected to HR, which tends to be a dead end when it comes to networking.

You don’t have to take it from me, though. One successfully networking, current student recently emailed a new contact and, in addition to a lengthy response from the contact, also got this note at the bottom of the email:

“One last thing….. I’m writing you back with such gusto for three reasons:

1) “You wrote a thoughtful letter that showed that you have done your research on me and my position. Well done!

2) “You didn’t ask for a job. You’d be surprised at how bold some students can be as if I owe something to someone who I don’t even know. Ha!

3) “This is probably the most important to me. I’m assuming that when you say you’re a senior then you will be graduating in May so you’re writing me in advance (if not then just let me think that, as ignorance is bliss). This shows me that you’re writing and networking well in advance of ‘panic time’ when you realize you’ll be out of school in two weeks and need to get started. You’d be amazed at how many students write me in early May seeking something for the summer. I hate to say it but I kind of ignore those emails.”

So there you have it. Don’t wait: start now. That goes for students who are seeking internships and reaching out in advance of their last year on campus, too. It’s never too early to start networking!