Networking In DU: Building Connections That Last Beyond College

Greetings......!

Hi there, this is what DU means: friends you make and people you know are possibly one of the most valuable assets in your life while in college. Networking may look and sound very formal and may look like a very big deal, the best way to look at it is the process of creating valuable friendships that follow you even after you have exited the University of Denver doors. And now let’s find out how to benefit from this fantastic networking opportunity which is available to the students of DU!

1. Networking Is Not Merely About Talking To Other People

The objective of networking is not to gather people’s cards and the freedom to follow strangers on social networks; it is about developing a connection.

Alumni contacts in the campus will assist you in themes like academic issues, course work, job search and even self development.

There are countless examples, many alumni will agree with me that the connections that you create whilst at DU are some of the most important connections that you are likely to make throughout you study lifecycle.

Networking is not the process of linking people. It is all about people to people communication, people to ideas and people to jobs among other things.

2. Where To Start: Building Your Circle In DU

Join Societies and Clubs: There are many societies in DU, including dramatic societies, debate societies, social service societies and sports societies. One of the best ways to find like-minded people is through forming societies that cut across the interests of the society.

Engage in Group Projects and Workshops: Any work in projects or going to the workshop allows having some contacts with classmates and peers in a productive manner.

Make the Most of Orientation Events: As to entering the class and becoming familiar with peers and instructors, there is no better opportunity than orientation week. It’s okay to be the one to start the conversation with people you encounter.

3. The Power Of Alumni Networks

Leverage Alumni Associations: A large number of the colleges of DU have active alumni associations. When you attend the alumni events you can be able to interact with the alumni who have established themselves in different areas.

LinkedIn and Social Media Groups: Join your colleges alumni groups on LinkedIn and other social media to be updated with events and do not hesitate to contact alumni for information.

Seek Mentorship Opportunities: A significant number of DU alumni have a lot of enthusiasm to give back to the students from their own school. It may be daunting to approach someone for help but sometimes it is encouraged to do because it may lead to great learning and future placement opportunities.

“An alumni network is nothing but being a backstage pass in today’s professional world.”

4. Networking Through Students’ Activities On Campus

Attend Guest Lectures and Seminars: DU organizes a number of guest lecture experiences where people from various fields come and speak. Go to these events, seek clarifications and make some form of introduction to the speakers.

Participate in Cultural Festivals and Competitions: From experience, cultural festivals in DU are a wonderful opportunity not only to interact with students of other colleges but also with professionals who attend the event as jurors or invited guests.

Student-Led Initiatives: Some of the activities to look forward to as a student include, social awareness creation, debates and fundraising activities. These offer very good chances to be working with dedicated students and have positive effects on them.

5. Building Professional Image Online

Create a LinkedIn Profile Early On: LinkedIn is one of the best ways through which students can engage with alumni, their professors and other professionals. It is better to start as early as possible, and just don’t forget to update your profile with your skills, preferences and achievements.

Join Relevant Social Media Groups: Most, if not all, DU societies and departments have created group pages on social networks for updating the group. Being in these groups can also come in handy when seeking information on events or on opportunities that are going round.

Share and Engage with Content Thoughtfully: It is recommended to share events or projects where you are involved, volunteering activity. Apprising other posts can help you to become more noticeable among alumni and specialists in a certain field.

6. Friendship And Professional Relationship

Be Genuine in Your Interactions: People appreciate sincerity. During the first impression, the first thing you should do is to be polite, avoid having an intention on what you want to get out the person you are meeting.

Stay in Touch After Events: No matter if you meet a new friend in a club or receive a mentor in a workshop, it’s appropriate to send a follow-up message to show your appreciation.

Support and Celebrate Peers’ Achievements: It is perhaps easier to foster relationships by merely focusing on ultimately supporting the success of others. A supportive environment arises from congratulating another person in their achievements.

7. Managing Friends And Colleagues

Understand the Difference: With friends it’s not about job searching or what they can do for me personally, or me for them. Some will be individual while others are going to be work related.

Keep Social Events Social: Pay close attention to social relationships at functions. Such friendships may turn into useful business relations in the future as the friends move on to other career levels.

Set Boundaries Where Needed: Do not cross the boundaries too often because it confuses the people involved.

8. Networking Strategies For Successful College

Prepare Your Introduction: Regardless of whether it is a seminar or a workshop, provide a short personal presentation. Post your about me, your major, and your hobbies.

Ask Open-Ended Questions: Discussions about experiences are always interesting. Thus, unexpected and quite simple questions such as, “What made you decide to become a worker of such profession?” will be engaging.

Carry a Notebook or Use Your Phone for Notes: Record names at the very least you can write names of people, issues discussed or ideas that were aired during the conversation. This will assist you in remembering certain aspects of a conversation, especially the next time that you engage the person.

9. How Classroom Relationships Become Networking Possibilities

Sit with New People Regularly: Switching from one seat or study group to another is a good way to interact with the others.

Collaborate on Assignments: That’s the reason why assignments should be done with different people so as to gain more perspective and build new friendships.

Stay Open to Diverse Perspectives: This fact is widely recognized by the community: for instance, DU is perceived as fundamentally diverse. Take this as you accept and value other people’s points of view, which often creates better relationships.

‘The only thing that we are all the same is that we are diverse.’ Celebrate it every day.”

10. Optimising The Potential Of Placement Cell Of DU

Attend Placement Workshops: The Placement Cell of DU sometimes organizes workshops especially on Resume Writing, Interviews and Internships. Many students find these sessions useful because here they can get to know their colleagues and, at the same time, obtain knowledge from practicing professionals.

Engage with Recruiters: Tech companies, HR personnel, and corporate houses must start getting to know you during recruitment drives. Just showing interest in what they are doing can be a huge help to the employee.

Network With Intern Peers: If you have been placed through the placement cell you should have information on the other students who did internships. Such a networks helps many students to get future jobs or recommendations.

Conclusion

Networking in the context of this article as well as in the context of every university, but especially in DU is the key about developing a group of friends, people who could become our mentors, which will also, probably, become our colleagues in future. It is a chance to meet faces that would encourage, motivate and advance together with. Introduce yourself into a conversation and keep an open mind. So, remember that these relationships are more of a process than outcomes. When constructing your DU network you are creating something that will follow you after senior year in college. Therefore swim with us, connect with us, and these college years should be the most memorable!

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