Many argue that the
key to success is hard work, but hard work without connections will not get you
very far. Hard work is the main component, but the second most important
component is establishing a relationship with the people you meet. Last Friday
I was invited to a happy hour networking social along with other congressional
offices. I quickly thought, “This is my chance to connect.”
Rule # 1: Exchange
contact information. You might think you may never need to get ahold of the
person, but you never know. Therefore it is very important to exchange contact
info. My strategies to networking are to be approachable, be open to learning
new things and be willing to take risks. In other words, don’t be shy. Go up to
people and get to know them. They will most likely be interested in getting to
know you as well.
Approaching people
is essential because you never know who might be your next encounter.
Networking in the workplace is a little easier because you already interact
with different individuals through your daily work. At the same time, though,
it’s important to build connections with your co-workers and with your
superiors. I have established a relationship with my co-workers and my
superiors by going out to lunch and happy hour events with them. Being in a
non-working environment makes it easier to bond and to get to know each other
better outside of work.
My time in
Washington D.C is short, and I am determined to meeting as many people as I
can. My goal is to meet the young, the old, professionals, interns, and just
random people in the metro. It’s important to have a diverse list of
connections.
yes you have exchange information because everyone is on the go there. Having a big network there is like having a lot of money.
ReplyDeleteVery cool to see that you are into making connections. Not only does this give you a chance to meet new people, but I have gotten a job simply by the connections I have made. You never know what type of impact you can have on a person. That is why I like to approach networking as informal job interviews. They allow people to catch a synopsis of who you are and what you're about.
ReplyDeleteHey Adriana,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post on networking,its definitely an area I can improve on and this post makes me very hopeful. Keep up the great work, you look like you're having a great time :)
Hey Adriana,
ReplyDeleteCool post! You look so fancy in your clothes and executive level clearance get-up with all the different background pictures haha. Your Networking is super impressive and this internship will definitely pay off in the end of you. I'm kind of jealous of your job, you seem to meeting so many cool people and fancy special behind the scenes.
I hope this internships gets you your dream job!
Alison