It’s ALL about who you know

Ever since I was a freshman, I was always told that networking was crucial for my professional and academic development. Basically when it comes down to it, networking is all about who you know. I have to say that I deeply underestimated the value of networking until I actively experienced it and its benefits this past summer during my internship in Washington, D.C. I was working in the Organization of American States (OAS), the oldest international organization, under their Young Americas Business Trust (YABT) which strives to improve the social and economic development of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Aside from the fact that I had an amazing experience working with professionals from around the world and making a difference at the same time, I found myself in the midst of networking every single day. YABT has many programs it undertakes in countries all over the Americas and many times works in conjunction with other international organizations, banks, non-profits, private companies and governments to implement them. Therefore our office constantly experienced visits from members of our partner organizations, as well as ambassadors and interested investors. Fortunately, YABT did a great job in incorporating interns in almost all aspects of its inner working and I was able to meet people every single day. Furthermore, the OAS, along with the organizations within their network, held many special events, fundraisers, parties, and celebrations. This was another opportunity to extend my network.

Through these experiences I not only met interesting people but also learned the ins and outs of the working world and the many opportunities that are out there. At the end of my internship I was very well aquatinted not only with my staff but with many of our partner organizations as well. It’s funny too because even when I did not want to network and just have a good time, I was still in the middle of networking partly because I had my own Berkeley network in Washington. I was there as a Cal in the Capital student and knew my fellow students really well. I had a good group of friends and we took every chance to explore the city and have fun. Almost every day after work we would head out for happy hour before going out, by the way happy hours abound in Washington especially in the summer when it is full of interns so it gets really fun! Even when we were out of work and were trying to enjoy our free time, we would meet people and the typical questions would arise. Where do you work? Oh, and what do you do there? You’re a student, where and what do you study? Etc.

I have to admit at times these questions got old, especially when my friends and I just wanted to have some fun after work. However, these pseudo networking events became so normal to us it was like I had my professional “on” switch all the time. Through all of this, not only did we get the occasional “ins” to the best clubs, but most of my friends and I met people who were working in our dream jobs. The best thing is that they were all happy to tell us how they got there and what to do and not to do in order to get there ourselves one day and be successful. Overall I came out of my Washington experience almost a pro at networking and with valuable business cards that I have already used and will use in the future. So now that you have an illustrated idea of the benefits of networking here are some tips on socializing to get that job you want:

• It’s not scary because you are basically making light conversations to foster connections with people in order to have them as contacts and leads.
• Take the initiative and introduce yourself to people. Remember to be attentive.
• Create and practice your self-introduction. Think of it as your mini commercial, remember, you are selling yourself.
• Be yourself and relaxed. I like to think of it like a conversation with that cool aunt I haven’t seen for a while but that still doesn’t know all my business. You don’t want to come off uptight or nervous just cool, collected, and interesting so that they remember you.
• Be polite and respectful. Although I never thought I had to be professional at a bar, you really need to remain professional at all times. You never know who you might meet (I actually started going out with my supervisors a lot at the end of my internship), so you always want to maintain professionalism even when having fun.
• Keep a good sense of humor!
• Network with everyone! Classmates, GSI’s, faculty, roommates, neighbors, co-workers, family members, former teachers or advisors, really anyone and everyone!
• Use Berkeley as your starting point. There are many great resources on our campus, including the Career Center’s @Cal Career Network
• Keep a positive attitude and it is likely that your networking will pay off!!!

by Peer:  Jessica Parra-Fitch: 3rd Year, International Political Economy and Anthropology