The Power of Networking During Graduation – A Story Every BBA & B.Com Student Should Know
When Riya started her first year of BBA, she had a mere plan that she would attend classes, score well, complete the project and then wait till she reached the final year, when she could get placements. Similar to most students, she was under the impression that her career would start after graduation rather than during the process. She considers networking as an activity that senior professionals and MBA students were concerned about, as opposed to undergraduates.
All this happened one afternoon in an industry seminar. Most students rushed out at the end of the session but some of them came to the speaker to talk to him briefly. Riya wavered and felt not sure whether she was going to sound ridiculous but her friend pushed her. She mustered the strength and told him, Sir, I liked your session very much. I am studying marketing… Can you mentor me to some extent?
The introduction which took not more than 10 seconds was the turning point in her college life. The speaker gave her a book recommendation, provided his LinkedIn and several weeks later, introduced her to her first internship. No resume, no interviews, just one substantial discussion.
Little did Riya know that she has made the first step into the world of networking, a world that quietly defines the future of students of BBA and B.Com.
The importance of Networking as students underestimate.
The majority of the undergraduate students are academically oriented. However, the point of graduation is the most ideal time to make connections. Networking just opens your eyes to actual career opportunities way before you have to make the decision. The students are exposed to seniors, alumni, faculty, and industry professionals, where they learn how marketing functions in real businesses, what finance careers entail, how HR professionals deal with people, or what it takes to be a survivor of an entrepreneur.
These talks helped students such as Riya to get off perplexity and get to clarity. Networking does not simply provide answers, it also provides direction.
The role of conversations in creating confidence.
Riya learnt gradually that networking was not about being a talkative person; it was about being a curious person. The greater number of people she spoke to the more she felt confident. Graduation provides a secure environment to practice communication, as each and every discussion, be it with a senior, a professor, or a guest speaker, would explain to you how you can better express yourself.
Such confidence ultimately transpires into interviews and presentation. Most students that do not have much speaking activities in the classroom, shine up just because they train speaking to people at an early age.
Opportunities That Never Occupy Job Portals.
Among the biggest surprises in the journey of Riya was the number of opportunities that were shared in secret. The seniors would put her in projects by their recommendation, the alumni gave her part-time internship and the professors have given her contact with companies that sought fresh talent.
These internships were not put out in the open. They were exchanged in the form of talk, groupings and relationships. doing this at an early age, the students are the first to hear of such openings, and the first to be called upon to fill them.
Lessons to Be Learned Before You Live.
Another benefit of networking was that Riya was able to learn the actual stories, the setbacks, changes of career, interview tips, and even candid advice. Rather than making guesses about the certification that was important, she approached working alumni. She was not concerned about placements but she was given personal guidance by seniors who had experienced the process.
It is way easier to graduate after learning the experiences of other people rather than spending time making your own mistakes.
Your College First Professional Network.
By the end of the year, Riya developed a network of mentors, seniors, faculty and classmates that assisted her. These are the individuals that went through her resume, asked interview questions, sent opportunities and referred her to employers.
She understood that attending college was not only providing her with a degree, but with a community.
Conclusion: Your Story Can Begin the same Way.
Riya’s journey is not unique. It is only necessary to begin conversations to create a strong future even when those conversations are carried out by any BBA or B.Com student. Networking does not need good English and a big personality. It involves curiosity, respect and consistency.
Your initial hello can turn out to be the start of your greatest opportunity.
Start today.
