Networking

Networking allows you to build your own group of people or "network" that want to help you in your career exploration. It is a way to meet people and make connections. You may not realize it, but you have probably already networked. Perhaps you joined a certain club because you heard about it from one of your friends. You might have gotten a summer job because of someone that you met through your parents. You may have decided to look at Muhlenberg because one of your high school teachers told you about it and here you are!

Networking is an excellent tool to help you explore possible majors or career fields, and can eventually lead to job opportunities. Please take advantage of the excellent Networking handout that is included in your portfolio. When you first look through the handout you may not think that you really have any contacts. Think for a moment and then look back at the log sheets that you have been filling out at the beginning of the binder. The Summer Jobs/Internships and the Activities/Volunteer Experiences sheets have a place for you to fill in "contact information." It is important to keep track of the people that you have worked for or been involved with somehow. These people could serve as references or could possibly lead you to other job opportunities and information. Do not lose contact with them!

When considering networking, read the handout and fill in your log sheets so that you can keep track of contacts you have already made. A great networking connection that you have is being a Muhlenberg College student. There are many alumni who would love to meet with current 'Berg students and share information about their career field. Some of the possible ways to do this are through Alumni in the Classroom Week, the Muhlenberg Shadow Program, the Career Campaign, and by checking out the Muhlenberg Career Network binders in the Career Library which are full of the names of alumni who have agreed to meet with or speak to current students.