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Real Grads. Real Advice. Real Stories. Real World
New Grads Discover that Networking is Key

 

Quintessential Careers conducts ongoing research into the job-search experience of new college graduates as they enter "The Real World." Go to the Real World Home Page.

 

When we asked survey respondents about the most important factors in landing their first jobs and to share their most important piece of advice for the graduates that follow them, networking came up so often that we felt we needed to devote a whole section to this important job-hunting technique.

 

"I got my current job through a classmate in one of my classes at grad school who set me up with an interview and put in a good word for me."
-- Nick Bertoni, management grad

 

"There is no doubt in my mind that networking is the best way to find a job. Once your foot is in the door, the opportunities seem endless!"
-- broadcast news grad

 

"Through networking contacts, particularly from my internships, I found a entry-level position at a commercial real-estate firm. Over the past year, I have gained valuable experience that will translate into a quality career whenever the economy picks up."
-- Anonymous

 

"Networking and having people put in a good word for you ALWAYS helps get you closer to finding employment."
-- Shannon Patterson, marketing grad

 

"I found out about my current job from a friend who had graduated from my university a year before me. I had no previous knowledge of the employer or the job description. I am very settled in my job now and since I have been here, I have learned how to work in the middle of 'Corporate America' and politics, while learning many essential computer skills that I did not learn in college."
-- Anne Johnson, economics grad

 

"Networking is the KEY!!! Never pass up a meaningful conversation ... you never know where it will take you!"
-- Anonymous business-school grad

 

"My attributes were forwarded onto the hiring managers by word-of-mouth. I felt like I had the job at the beginning of the interview."
-- communications studies grad

 

"Since finishing school I have realized how valuable it is to network within your industry/field because oftentimes it does boil down to who you know."
-- Tarah Brown, management grad

 

"Networking is absolutely key. Having a great resume, work experience, etc. ... is very important as well, but it is a tremendous help to have contacts when job searching."
-- Ali von Staudach, grad in communication studies

 

"Establish relationships, make network connections, and learn to interact with people who have different personality and communication types."
-- Anonymous

 

"I obtained my position with the assistance of a Stetson University alumni."
-- David LaRocque, grad in human resource management

 

"Through many interviews, I realized that it isn't always what you know but rather who you know. Networking skills are essential."
-- marketing grad

 

"The job-hunting process is pretty tough, especially when you are first starting out with no experience. Use friend and relative connections for job leads."
-- marketing and MBA grad

 

"I've landed both of my first two jobs as a result of networking. I landed an interview for my first job after speaking with a woman at a wedding in my hometown who was an HR representative at First Union [bank]. My second job presented itself after speaking to the boyfriend of an old high-school friend of mine."
-- Anonymous business-school grad

 

"I had the opportunity to meet with a personal friend of my advisor and Stetson University MBA alumni. He worked for a consulting company that specialized in the healthcare industry. I had never heard of the company before, but after interviewing with them, I liked the people and the company more and more. I've now been consulting for healthcare, pharmaceutical and life sciences companies for over three years. ...I still give lots of credit to the classes, professors, and advisors at Stetson for providing me with the needed resources."
-- Brad Peska, grad in computer information systems

 

"I lucked into a lot of my positions through information from friends and past employers. I wish I knew of better ways to find employment opportunities in the private sector."
-- wildlife and fisheries science grad

 

"Contacts were the most important factor in landing my first job. One of my good friends was one of four employees at the firm, and when they needed someone, he made sure I was at the top of the list."
-- marketing and Japanese grad

 

"Connections helped me, and that's what I've heard from so many people. I try to network and think of as many people as possible who I might know who might be able to help me out finding a job."
-- anthropology grad

 

Go back to The Real World Home Page.

 

 

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