Networking: Transitioning from Student to Professional

As an individual transitions from student to professional, the networking focus shifts to one where it’s more internally focused. If there’s peer-to-peer networking, and that is quite simply networking with individuals that have recently joined the same organization as you, I would recommend starting a new-hire networking group. There are certain challenges that you will face when transitioning from student to professional, and having that peer networking group allows you to kind of dialogue with individuals in terms of the challenges that they are experiencing. You can also dialogue on solutions to overcome some of those challenges. So another way to network internally is to find mentors within the organization, individuals that have the experience. Don’t rely specifically on formal mentoring programs. Look for those informal mentors that can help you along the way. Build those relationships.