The Power of Networking

By: Teri Grimes

Last night, LACD got the chance along with two other Purdue colleges to put on a great event (thanks, project manager Yameng!). With the power of all three colleges combined, we were able to invite back six successful Purdue alumni that work in recruiting positions in different departments all over the United States. These recruiters were ready and able to provide the standing-room-only group of students with answers to their most pressing questions on how to search for and get the jobs that you want.

After just a few questions, I couldn’t stop myself from thinking about one thing… and it wasn’t the smell of the free Jimmy John’s coming from the refreshments table. What stood out most in my mind was the power of networking. Recruiters weren’t shy to admit that almost all of the people they interview and hire come to the company because someone who already worked there recommended them. One of the biggest proponents for networking was a man named John from Liberty Mutual, who had a conversation with a student that went something like this:

Student: I was looking for jobs on Career Builder and Monster the other day and…

John: Why were you looking on those websites?

Student: Uh… because… I want to get a job?

John: Then go ask someone you know to introduce you to someone where you want to work. Ask a professors, parents, friends you know who have graduated, even if they aren’t in the job that you want to have, ask them to introduce you to someone who is. Meet people in the places where you want to work. Networking is how you get a job.

Worried that you don’t know anyone now? Good thing you’re in college and being pro-active about your job search by reading career blogs! Luckily LACD offers plenty of networking events for you to meet people, or you can always take John’s advice and get introduced through mutual friends. It’s all about who you know!