In Class: Networking to Your Full Potential

When you’re a freshman in college, you’re probably more focused on your social life then getting a job in four years. You’re probably thinking, “I don’t have to think about job hunting for another few years!” Wrong.

Although it may not be realistic to look for job postings and apply when we still have a way to go, it is never too early to start networking. 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Through networking you can find out about job opportunities that aren’t posted on JournalismJobs.com or on the publications internship page.

The Philip Merrill College of Journalism offers countless networking opportunities, whether it’s through your professor, at a job fair or at an organization’s event. Here are a few pointers on how to make the most of them to help get you one stop closer to that dream job.

1. Go!

Easy enough. The first and most important step is to go to the job fair or Povich Center panel. You may have to cancel on that floor dinner or miss out on your favorite show, but it’ll be worth it in the long run when an employer can at least put a face to your resume.

Pat Donohue, a graduate journalism student at the college, had already done his fair share of networking at Merrill when he got selected to attend the Associated Press Sports Editors Conference in Detroit this summer. He described it as the “single best” networking experience he had, which led to his current internship at USA Today Sports after having met Mary Byrne, managing sports editor, at the conference.

“Through all of the events and discussions [Merrill] hosts, students like myself have countless opportunities to meet some of the most accomplished individuals in our industry and people who could potentially be our bosses or colleagues,” said Donohue.

2. Look the part.

Senior broadcast journalism major Brandon Goldner said that not dressing professionally “automatically puts you in the ‘no’ pile of resumes,” and is amused by the one or two students who show up to the career fair in a t-shirt, jeans and sneakers.

“It shows you don’t care about impressing your employer,” he said. “And it makes you stand-out negatively.”

3. Study.

Know who you’re talking to by researching their previous jobs, their alma mater and read an article or two that they’ve written. This not only shows that you’ve prepared, but it also gives you additional conversation topics or questions to bring up.

Goldner emphasized the need to tailor the presentation of yourself to the specific news organization you’re talking to. This means name-dropping that previous Merrill alum that works there or praising the work of one of their reporters.

“If you know someone in the company you’re interviewing with, be sure to mention them,” said Goldner, who has made connections with award-winning anchors and reporters at the network and local level. “If you have specific knowledge of the company, mention it!”

3. Be confident.

If you’re a journalism major, you better be used to approaching and talking to people. Therefore, this tip should come easy and naturally. But if you tend to get nervous, Donohue suggests being yourself, which will naturally lead to confidence.

“Being confident, even if it’s just external, can go a long way,” he said. “People really pick up on it, especially employers.”

No employer wants a reporter that will is hesitant to approach a stranger on the street is reluctant ask the quarterback about his poor performance. Being confident in your speech will make a bold impression.

5. Have an online presence.

One of the easiest ways to connect with a potential employer is to “connect” with them. Literally, with just a click on LinkedIn.

As of January 2012, LinkedIn’s members had reached 147 million. And with the journalism industry evolving and incorporating more online and social media aspects, it is expected of student journalists to have a professional online presence through LinkedIn. Some job or internship applications even require you to provide your profile.

Donohue said he was surprised at how fast people responded to him on LinkedIn.

“If you’re looking for a job, which is everyone, then LinkedIn is pretty much a necessity,” he said.

6. Thank them and stay in touch.

This is a simple step students tend to forget. These employers aren’t just talking to you, and they aren’t just visiting the University of Maryland. So don’t forget to send them a thank you email bringing up a topic you discussed, and don’t forget to check in with them every month. That way, you’ll be fresh in their mind when they’re looking to fill that reporting intern position.