What are some specific approaches to effective networking?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Networking can begin at the externship site. Developing a good relationship with the site supervisor is the basic requirement for this. The extern can let the site manager/supervisor know toward the end of the externship about his or her interest in being able to follow up with the site periodically for two reasons: One is to regularly provide the site with the student's updated qualifications, and the second is to acquire information about job positions opening at the site or another office or facility. Another approach is to attend as many local job fairs as possible, especially those geared toward the health care industry. Job fairs provide the opportunity to hand out copies of one's résumé and to collect business cards from representatives of companies of interest so that follow-up contact can be made. Another mode for networking is keeping in touch after graduation with the career services/job placement office at the school or college. The individuals working in those offices generally have many contacts in the professional world and are a good resource for finding out early about job openings of interest. Even faculty/instructors may be able to provide contacts for students who inquire.