Discuss the ways through which you can establish your own professional contact network of friends and acquaintances in the business world

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Personal and professional contacts often provide leads for job opportunities that are not
advertised. You can establish your own professional contact network of friends and
acquaintances in the business world using the following tips:
a) Join the College Affiliate of Civic and Professional Organizations: The Rotary Club sponsors
Rotaract—its collegiate organization—on many campuses, and International Management
Accountants (IMA) encourages student participation in its organization.
b) Use every opportunity to mingle with professionals in your chosen field: When you hear a
guest speaker at a conference, be sure to talk with the speaker after the presentation.
Introduce yourself, express your appreciation for the speaker's time and expertise, and
comment on some specific point that was made during the presentation.
c) Arrange to meet professionals who are affiliated in some way with your college: Find out if
the department in your major has an advisory board or a similar group. You might suggest
holding a reception that gives students the opportunity to interact with members of this group.
d) Acquire work experience through internships, summer jobs, and part-time employment: In
addition to the work experience positions like these provide, you have an opportunity to
develop relationships with professionals who can serve as mentors and employment
references. You also develop links to other employers who might have positions available that
match your qualifications. Internships and temporary employment situations give you a chance
to see if a career in a particular field is right for you.
e) Build cordial relationships with the business professionals with whom you work: Through
your job performance, impress upon the employer your willingness to accept new assignments
and to work as a team member. Many employers use internships and temporary employment
situations to determine the potential temporary employees possess for permanent
employment.