Wouldn’t it be cool if it “just so happened” that hiring managers were your own close personal acquaintances?
Acquaintances like that could be your shortcut to great mentoring, industry insight, interviews, and maybe even your first professional job.
Well, hiring managers can be close personal acquaintances. But as with any personal relationship, they can’t be made “on demand.” It takes time for strangers to know, like, and trust us.
Learn who the hiring managers are within the business sectors you may have interest in far before graduation, perhaps freshman year, follow them via social media, comment periodically on their posts and learn something personal about each before you ever have the opportunity to meet. That’s how people get to know each other online and how they become predisposed to more personal contact, later on.
It’s a good idea also to join chapters of the professional and trade associations nearest to your school. Think Chamber of Commerce, Toastmasters, and even your school’s alumni association, if undergrads are permitted (it’s doubtful you’d be turned away if you just show up).
Many associations offer student rates.
Attend meetings, volunteer to work on committees, and generally network your way through the organization. You’ll connect with a lot of informed professionals who, over time, will be glad to answer your questions, offer advice, and even make introductions you need.
Some executives are predisposed to help students. During my career in New York, if I received a call, letter, or email from a college student I’d always respond and offer help based on my schedule and other commitments. A lot of my colleagues showed interest, too. Others, of course, not so much.
It’s those who take the time to respond and who show interest who you in whom you want to connect. It may take a few tries on several executives to break through—just like in the “real world.”
Your goal: to find common bonds. Just like you have with your friends & acquaintances. Those bonds can evolve into valuable relationships throughout school and at graduation—and they’ll give you an edge on establishing a great career.