Networking Doesn't Have to be Scary

As contradicting as it sounds, I absolutely love talking to people but absolutely dread networking. Something about it terrifies me, and I feel so much pressure surrounding it. While I have been required to do some networking already in my search for internships the past couple of years, it has all become more real as I have begun my final year of college. I am finally fully submerged in my major, taking all business classes and mostly marketing classes. While I have some notable experiences on my resume, my goal this year was to be able to present myself the best way I can. Therefore, I decided to join the UGA chapter of American Marketing Association, to add some marketing-related experiences to my resume, and to assist me in my efforts to find a job, post graduation. 

Within my first few weeks in AMA, I have already seen the benefits of being a member, and am impressed in what is has to offer. In my first week, AMA hosted a networking event exclusive to the chapter, sponsored by Newell Brands, and included a few other great companies. It was much more intimate than the career fair, and a little bit easier to approach employers. I felt as if I was just having conversations with people, and not that everything I said was being analyzed and judged. 

Just this past Friday, I attended SPARKsouth, a digital marketing conference in Atlanta that serves as a great resource for students like me. It was a great way to practice networking in more of a casual setting than a career fair, but also provided exposure to many great employers all at one time. The keynote sessions were interesting and informative, and I enjoyed listening to each of the panel sessions as well. However, my favorite part of the event was the mentor lunch, as it provided us with an hour and a half to connect with and learn from professionals in a smaller, more relaxed setting. 

I think a mistake I have made in the past is thinking that networking is just another version of an interview. However, I am realizing that these networking events are great exposure to employers that I may want to submit applications to, but also just great practice for professional etiquette and conversation, and to make connections for future career growth, even if I am not interested right now.  

My biggest takeaway from these events has been that networking shouldn't be as stressful and dreadful as many students think. We are provided with great resources at our fingertips to set ourselves up to put our best foot forward in kicking off a career, and I have appreciated and enjoyed the exposure to so many great employers here at UGA in the past few weeks. Taking the pressure off almost always allows for a better, more impressive conversation. Though I still have my anxieties around certain events, I am so glad I was wrong.