Network Like a Pro While Still in College

Everyone knows that in politics it’s not what you know but who you know. However, if you didn’t grow up with parents who knew people or went to the school that your dream job recruits from then it can be hard to get your foot in the door.

You and only you are responsible for building relationships that will be beneficial, so use all of your resources to make the most networking opportunities. Here are some of the best ways to do that while you’re still in school!

Network through Twitter

Use your personal accounts to get connected with other likeminded accounts and individuals. If you’re not already there…GET ON TWITTER! Take Amanda Owens from Future Female Leaders, for example (follow her at @FFL_of_America). In 2012 she felt that her views weren’t being represented by the mainstream media, so she took matters into her own hands with her personal Twitter account. Four years later, Amanda has created one of the largest outlets for young conservative women online and now has a Twitter following of over 45,000. Here’s how to make the most of your online presence.

Get involved in multiple conservative student groups

Become as involved as you can in groups that interest you. There are so many different conservative groups out there that you won’t have any problem finding something that interests you. Most colleges have a student body government page that you can see all of the organizations that have a place on campus. Or start your own if there isn’t one on campus that fits your vision and goals.

Conservative groups such as Students for Life of America not only have chapters for college students, but high schoolers, young adults, doctors and lawyers. They have national conferences, events and networking hours.

Just do your research! The benefit of being connected to a group while in college can not only set you up for success but will help you once you are out of college by staying involved.

Start doing political community service

I realize that not everyone lives by DC and can attend all the major events, but the good news is that you don’t have to! Many conservative organizations have local and state chapters. Start at your local level with your conservative party on campus. Get involved by way of community service, serving on committees, being part of grassroots activism campaigns by knocking on doors, making phone calls, or using your own social media channels to connect with voters.

Move from online to in-person

Since we can now do so much from our smartphones, it is even more important to invest time in face-to-face networking. Face-to-face networking doesn’t have to be restricted to just work events! Sites such as Meetup (yes, people still use this!) are great ways to meet up with other people just like you. All you need to do is make an account and search local groups that interest you.

Attend quality conferences, events and trainings

Attend events but don’t just attend events to listen to speakers. Build relationships and learn things that you can immediately take away and apply to your life. Most conferences, training’s and events have social hours. Before you attend, do your research and find out when it is, if there is a cost, and any other type of information you might need to be successful and make the most of your time.

Check out the trainings that we have for every aspect of grassroots activism specifically for college students. We come to your campus!

Grab a cup of coffee

Once you’ve established a connection with someone, make sure that you get their business card or contact info (or Twitter handle!) to follow up to set up a time to grab coffee. If it’s someone you’d like to work with in the future, tell them you’d love to buy them a cup of coffee for a chance to receive advice about how best to navigate your field of interest. If it’s a peer, simply begin to build a relationship based off of mutual interests and go from there.

If you’re getting to know people, they want to get to know you for you so treat those you meet as if you are starting a new friendship.

Once you have had a conversation with someone and have their contact info, take notes to remember the conversation a little bit better and follow up with them a couple of days later to thank them for their time.
The best thing that you can do when you start networking is to simply be yourself and go after what you want.