“Networking is like muscle training. You repeat it a few times and then you get used to doing it,” declares third year law student Regan Ujara.

And, like muscle training, you need to have a reason to commit to the activity to continue to do it. For Regan, that reason to commit to networking was because he needed to get better at it to get a job.

“When I started attending some of the Employability workshops I was surprised that finding a job had a lot to do with networking. I found it challenging at the beginning but now I find it much easier,” he says.

Building up his networking skills has definitely opened doors for Regan. He is now working part time as an issuing officer and deputy registrar for the Ministry of Justice, while continuing to study law.

Regan isn’t alone in finding networking challenging and that is why Employability and Careers encourage students to attend workshops on networking and elevator pitches (self-introduction), then go to career expos to practise how to network.

6 networking tips from employers 

1. Look the other person in the eye when you’re talking to them.
2. Smile and relax, stand tall and always give a firm handshake.
3. Be prepared. Gather your thoughts and think about what you want to say before you begin. For example, if you have a really good project you’ve been working on, think about how to describe it in 30 seconds before you approach someone.
4. Figure out your transferable skills and what you have to offer and practise saying them out loud before you approach anyone.
5. Ask the person you’re approaching about the industry they are part of, including advice on what their organisation may be looking for in a graduate (but don’t demand a job!)
6. Practise, practise, practise. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.

Want to find out more?

Sign up to Elab Online to register for a workshop, employer event, career fair or one-on-one appointment with an employability or  career specialist. Workshops and appointments are offered online and in person.

Visit us at the Employability Lab in WA202 on City Campus or make an appointment to meet one of us at North or South Campus.

We look forward to catching up with you soon and starting your networking journey!