Power of Networking

In between nights spent on prepping the blog, enjoying beautiful summer nights, and catching up on sleep, I've been working this summer as a Summer Freshmen Orientation Assistant with 24 other amazing students through my college's Admissions department. While it is temporary job, I have learned so much in these short weeks and will have an everlasting bond with my coworkers. 

While orientation assistants + advisors make sure incoming students have correct schedules for their majors + undecided majors, that is not the only part of our job. Networking is another advantage of attending orientation before going into the first week of classes. 

In public relations, networking is important + crucial. Networking with classmates, professors, employers, and through social media will find opportunities for employment + so much more. It's also not about what you know, it's about WHO you know. Knowing various people + establishing connections with them can impact your life positively.

Though orientation sessions are halfway through the number of orientation sessions, there are three things I have learned and will continue to keep with me as I progress through life:

1. Communication is key!
While making it known that incoming freshmen will love college, orientation assistants, academic and faculty advisors highlight the pros of coming to this liberal arts university. Each assistant and advisor has a shared understanding of each others' views, opinions, and have a plan before going into small groups of nervous, scared, + overwhelmed freshman. Without an understanding, pure chaos will ensue + cause freshmen to definitely feel overwhelmed - which will deter students enrolling.

2. Transparency
Students have NO IDEA what to expect when coming into orientation. Most do not realize the prerequisite classes they have to take or how the process of college without prior knowledge. It is the orientations assistants' duties are to inform, relieve + soothe their concerns. While soothing concerns, one important quality of the students assistants' is transparency in the answers that are given. No lies, false hopes, or promises that cannot be kept. Reassuring the students by asking questions about their likes + dislikes will solve any problems making sure the student is comfortable.

3. Influence 
I always get several comments about the type of person I am + my personal from people I am not close to or of the distance to them. Influence goes along way; we never know who is watching us or realize the influence or effect can have on someone. These incoming students are looking up to the assistants, as upperclassmen, to show them the true meaning of being a college student. So always be your best self through all that you do!

Orientation sessions resumed from our two-week break today. I am more excited to finish what we have started by continuing to inspire these freshmen.

Here is Networking Wheel in full view. 

What have you learned from networking? Leave a comment, send email, or connect through social media.

xo,