2024’s Best Tips for Networking as a First Generation Young Professional
“Everyone you’ll ever meet knows something you don’t.” – Bill Nye
Approaching new people can be a daunting experience, especially for first generation professionals. There is always a little voice saying we don't belong among new groups or our experience isnt meaningful enough to contribute. However, always remember that people WANT to meet you. The literal purpose of networking events is to expand our networks and meeting students and young professionals is absolutely valuable. Established professionals are surrounded by the same opinions and same people and are looking for young persons opinions and perspectives on their lived experiences. You belong in that room, your only job is to provide the most value while you are there.
success is in the prep
Effective networking begins before you even get into the room. If you are nervous to start your networking journey, there are ample resources to assist you practice your networking skills before the event.
First and foremost, if you are a student, your school’s Career Assistance Center likely has a list of on-campus networking events or upcoming alumni connection events. To read more about networking, check out the FGPM Library for multiple written resources, plus take advantage of mock interviews offered by either FGPM or your school. Be sure to build out a strong LinkedIn presence and start following Milwaukee thought leaders in your industry.
Your next best resource are your peers! Practice common networking questions in the days before the event and prepare answers to common questions beforehand. For example, you can practice a short introduction. A good template would be your name, your year in school and major, and why you are at the event. As a young professional, practice saying your name, your employer, and your industry. As far as why you are at the event as a YP, you could also say you are hoping to making new connections to grow your network, or open to discussing a specific topic.
For all the overachievers in the room, you can also check the attendee list for people of note, including any known leaders in your industry or someone who has a job title you find interesting. You can also check where people work or if they have a role you aspire to. Reach out to these people on LinkedIn with a note saying you are excited to meet them at the event - this will make them more likely to recognize your name and be even more interested in your professional journey.
set goals
To make the event more interesting, set a goal for introductions, reconnections, or leads. These goals could be anything from a number of new connections, to a number of business cards handed out or LinkedIn requests made, or meeting a specific person you know will be in attendance. If you are an introvert, maybe your goal is simply to stay at the event for an hour. Setting goals for the event will allow you to feel productive with your time; you can even try to make it a game with yourself or your colleagues.
body language
As far as physical presence, pay attention to your body language. When you enter the room, enter confidently by standing up straight and allowing your eyes to sweep across the room to get your bearings. Perhaps you would feel most comfortable with something in your hands, such as a small plate of food or a drink. One rookie mistake is to have both food and a drink, or to have food that is messy - go for the food on a stick or can be eaten with a fork and don't forget a napkin.
joining a group
Eventually you will be looking for a table or a group to join. Even if the group is in a conversation, feel free to approach, smile and simply say, ‘May I join you?’ Nobody is going to say no, in fact they will appreciate the desire to join them. Again, remember the body language. Little gestures such as a firm handshake and a simple “nod and smile” can go a long way toward showing interest in what someone has to say. Are your shoulders square to the group or your conversation partner? Are you shifting your feet or fidgeting? Are you glancing to the side which someone is speaking to you? When you meet a new person, repeat their name back to them, both to ensure correct pronunciation but also to make it easier to remember. This also gives a personable first impression, which builds a positive reputation with that person.
a great conversationalist
The most important part of networking is the conversation. This does not mean you have to be the main character of every networking conversation, but it does mean you should be engaged and alert as you listen. Again, we rely on the ‘nod and smile’. Ask questions of the group and actively listen. Some good options include, “Have you been to this event or conference before?” “How long have you been with your current employer?” If the event is hosted by an organization, ask if they are a member of the organization and what value they find in their membership. Pro tip: If you exchange cards, jot a few key things about your conversation on the back of the card; this will help you recall that person later and may even help you remember their name and title for next time. Extra pro tip: Skip the business cards and connect directly with that person on the LinkedIn app via the scannable QR code, or just look them up in real time. You will look like a technology wizard.
Need inspo for small talk? Check out this FGPM Article, Small Talk for a Big First Impression: Easy Conversation Starters for Young Professionals
mind your social battery
If you feel yourself becoming tired or uncomfortable, know that that is completely normal. Networking is a lot of social energy exertion in an unfamiliar environment, especially when you are just beginning to develop the muscles of small talk. Feel free to excuse yourself to take a few deep breaths. Revisit the snack table or refill your water. Pretend to check your email once you have stepped away’ Do not feel badly about needing to take a break - you show up as your best self when you are at your most composed.
In our next article, we will explore how productive networking can lead to meaningful mentorship.
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