How to Network When You're the Youngest One in the Room

Written By duda nicolodi

Our professors have always stressed the importance of networking and we've heard professionals say all the time that, "it's not what you know, it's who know". As public relations students our experience is worth just as much as our degrees, so we need internships and the easiest way to get an internship is by networking. It can be extremely difficult to navigate a room full of experienced professionals or even competing students , and network with them so this is a guide to establishing your place at a networking event (even when you're the youngest one there)! I will be going over what is networking and why it matters and 5 tips to help you network when you're the youngest one in the room.

What is Networking and Why Does it Matter?

Networking, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary is, "The action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts." In public relations your goal is to be able to make connections and build relationships with people to be able to work with them so you can see the importance of networking in this field. When you have a list of contacts and are able to confidently say you have a social or professional relationship with them, you can have the world at your fingertips and you are able to work in so many different ways.  You never know who could be hiring or looking for interns so it is important to stay connected with the people that you meet. Networking has been around since the beginning of time and is something that will be always be used and valued, so knowing how to network is an extremely important soft skill.

How to Network When You're the Youngest One in the Room:

1. Always introduce yourself with your first and last name.

Although it seems like such a minor detail, introducing yourself with your first and last name is an easy way to be remembered and gain respect from others. It also helps establish a level of professionalism and confidence, especially when you do not have any titles yet. This also applies when you are introducing someone else in a networking setting as a form of respect. Be proud of your name and where you came from!

2. Have a business card.

When you are at a networking event, there will be an overwhelming amount of people which can make it hard for the professionals you are trying to target to remember you. By having a business card you are able to physically hand someone your information and have them actually use it. Your business card can include your name, phone number, email, website, and even the career you are interested in. This will help make you stand out in the crowd and prove to the older people that even though you are young, does not mean you can not be professional.

3. Do not be afraid to ask questions.

Being able to ask good questions is a skill that not everybody has. When in conversations with professionals it is important to ask them questions about their career, what they like or dislike about their jobs, and what their daily routine looks like. By asking them these questions it will keep them engaged with your conversation, and will show that you are interested in that career and are curious to learn what the job actually looks like. In general, professionals like to talk about themselves and this tip will get you on their good sides immediately!

4. Always look professional.

We know that when you look good, you feel good and the same applies when networking. When you are wearing something that is professional and suits your style your confidence will boost and it will make networking and talking to strangers much easier. It is also extremely important to "look the part". Professionals and business owners do not care about how trendy your ripped jeans are, they care that you have respect for your appearance. 

5. Follow up.

Even though you did everything right and had an amazing conversation, does not mean anything if you do not follow up with the contacts you acquired. By sending them an email or text after meeting them, you are ensuring that they will have your contact information and it will solidify your relationships and could lead to future work.

Networking does not always have to be so scary and hopefully this guide made it little bit less intimidating. The key is to do everything you can to be prepared and stay confident when networking. When networking you want to establish professionalism early on, but the rest is conversation which we should all be comfortable having. Being a young aspiring professional has its challenges but having a strong community of networking contacts will make finding the right career a whole lot easier!

Networking when you're a young professional can be challenging but does not have to be.



duda nicolodi