Tips for Networking

In the business of the government, chances are you are going to get at least one job or internship based on who you know. Employers would much rather hire someone they know, rather than someone they aren’t sure will work out. The key here is to make sure you know the right people. The best way to meet people is by networking- if you are interested in working on Capitol Hill, start going to receptions on Capitol Hill. If you are looking for a job in journalism, start attending events at the National Press club. Go to the places you know important people in your field spend time.

Here are four helpful tips on how to get better at networking!

Four Tips on Networking:

1.) Get business cards. It doesn’t matter if you are just a student you should have business cards with your contact info to pass out at networking events. It is also important to get business cards from the people you talk to. You never know when you will want to get in contact with those people again.

2.) This goes along with number 1, but make sure that while you are collecting business cards you keep them in a file, there is nothing worse than wanting to contact someone and not knowing where you put his or her business card or not remembering where you met that person. WRITE ON THE BACK OF THE BUSINESS CARD WHERE YOU MET THAT PERSON. That way when you contact him or her you can say “I heard you speak at _________ and I had a couple of questions….”

3.) Don’t be shy! Make sure you introduce yourself to people. Strike up conversation with them, even if it isn’t about anything important. Make sure you show interest in their companies if you are at all interested in it.

4.) Don’t drink too much! Many of the networking events you will go to, especially in Washington, D.C., will have drinks at them—usually an open bar. Limit yourself to only one drink, and spend the entire night drinking it. You don’t want a potential employer seeing you intoxicated. It is embarrassing, not to mention unprofessional.

I hope these tips help you in preparing to look for your next job/internship!